Communications Associate

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC Office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet people’s essential needs; to protect and restore nature; and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. We aim to transform the way the world produces and uses food and energy and designs its cities to create a better future for all. Founded in 1982, WRI has nearly 2,000 staff around the world, with country offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States and regional offices in Africa and Europe.

In collaboration with partners and communities, WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative aims to build unstoppable momentum toward an equitable transition of the entire U.S. school bus fleet to electric, bringing health, climate and economic benefits to children and families across the country and normalizing electric mobility for an entire generation.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to Senior Communications Manager and Editor, and indirectly to the Electric School Bus Initiative’s Communications Manager, you’ll be positioned to support the work of WRI at an institutional and program-specific level. You’ll join a dynamic, collaborative communications team working across some of the most impactful sustainability and equity topics to deliver meaningful, measurable change for people, nature and climate. You will support both WRI’s Core Communications team, which provides institutional communications leadership and support, and the U.S.-focused Electric School Bus Initiative.

Supporting the Core Communications team at 50%, you will help develop messaging and written content for WRI’s top priorities on the international stage. Support the Electric School Bus Initiative at 50%, you will help lead development of engaging and timely editorial content across platforms to help facilitate a rapid and equitable transition to electric school buses. 

You’ll be empowered to: 

• Develop meaningful communications materials across digital and print platforms 

• Pen thought leadership pieces that drive conversations and move the needle 

• Work with colleagues to get the most vital and actionable information into the hands of changemakers 

You’ll have a team of communications professionals working side-by-side with you, to help ensure we’re meeting our goals and delivering results. You will be supported by the Electric School Bus Initiative communications team, the Electric School Bus Initiative operations team, and Core Communications’ media and strategy team. You will be a hybrid model of remote and in-office. 

What will you do:

Core Communications Team (50%): -

• Develop drafts of institutional messaging for major international summits and policy priorities, including conducting background research
• Craft and review external thought leadership articles, op-eds, and other commentary — including identifying compelling angles
• Support cross-cutting institutional communications campaigns for top priorities, including liaising with WRI’s global programs and country offices
• Edit WRI’s flagship internal newsletter highlighting top outreach moments each month
• Assess news to identify areas where WRI can offer its expertise and research and provide thought leadership

Electric School Bus Initiative (50%):

• Develop editorial materials and content for the Electric School Bus Initiative, its web and digital properties, and its print needs 
• Manage the creation of brand materials including website articles, guides, brochures, presentations, printouts, and more 
• Analyze key audiences to determine messaging and content needs 
• Collaborate cross-team, including with the Core Communications Team, to ensure timely reviews and necessary inputs 
• Project manage editorial and communications products 
• Track analytics for editorial and communications products 
• Use digital and SEO best practices to ensure wide reach of key materials 
• Support email marketing, social media, events and press relations efforts

What will you need:

• Education: You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is desired; relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted. Relevant fields include communications, journalism, environmental studies, history, political science, sociology, anthropology and other fields. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have a minimum of 5 years of work experience.
• Messaging & editorial expertise: You have experience leading development of messaging documents and editorial content for complex topics, both in a technical setting and in advocacy work. You have a demonstrated ability to analyze key audiences and understand their needs. You have a demonstrated capacity to strategically develop content across mediums, including web, print, email, social and more. You have experience crafting thought leadership pieces that lay out a clear position supported by evidence.
• Digital experience: You are an experienced writer for web, with skills in SEO and digital content. You are well-versed in content management software and have experience using project management software to lead teams through content development. You have experience using digital metrics to inform content decisions and adjusting workplans.
• Media awareness: You follow the news and have experience connecting an organization’s expertise and research to wider conversations happening in the media on relevant issues. You understand how to craft messages and identify story angles to resonate with media. Media outreach experience is helpful, though not required.
• Languages: You have verbal and written proficiency in English
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 84,000 and 92,000

USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 18 October 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution, Paid Time Off

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.