Description

Invest in Our Future (IOF) is a philanthropic initiative and strategy hub focused on accelerating clean energy deployment and unlocking clean energy benefits for all Americans. IOF brings together the power of philanthropy and partner organizations to unleash the enormous economic potential of clean energy to create good jobs for American workers, generate new investment in American communities, and reduce the pollution that causes climate change. Through our large and diverse portfolio of grantees, we support work to speed siting and permitting of utility-scale projects; grow the market for community-serving, commercial-scale clean energy; expand the clean energy workforce and improve job quality; and build the durable public support needed for faster deployment. We coordinate and work closely with partners to align strategies and focus the field’s resources on the most pressing obstacles holding back clean energy buildout.

The Communications Director will lead IOF’s communications strategies and related grantmaking to advance clean energy deployment and highlight its benefits. By strengthening the communications capacity of deployment focused groups, the Director will help increase project success and positively shape local perceptions of clean energy, especially in rural, conservative, and working-class communities. In collaboration with the Builders Network Director, they will design and execute programs that activate network members as storytellers across local, state, and regional media. The Director will also oversee pilots and partnerships to refine narrative strategies that influence public and policymaker opinion, working closely with the Builders Network Director and IOF Program Officers. By elevating the communications capacity of deployment focused groups, the Director will help increase project success and positively shape local perceptions of clean energy, especially in rural and workingclass communities.

Requirements

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, in partnership with the Builders Network Director, to design and execute highimpact communications initiatives that build public and political support for clean energy projects in priority geographies, including roundtables, earned media efforts, grasstops advocacy, and sitebased storytelling.
• Forge and steward highlevel partnerships with philanthropic, industry, and civic leaders to align and mobilize broader support for clean energy deployment.
• Oversee the development of advanced communications and policymakereducation training programs that strengthen the capacity and influence of Builders Network members.
• Lead the design and implementation of digital media strategies and experimentation to significantly expand the reach and effectiveness of Network members’ stories.
• Provide strategic oversight of a communicationsfocused grant portfolio, including sourcing, due diligence, performance monitoring, and ongoing learning.
• Direct and manage external consultants, ensuring clear scope, alignment with strategic priorities, and accountability for highquality deliverables.
• Produce highquality written materials—including strategy briefs, messaging guidance, and reports—for internal use and for external funder, partner, and stakeholder audiences.

Education, Experience, and Skills

• Generally expected to have 10+ years of relevant experience leading public communications and developing integrated communications strategies, ideally within climate, energy, environmental, or related issue areas.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Strong track record of engaging government officials and diverse stakeholder groups to advance priority issues, with the strategic and analytical judgment needed to navigate complex environments.
• Highly organized, solutionsoriented leader who thrives in dynamic settings, collaborates effectively across teams, and leverages organizational expertise to drive clarity and results.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trustbased relationships, balance the needs of multiple stakeholders, and drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Recognizes the value of different perspectives and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity in every aspect of work.