Communications Associate

Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) (www.cbecal.org), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is one of the preeminent environmental justice (EJ) organizations in the nation. The mission of CBE is to build people’s power in California’s communities of color and low-income communities to achieve environmental health and justice by preventing and reducing pollution and building green, healthy, and sustainable communities and environments.

CBE provides residents in blighted and heavily polluted urban communities in California with organizing skills, leadership training, civic engagement, and legal, scientific, and technical assistance. Together, we successfully confront threats to our communities’ health and well- being. We win major EJ victories with our members and allies. We are helping lead the way to Just Transitions from economies based on the dirty fossil fuel industry to economies based on clean energy, with strong civic engagement and good jobs for local residents.

General position summary:

CBE is seeking a Communications Associate to provide communications support for CBE’s environmental justice agenda in Northern California. This position reports to the Communications Manager, will be based in either Richmond or East Oakland, and will collaborate with both of our Northern California community teams as well as with our Communications personnel in Southern California.

Work responsibilities of the CBE Communications Associate will include, but are not limited to:

• Developing and executing communications plans for environmental justice campaigns pertaining to Richmond and East Oakland campaigns
• Developing communications strategy for NorCal campaigns; writing press releases, pitching stories, drafting and placing op-eds, maintaining relationships with reporters and editors, tracking news coverage, and managing rapid response on social channels/ website in support of campaign initiatives/messaging
• Working with consultants to develop, edit, and submit content for publications
• Creating, developing, and updating messaging materials as part of communications team and campaign strategy for workshops and trainings
• Organizing speakers; educating and training the people speaking and writing on behalf of our organization; training spokespeople via 1 on 1’s or media workshops pertaining to campaigns
• Collaborating with CBE’s legal department before publishing on behalf of CBE
• Partnering with program staff members on supporting events and speakers, including civic engagement, development, and research staff
• Preparing content/materials for external meetings and speaking engagements (i.e., research, briefings, speeches, PowerPoint presentations, talking points, etc.)
• Developing and maintaining relationships with reporters (local and national) who focus on issues related to the campaign/Environmental Justice/Environment
• Supporting campaign messaging efforts through social media, website, list serv, and digital communications as needed
• Coordinating campaigns across traditional and digital media, including print and broadcast news, website, email, video, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
• Creating content, messaging and talking points, writing and curating stories, drafting web copy and blog posts, designing social media graphics, etc.
• Planning and executing projects with support from direct supervisor, and coordinating with colleagues and allies
• Supporting Statewide campaigns and communications needs

In addition to the implementation and coordination of communications, racial equity and language justice are key areas supported by the Communications Associate. CBE has made a commitment to addressing anti-blackness and white supremacy culture within our organization, and the Communications Associate will participate in CBE’s internal work to meet equity goals and will be a bridge to our members’ participation. The Communications Associate will also support the development of language justice for the languages of Spanish, Mandarin, and Farsi, connecting with language interpreters and language justice experts to make our outreach materials and workshops are accessible to speakers of multiple languages in East Oakland and Richmond.

Specific Job Skills:

• Knowledge of and commitment to Environmental Justice
• Demonstrated skill in proactively building relationships with reporters and editors and in successfully positioning issues with the media to achieve high-impact placements.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to listen well and positively represent the organization and its mission
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and stay on deadline
• Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a large team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Skills in design software, blogging software and social media platforms preferred
• Ability to work independently
• Interest in creating content for civic engagement
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• A passion for social justice and environmental issues.

Experience and Job Requirements:

• Two or more years’ experience in media relations, journalism, communications, or related field
• Experience working in Environmental Justice, public lands, and/or political campaigns
• Experience in or currently studying Communications, or other related field of study
• Experience writing and editing content for online and/or print publication
• Background in grassroots community organizing in environmental justice, labor, or other relevant movement work
• Photoshop, Illustrator or similar graphic design or visual story-telling experience a plus
• Willingness to work a variable schedule, including some weekends. In exchange, CBE will be flexible with your scheduling needs.

Benefits and Compensation:

This is a regular, full-time, overtime-exempt position, with an annual salary of $77,895. The Communications Associate will receive CBE’s comprehensive benefits package, including a generous vacation and leave policy; fully-paid premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance; an additional mental health benefit; a 401(k) retirement plan; and a flexible spending plan. CBE pays full premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, spouse or domestic partner, and any dependents.

To apply: Please complete our online application at https://rb.gy/gzu4ao. You will be asked to upload a resume, cover letter, and 3 references. This position will remain open until filled.

CBE is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited category. We strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and all qualified persons to apply for this position.