Chief Communications Officer

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) develops and implements communication strategies that align with Climate Imperative’s goals and mission. As a member of the leadership team, the CCO will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by shaping and delivering a cohesive communications strategy, managing brand reputation, and providing expert leadership in risk mitigation. 

The CCO will provide strategic, comprehensive, proactive, and responsive communication strategies to the executive leadership team and Board of Directors. This role is integral to ensuring our values and mission resonate with internal and external audiences, strengthening our impact. 

OUR COMMITMENT 

We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to a transparent recruitment process that fosters belonging. Our goal is to hire and advance people regardless of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, military service, medical condition, and any other protected characteristic under local, state, or federal law. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We are committed to an accessible application process and employee experience. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please email [email protected]. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership 

• Partner with leadership to develop and implement a communication strategy that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, goals, and priorities 
• Serve as the chief architect of messaging to ensure consistency and clarity in all external and internal communications 
• Act as advisor to Initiative Directors on communications strategy 

Communications Strategy 

• Lead risk assessment efforts and develop proactive strategies to safeguard the organization 
• Serve as a primary spokesperson, providing clear, transparent, and timely communication to all stakeholders 
• Develop and maintain a communications plan that ensures readiness to respond swiftly and effectively in a dynamic landscape 

Communications, Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement 

• Develop and oversee high-impact documents and materials (e.g., donor briefs, impact reports) to support the President and leadership team in engaging funders and strategic partners 
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including donors and key grantees 
• Collaborate across internal departments to ensure alignment and integration of communications efforts across the organization 

Team Development and Management 

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues on teams across the organization 
• Oversee budget planning and resource allocation for communications initiatives 

EXPERIENCE 

• 10+ years of experience in a senior leadership role in communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably within a mission-driven organization. 
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field or equivalent working experience; advanced degree preferred 
• Exceptional skills in strategic thinking, message development, and storytelling 
• Demonstrated expertise in risk mitigation and responsive communications 
• Track record of managing complex communications projects with demonstrable outcomes 
• Strong media relations experience, with established networks in relevant industries 
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills 
• Ability to navigate high-pressure situations with composure, sound judgment, and professionalism 
• Interest, passion, and commitment to reducing climate change 
• Ability to prioritize and be flexible in a fast-paced, constantly evolving, and collaborative environment 

SALARY   

We provide a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The target national salary range is $265,000 to $275,000 with adjustments made for people in higher-expense markets, i.e. the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C. Currently, all staff local to the San Francisco and DC offices go into the office one to three days a week. Equity is incredibly important to the organization, and a pay audit for equity is completed annually. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

This role is done primarily in an office environment.  

An employee must be able to satisfy the following physical requirements with or without a reasonable accommodation. 

• Remain in a stationary position (at a desk) for at least 75% of the day  
• Use hand and fingers to type  
• Frequently communicate via phone or video and email and must be able to communicate using those methods 

This description reflects essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.