Communications Director

Location: Washington DC or Remote, District of Columbia
Job Category: Public Relations | Marketing
Job ID: 13730
Employment Type: Full time
Salary: per year
Posted: 03.31.2026

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Occupations:

Job Description:

The Communications Director will lead IOF’s communications strategies and related grantmaking to advance clean energy deployment and highlight its benefits. By strengthening the communications capacity of deployment focused groups, the Director will help increase project success and positively shape local perceptions of clean energy, especially in rural, conservative, and working-class communities. In collaboration with the Builders Network Director, they will design and execute programs that activate network members as storytellers across local, state, and regional media. The Director will also oversee pilots and partnerships to refine narrative strategies that influence public and policymaker opinion, working closely with the Builders Network Director and IOF Program Officers. By elevating the communications capacity of deployment focused groups, the Director will help increase project success and positively shape local perceptions of clean energy, especially in rural and working‑class communities.Principal duties include:

• Provide strategic leadership, in partnership with the Builders Network Director, to design and execute high‑impact communications initiatives that build public and political support for clean energy projects in priority geographies, including roundtables, earned media efforts, grasstops advocacy, and site‑based storytelling.
• Forge and steward high‑level partnerships with philanthropic, industry, and civic leaders to align and mobilize broader support for clean energy deployment.
• Oversee the development of advanced communications and policymaker‑education training programs that strengthen the capacity and influence of Builders Network members.
• Lead the design and implementation of digital media strategies and experimentation to significantly expand the reach and effectiveness of Network members’ stories.
• Provide strategic oversight of a communications‑focused grant portfolio, including sourcing, due diligence, performance monitoring, and ongoing learning.
• Direct and manage external consultants, ensuring clear scope, alignment with strategic priorities, and accountability for high‑quality deliverables.
• Produce high‑quality written materials—including strategy briefs, messaging guidance, and reports—for internal use and for external funder, partner, and stakeholder audiences.

Job Requirements:

• Generally expected to have 10+ years of relevant experience leading public communications and developing integrated communications strategies, ideally within climate, energy, environmental, or related issue areas.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong track record of engaging government officials and diverse stakeholder groups to advance priority issues, with the strategic and analytical judgment needed to navigate complex environments.
• Highly organized, solutions‑oriented leader who thrives in dynamic settings, collaborates effectively across teams, and leverages organizational expertise to drive clarity and results.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust‑based relationships, balance the needs of multiple stakeholders, and drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Recognizes the value of different perspectives and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity in every aspect of work.