Director of Communications

Join Energy Right as the Director of Communications

About Energy Right

Energy Right is committed to advancing energy development responsibly, guided by a market-based approach and conservative ideals. We believe in fostering local energy solutions that respect property rights, fuel economic growth, and ensure environmental stewardship. Through education and constructive community engagement, Energy Right empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions about energy opportunities that support both self-sufficiency and industrial progress.

Performance Description: Communications Director

Strategic Communications

• Develop, implement, and oversee a statewide communications strategy that advances Energy Right’s mission to promote responsible, conservative-aligned clean energy development.
• Craft and disseminate fact-based, persuasive messaging rooted in property rights, rural prosperity, and energy independence, ensuring alignment with Energy Right’s brand voice and field engagement efforts.
• Build and maintain an annual Communications Strategic Plan and editorial calendar, integrating social, digital, and earned media across campaigns.
• Collaborate with leadership to align communications initiatives with organizational goals, field operations, and policy milestones outlined in the 2025–2026 Strategic Plan.
• Ensure all public-facing materials (press releases, web copy, newsletters, podcasts, and visuals) reflect message discipline, accuracy, and professionalism.
• Manage crisis and rapid-response communications, countering misinformation with proactive, values-based messaging.

Media Relations and Public Affairs 

• Serve as Energy Right’s primary media liaison, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, editorial boards, and communications partners at local, regional, and statewide levels.
• Proactively generate earned media opportunities through op-eds, letters to the editor, news stories, and interviews highlighting Energy Right’s work and the benefits of renewable energy to rural communities.
• Coordinate press events and speaking engagements for leadership and trusted local messengers (e.g., landowners, business leaders, elected officials).
• Track and measure media exposure and sentiment; produce quarterly reports on communications reach, tone, and message consistency.
• Prepare spokespeople with media training, key messages, and briefing materials to ensure effective representation across platforms.  

Digital Engagement and Content Development

• Lead the modernization of Energy Right’s website and digital infrastructure, enhancing user experience, analytics tracking, and storytelling reach
• Oversee social media strategy across platforms, maintaining consistent voice, design, and tone; track engagement metrics and optimize for reach and conversion.
• Develop original, professional-grade multimedia content—videos, infographics, case studies, newsletters, and podcasts—that convey the organization’s mission and local impact stories.
• Manage digital advertising campaigns and A/B testing initiatives to evaluate message performance and refine audience targeting
• Ensure all communications assets are archived, searchable, and ready for redeployment across Energy Right’s programs and partner channels.

Stakeholder and Partner Relations

• Coordinate with Energy Right’s field and policy teams to ensure communications support community engagement success.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key partners, including local officials, trade associations, state agencies, universities, and nonprofit organizations.
• Identify and elevate trusted local voices who can authentically communicate the benefits of renewable energy within their communities.
• Build coalitions with communications counterparts in allied organizations to amplify Energy Right’s reach through shared campaigns and joint initiatives.
• Support donor and funder relations by producing impact stories, campaign summaries, and narrative reports that demonstrate communications ROI.

Organizational Leadership

• Supervise communications contractors, vendors, and consultants as needed, including design, digital marketing, and polling partners.
• Manage the communications budget responsibly, tracking expenses for campaigns, media production, and technology tools.
• Contribute to organization-wide strategy discussions, ensuring that communications priorities reflect and reinforce Energy Right’s mission, values, and success equation.
• Provide ongoing training and support to staff on message discipline, media best practices, and brand consistency.
• Represent Energy Right as a senior leader in public forums, conferences, and partner events when appropriate.

Qualifications and Competencies

Experience

• Background in communications, media, or public affairs, preferably within policy, nonprofit, or issue-based work. Demonstrates confidence with public speaking and is willing to participate in and conduct interviews.
• Familiarity with Virginia’s political and media environment is strongly preferred.

Skills & Strategic Thinking

• Strong writing and storytelling ability; skilled at translating policy and technical topics into clear, values-driven messaging.
• Demonstrated capacity to plan and execute communications strategies across digital, social, and earned media.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Works effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners to align messaging with organizational goals.

Technical & Analytical

• Proficient with Google Workspace, Canva, and CRM platforms, social-media tools, and analytics to track communications impact. Video editing experience preferred. 

Values Alignment

• Understands conservative audiences, rural prosperity priorities, and the role of property rights in energy development.

**Other Duties As Assigned**

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $90,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications. Energy Right offers:

• Employer-paid health insurance for the staff member and employee-paid health insurance options for family members.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and a flexible work environment to support work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Why Energy Right?

This is your chance to shape the future of Virginia's energy landscape. Leading communications, you’ll help to empower communities, support local economies, and promote energy independence. You’ll also play a vital role in growing the program by building a strong network of supporters and expanding the team to maximize impact. Join Energy Right to make a difference while advancing a mission you can believe in.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to lead Energy Right’s Communications program and have the drive to grow our presence and team, we’d love to hear from you! Submit your resume and cover letter to Skyler Zunk at Skyler@energyrightus.org