Communications Director

The Hoosier Environmental Council is seeking a Communications Director to shape and implement its communications strategy in Indiana. This role involves developing strategies to raise awareness of environmental issues, manage communication platforms, and support fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in communication and staff management, along with a commitment to improving Indiana's natural environment. This position is not remote and requires on-site presence.
Communication Director

Job Title: Communications Director

Reports To: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Marketing Manager, Advocacy in Action Manager General

Description

The communications director plays a critical role in shaping, managing and implementing HEC’s overall communications strategy and achieving HEC’s vision for Indiana that includes an abundance of clean water, natural lands, pure air and affordable clean energy. This position is responsible for developing and executing communications strategies across various platforms to increase awareness of HEC’s work, make progress on priority issues and support fundraising efforts. Successful candidates will be committed to improving Indiana’s natural environment and supporting sustainable thriving communities. The communications director develops strategic communications strategies, collaborates with subject matter experts to convey accurate and engaging information, supervises staff on the communication team and works to expand HEC’s reach through digital media, newsletters, printed media, earned media, advertising and other communication channels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

I. Responsible for leading an analysis and refresh of: a. HEC brand and brand guidelines; b. HEC Logo; and c. HEC website.

II. Responsible for leading an analysis of HEC’s target audience including: a. Better understanding our current audience and how they connect with HEC; b. Identifying, developing and implementing strategies to expand key audiences that will: i. Provide active support toward moving forward HEC goals; ii. Support HEC financially; and iii. Raise the profile of HEC, our goals and the importance of moving them forward.

III. Responsible for developing an annual communication plan

IV. Responsible for overseeing and developing the crafting and implementation of external messaging through:
• a. e-newsletters;
• b. campaigns;
• c. social media;
• d. advertising;
• e. mailers;
• f. press releases; and
• g. website.

V. Provides communication support for:
• a. editorials;
• b. fundraising messaging;
• c. fact and persuasive information sheets;
• d. media inquiries; and
• e. speeches and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications
• Seven or more years of professional communication experience and five years staff management experience.
• Strong experience in communications, marketing and advertising or public relations, with demonstrated success in past roles.
• Proficiency in managing digital tools, such as WordPress, email marketing, Google Ads, and social media platforms.
• Ability to craft compelling narratives from technical information.
• Experience with creative content creation across multiple platforms.
• Familiarity with environmental issues, environmental health and justice, and digital communication trends.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, journalism, communications, or equivalent experience.

Organization Wide Core Competencies and Expectations for All Employees

1. Organizing and Engagement - Hoosier Environmental has a proven ability to connect with individuals and communities through many channels of engagement. The focus on our efforts is on building both grassroots and grasstops support for our priorities. Examples include building participation in a training or webinar; encouraging broad response to a calls to action; one-on-one or small group meetings for collaboration, advocacy and/or relationship building with those outside of HEC; building participation with volunteer opportunities provided by HEC; supporting fundraising campaigns and/or grant submissions; and general awareness raising of HEC and our issues.

2. Continual Growth and Learning - All HEC staff are expected to continually build their knowledge base and share and utilize it strategically to advance program goals. Examples of this include increased utilization of provided tools such as Every Action, GIS mapping, and Canva; building subject matter expertise through reading books, news stories and journals; participation in trainings and discussion with colleagues; and learning through other forms of information such as podcasts and videos. Staff are encouraged to identify and name opportunities for further learning and share related budget needs with their supervisor.

3. Staff Communication and Collaboration – Staff are expected to work collaboratively within the HEC team. This means clear communication and follow-through with team members; providing support and assistance with shared organization goals when called upon by fellow team members when appropriate; and doing your best to understand staff varied cultural backgrounds, working styles, and communication methods among team members. In addition, staff should work to share their professional preferences for communication, task sharing and collaboration, and do their best to understand and support the preferences of other team members.

Travel Requirements
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation are necessary.
• Ability to attend and participate in events, workshops, and public meetings, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Hoosier Environmental Council Culture and Values

Our Vision: Hoosier Environmental Council envisions an Indiana in which all residents have abundant access to clean water, natural lands, pure air, and affordable clean energy

Our Mission: Hoosier Environmental Council leads and collaborates with diverse coalitions to achieve a healthy natural environment and thriving sustainable communities.

Our Values: Mitigating Climate Change, Environmental Justice and Health, Commitment to Evidence-Based Science and Methods, Nonpartisan Commitment, Stewardship for Future Generations, Proactive Innovation, Shared Learning and Collaboration,

Transparency and Accountability Equity Statement

Hoosier Environmental Council believes the benefits of a truly resilient and sustainable healthy environment should be available to all Hoosiers. We recognize that systemic racism, continuous social norms and economic status have resulted in the unequitable distribution of environmental harms related to pollution, particularly in urban areas where pollution and limited access to green space are often concentrated. We believe all residents should have ready access to natural spaces, clean water, pure air and affordable clean energy. We embrace diversity among our staff, board, partners and the communities we serve. We benefit from varying perspectives and lived experiences.

Opportunity Details and How to Apply

Hoosier Environmental Council began in 1983 and is Indiana’s largest state headquartered environmental organization. If you would like to utilize your skills to make a brighter and more sustainable future for all who call Indiana home this is an excellent opportunity for you. Salary range is $80,000 - $90,000 depending on experience and comes with health, vision, and dental insurance, retirement and generous PTO benefits. Send resume and cover letter to careers@hecweb.org to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote