Job Description
Job Title: Deputy Press Secretary, Federal Communications (Temporary) Department: Communications Location: Remote in Washington, DC Reports To: Chief Communications Officer Supervises: None Duration: Temporary position lasting no longer than 6 months Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees. Scope: The Temporary Deputy Press Secretary plans, coordinates, and executes communications strategies related to Sustainable Finance, Outdoors for All, wildlife conservation, and other relevant federal campaign work. Working with the federal policy team, federal campaign staff, and intersectional partners, the Temporary Deputy Press Secretary is responsible for developing and disseminating strategic communications plans that advance the goals of our campaigns in Beltway and national outlets while remaining rooted in our organizational values. To support that work, the Temporary Deputy Press Secretary executes long-term and rapid-response media outreach and acts as the media strategist for relevant campaigns, identifying opportunities to advance campaign goals through media relations. They also work with the creative team to develop creative assets to inform and influence decision makers; project manages the creation and distribution of advertising, videos, and other produced media; drafts and edits written content; and ensures messaging resonates effectively with various audiences. Additionally, they will be expected to provide messaging guidance and materials for their respective campaign(s) to the regional press team, and coordinate with coalition partners on the same. This position is responsible for an array of media communications, ensuring timely and accurate materials with a consistent tone and message. A key component of the Temporary Deputy Press Secretary’s role is leading media outreach by coordinating the submissions of op-eds and letters to the editor; pitching stories; tracking and reporting coverage; organizing press conferences and other media events; compiling data; and nurturing relationships to grow a diverse bench of spokespeople. The ideal candidate should have a solid grasp of Sierra Club’s legacy conservation work, including wildlife and National Parks, a familiarity with the sustainable finance movement, a personal commitment to and knowledge of social justice, and a passion for advancing progressive social change. They will also have the ability to articulate and reinforce the intersections of Sierra Club’s legacy work and communicate the challenges and opportunities we face, centered on justice and equity.