Program Director, Northeast Communications

As the Program Director, Northeast Communications at U.S. Energy Foundation, you'll be responsible for managing a communications-focused grantee portfolio, facilitating strategic communications strategies, and building relationships that enhance capacity among grantees. You'll oversee multi-state communications efforts, collaborate with various stakeholders, and ensure the alignment of messaging with EF's mission focused on clean energy and climate action.

To be successful in the Program Director, Northeast Communications position, candidates should have practical experience in developing strategic communications campaigns, especially in political and energy policy contexts. Strong communication, budget management, and interpersonal skills are crucial. Additionally, a commitment to DEI principles and a collaborative approach to work are essential qualifications.

U.S. Energy Foundation supports its grantees through capacity-building programming, strategic guidance, and tools to enhance their communication strategies. The Program Director, Northeast Communications will facilitate relationships among grantees and help them develop skills, understanding best practices, and executing strategic communications that advocate for clean energy solutions.

The work environment at U.S. Energy Foundation is remote-first, allowing the Program Director, Northeast Communications to work from anywhere in the U.S. This role includes a mix of shared workspace for those who choose to work in the office, as well as individual offices. The atmosphere is collegial, encouraging collaboration and fostering an innovative culture focused on sustainability and equity.

The target salary for the Program Director, Northeast Communications position at U.S. Energy Foundation is set at $218,500 for candidates in metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, New York City, or Washington, D.C., while candidates from other regions will have a target salary of $195,000. This position also includes a comprehensive benefits package, enhancing overall compensation.

When discussing a past campaign, focus on your objectives, the strategies you implemented, and the metrics that gauge success. Be sure to highlight collaboration with stakeholders and adjustments made based on real-time results, showcasing your adaptability and strategic thinking.

Explain your method for triaging tasks based on urgency and impact. Share a specific example of how you managed multiple responsibilities effectively while maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders.

Discuss the importance of understanding cultural contexts and adjusting communication styles accordingly. Mention your collaborative approach to build rapport and foster an inclusive dialogue that values diverse perspectives.

Provide concrete examples of how you’ve intentionally included DEI considerations in project planning, ensuring that all voices are heard and represented, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

Mention your previous roles with budgetary responsibilities focusing on how you tracked expenditures, ensured adherence to budgetary constraints, and effectively communicated financial outcomes to stakeholders.

Share about a time when you went above and beyond to ensure grantees or partners felt supported. Highlight your approach to regular communication, feedback loops, and creating opportunities for collaboration.

Talk about the nature of the challenges, whether it was messaging, audience engagement, or stakeholder alignment, and detail the steps you took to resolve issues while keeping the project on track.

Discuss your familiarity with analytics tools, audience insights, and feedback mechanisms that help you adapt your strategies to meet audience needs and measure the effectiveness of communications campaigns.

Articulate how success for this role would involve measurable increases in public support for clean energy initiatives, significant engagement with key stakeholders, and enhanced capacity among grantees to convey impactful narratives. Align this with U.S. Energy Foundation’s overall mission.

Highlight the direct correlation between effective communications and policy influence, public awareness, and community empowerment. Stress that well-crafted narratives can mobilize support, drive engagement, and ultimately lead to policy change.