Associate Manager, New York Campaigns & Communications

ABOUT THE COALITION

The Building Decarbonization Coalition (BDC) aligns critical stakeholders on a path to transform the nation’s buildings through clean energy, using policy, research, market development and public engagement. The BDC and its members are charting the course to eliminate fossil fuels in buildings to improve people’s health, cut climate and air pollution, prioritize high-road jobs, and ensure that our communities are more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The need to electrify the United States (U.S.) building stock and phase out fossil fuels has gone from a niche technical concern to the most debated climate issue in the U.S. The BDC is proud to have been a leader in this conversation by organizing, speaking for, and empowering a broad group of stakeholders who are united behind the common goal of eliminating fossil fuels from buildings.

In the State of New York, the BDC is advocating for the passage of the NY HEAT Act, coordinating the work of the UpgradeNY labor collaboration focused on advancing thermal energy networks, and working with partners to influence policy and regulatory work that will swiftly, equitably and affordably advance the decarbonization of the building sector.

POSITION DESCRIPTION & KEY PRIORITIES

The Associate Manager of Campaigns and Communications reports to the Senior Manager for Campaigns and Communications, and will play a critical role in developing and implementing a strong, creative communications strategy and materials to advance and win BDC’s campaigns in New York State. The ideal candidate has experience in political or organizing campaigns, sharp instincts on how to leverage media to move power and is an avid consumer of the news with a deep understanding of media strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Create and implement a strategic communications plan informed by and responsive to the political landscape in NY,  which will advance our campaigns, leverage our key messages, particularly with legislators, and contribute to winning our goals. This annual plan includes earned, paid and owned media and is developed in collaboration with the NY team.
• Shape New York’s decarbonizing story by creating clear, concise and innovative written materials that showcase BDC’s key messages and amplify New York’s campaign goals; materials include opinion editorials, legislative memos, fact sheets, presentations, emails, speeches, press releases and statements, and marketing/event materials.
• Develop and manage our editorial calendar to advance our advocacy and campaign work across a wide range of media, ensuring that communications tactics are aligned with campaign strategy in a way that will inspire, influence and move our targets in NYS. Monitor climate, energy and political media coverage and make recommendations on responses such as letters to the editor and other opportunities to advance our campaigns.
• Develop relationships with journalists, editorial boards, bloggers, and other media influencers in order to enhance the Coalition’s position as an expert on building electrification in New York. Develop and manage relationships with state and local media, including developing and maintaining active press lists and tracking ongoing coverage of building electrification in NY.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with communications staff in partner organizations, and support the development of strategic communications in the coalitions BDC is part of in NY; this includes coordinating on and managing work products with stakeholders and coalition partners.
• Identify opportunities to boost BDC’s visibility and leadership through writing and speaking opportunities, such as opinion editorials, keynote speeches, and panel discussions. 
• Develop compelling content for and help manage BDC’s social media platforms and website, leveraging them for campaign narratives and calls to action.
• Manage live and online events with coalition partners, such as press conferences, press and legislative briefings, and educational and community outreach events, as well as internal BDC events and presentations.
• Support the New York team in preparing for public speaking engagements and media interviews, providing talking points, editing presentation materials, and spearheading interview prep; identify and manage a network of spokespeople who can speak on behalf of our campaigns.
• Monitor daily media coverage of various campaigns and related subject matter, maintain searchable files and ensure the team is kept up to date on relevant state and local news.
• Draft and coordinate internal content and coordination with other communications and marketing staff at BDC, including NY contributions to BDC’s newsletter, NY’s bi-weekly update, and weekly all staff updates.

QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS

• 3 to 5 years of campaign communications experience, preferably in the political, organizing or campaign advocacy space
• Proven understanding of New York’s public policymaking, legislative, and regulatory landscape
• Outstanding written, oral and presentation skills that demonstrate an ability to translate policy or regulatory concepts, and convey a compelling story and powerful narrative
• Knowledge of and passion for building electrification and climate issues with understanding of the importance of equity and justice in advancing climate solutions
• Experience working effectively with, and building consensus among, a variety of internal and external stakeholders who may possess divergent viewpoints and agendas
• Creative, calm and adaptable thinker, adept at pivoting messaging to different audiences and targets, and comfortable with campaign fluctuations that require adapting strategies, tactics and timelines  
• Familiarity with and experience working with New York media
• Strong, demonstrated project management skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Passion for social and environmental justice, enthusiasm for building decarbonization and interest in working for a growing and dynamic organization

WORK ENVIRONMENT, SCHEDULE & TRAVEL

This position will work remotely from their home and must be based in New York. Some travel will be required, respective of Covid-related health and safety guidelines.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is a full-time salaried position with comprehensive benefits. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  

COMMITMENT TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT

The BDC values diversity in all its forms and is committed to an inclusive and transparent recruitment process. We recruit and hire without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, age, religion, creed, disability (actual or perceived), medical condition including genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic partnership status, citizenship, military service, height, weight, HIV/AIDS status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. BIPOC and people of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000 commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package including paid health insurance coverage, retirement benefits with company matching, unlimited flexible paid leave, 12 paid holidays, access to professional development resources, and much more.

DISCLAIMER

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.