Senior Communications Director, Global Methane - Environmental Defense Fund

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Energy Transition Overview 

The goal of EDF’s Energy Transition Team is to bend the curve on global greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel production and use by 2030, cleanly and equitably. We will achieve this through a defined set of strategies targeted at 1) reducing emissions from fossil fuel production, delivery, and use, and 2) reducing demand for fossil fuels in power generation, transportation, buildings, and industry. To achieve this goal, we seek reforms in law, regulation, and/or business practice through a mix of strategic corporate partnerships, direct engagement with policymakers, and mobilizing investor and public sentiment in favor of change. In formulating and achieving our strategies, we will work in close collaboration with EDF regions, draw on cutting-edge science and rigorous economic and financial analysis, and act on principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to develop durable solutions. 

Overall Function

The Senior Communications Director, Energy Transition holds the crucial responsibility of developing and executing a robust global communications strategy that supports EDF’s goal of cutting oil and gas methane emissions 75% by 2030. This position is focused on spearheading communications efforts related to EDF’s methane campaign, with particular emphasis on emissions reductions within the energy sector and will include conducting calls across multiple time zones. The Senior Communications Director oversees a spectrum of communications channels, including earned, social, and paid media; digital content distributed across EDF platforms; as well as activities related to thought leadership and the development of messaging and stories.

The Senior Director critically supports the mission team by providing strategic guidance in media and public affairs, including content development and review, and people and performance management. They utilize systems and processes to structure, support, and oversee communications for priority projects that require a strategic communications approach. In collaboration with the mission leader, they identify opportunities, devise plans, and manage activities that create value at both the regional and international levels. Moreover, the Senior Director works closely with our experts, allies, and affiliates to bring forward proactive communications, persuasive storytelling, and broad education efforts related to EDF’s methane work. The role is also integral in leveraging performance data to shape recommendations and share information among internal stakeholders for planning, tracking progress, and utilizing research and analysis to guide decision-making.

The Senior Director reports to the Associate Vice President, Communications.

This is a term position through September 30, 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as deputy for Global Methane communications and provide strategic leadership, remaining fully informed about mission objectives, strategies, and communications needs.

• Identify high-relevance opportunities and collaborate with the AVP Communications, Energy Transition to develop comprehensive plans that anticipate significant moments for issue and brand awareness, as well as advocacy efforts across various audiences and regions.

• Lead cross-functional coordination across EDF with the policy, science, economics, health, and business teams, while working closely with MarComm colleagues to plan and execute methane tentpole campaigns and initiatives.

• Provide real-time and long-range communications advice to Global Methane leaders on communications strategies and tactics, including ensuring the strategic use of in-house expertise in achieving mission goals and applying communication best practices.

• Lead regular editorial meetings to generate fresh, innovative angles for methane-related media work. 

• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

• Develop, implement, and oversee communications strategies and tactics that advance mission goals, including media outreach, messaging, talking points, social media, digital communications, and collateral development.

• Create, edit, and proofread written, digital, and video materials while meeting tight deadlines.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists in international, national, and trade press.

• Plan and execute high-impact events, such as press conferences and in-person meetings with journalists and influential stakeholders.

• Prepare Mission staff with training and guidance for effective communications opportunities.

• Lead, mentor, guide, manage, and foster the development of communications staff responsible for various functions, including communications, media relations, digital communications, marketing, and outreach.

• Actively lead the development of systems and structures that enhance coordination of methane communications across regions.

• Provide guidance on performance metrics to track progress against goals, fostering unified efforts under the overarching campaign.

• Manage relationships with other NGOs and firms involved in the global methane sector to promote the exchange of ideas, strategies, and key facts.

• Direct PR and communications agency support, including the development of RFPs, assessment of agency expertise, and oversight of agency teams to ensure excellent results.

• Track progress and ensure accurate, transparent, and on-time reporting and analysis of results to internal stakeholders through the creation and maintenance of dashboards and periodic progress meetings.

• Identify issues, risks, and opportunities for improvement, proposing strategy adjustments to enhance coordination, communication, and risk mitigation.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in strategic energy communications or a related public affairs or media relations field and a Bachelor’s degree required.

• Demonstrated leadership, people manager, and marketing expertise, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams across multiple time zones to meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing international communication strategies, while building and maintaining strategic relationships.

• Adept proficiency with social media tools and platforms required.

• Exceptional public speaking and verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, write persuasively, and expertly locate and cite primary sources.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including adaptability, active listening, negotiation, and collaboration.

• In-depth knowledge of the global energy and climate landscape and its players in at least three of six important regions to our mission (North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Australia) is required.

• Ability to respond quickly to fast-breaking assignments and shifting priorities.

• Proficiency in translating complex energy concepts into accessible content for both the media and general audiences. 

• Proactive and attentive to detail with exceptional analytical and research skills.

• Strong organizational, project management, and people management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with and influence top executives and other senior leadership, both within EDF and among strategic partners.

• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Familiarity with earned media software, with a preference for experience with tools like Cision.

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in additional UN language preferred (French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin or Russian).

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time.

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.