Strategic Communications Lead
About this role
Job Description:
Position Overview
RMI is seeking a Strategic Communications Lead to develop and drive communications strategies that advancethe clean energy transition in the built environment, influence key audiences, and support organizational impact.
The Strategic Communications Lead serves as a strategic communications partner toRMI’s Buildingsteam,working closely withBuildings Program staff, as well as colleaguesacross global geographiesandRMI’s Electricityteamto design integrated communications approaches that support policy, market, stakeholder, and organizationalobjectives. This roleis responsible fordeveloping project-level communications strategies, defining audience engagement approaches, shaping narratives, and guiding execution across multiple communications channels.
The successful candidate combines strategic thinking with strong communications judgmentandprojectmanagement skills. Theyare able totranslate complex technical work into audience-centered communications strategies and work effectively across functions to ensure communications efforts contribute to measurable outcomes.
A strong connection to RMI's mission is highly desired. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all diverse backgrounds and cultures!
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications Planning
Develop end-to-end communications strategies for projects and initiatives withintheBuildingsprogram, while collaborating closely with other key programs likeElectricityand across RMI’s global geographies.
Define target audiences, key messages, desired outcomes, and high-level channel approaches.
Align communications strategies with project objectives, program priorities, and organizational goals.
Identify communications opportunities that support influenceand impact, stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, fundraising, and program impact.
Audience Narrative & Insight Development
Translate technical analysis, research, and programmatic work into audience-specific narratives and communications approaches.
Identifykey stakeholders, influence pathways, andcommunicationsopportunities for priority audiences.
Develop messaging frameworks and narrative recommendations for projects and campaigns.
Monitor relevant trends, stakeholder dynamics, and external developments to inform communications strategies.
Program Partnership & Advisory
Serve as the primary communications partner for assigned projects and workstreams.
Advise project teams on communications approaches that support desired outcomes and stakeholder engagement goals.
Ensure communications considerations are integrated into project planning and implementation.
Build trusted relationships with program staff, subject matter experts, and cross-functional partners.
Planning Integration and Delivery Oversight
Advise project teams on communications timing, publication strategies, and opportunities toleverageexternal moments and news cycles.
Develop communications plans that guide account team execution across media, digital, editorial, design, events, and other communications functions.
Ensure communications activitiesremainaligned with strategicobjectivesthroughout implementation.
Coordinate across teams to support successful execution and delivery.
Business Development & Fundraising Integration
Advise project teams on communications approaches during conceptnote,proposal, and project development processes.
Contribute communications strategy recommendations and budget inputs for project-level fundraising and business development efforts.
Identifyopportunities where communications can strengthen stakeholder engagement, visibility, and proposal competitiveness.
Measurement & Performance
Aligncommunications objectivesand KPIs with project goals and desired outcomes.
Monitor communications performance andidentifytrends, insights, and opportunities for improvement.
Use data and audience feedback to refine communications approaches and recommendations.
Contribute to reporting and evaluation efforts thatdemonstratecommunications impact.
Collaboration & Account Team Leadership
Develop clear strategic direction for account teams responsible for communications execution.
Ensure alignment among project teams, account teams, and stakeholders regardingobjectives, audiences, messaging, and priorities.
Facilitate productive collaboration across communications disciplines to support integrated campaigns and initiatives.
Contribute strategic recommendations during account team planning and execution processes.
Thought Leadership & External Positioning
Identifyand recommend thought leadership opportunities that support project goals and audience engagement strategies.
Support development of articles, op-eds, speaking materials, messaging frameworks, and other thought leadership products.
Work with communications colleagues to increase visibility for project leaders and subject matter experts.
Help position program experts in relevant external conversations, events, and media opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
5+years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public relations, journalism, marketing, nonprofit communications, ora related field.
Experience developing communications strategies for projects, campaigns, initiatives, or policy efforts.
Strong ability to translate complex technical topics into audience-centered communications approaches.
Experience advising internal stakeholders and managing communications projects from planning through execution.
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Excellent project management and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups.
Experience usingcommunicationsmetrics and audience insights to inform decision making.
Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
Passion for RMI's mission and interest in climate, energy, sustainability, public policy, or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting policy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or thought leadership initiatives.
Knowledge of the buildings and clean energyecosystem, including current transmission grid challenges, electric utility-related dynamics(e.g.,data center demand growth,affordability),andrelatedopportunities in the United States and globally.
Global communications experience, the ability to adapt narratives across different markets and contexts, and a broader understanding of energy transition issues including affordability, reliability, resilience, investment, and economic development.
Experience working in climate, energy, sustainability, economic development, consulting, journalism, or nonprofit sectors.
Familiarity with earned media, executive communications, digital communications, and integrated campaigns.
Experience contributing to fundraising, proposal development, or business development activities.
Experience working in matrixed or highly collaborative organizational environments.
We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all the skills listed above. We offer professional learning and training opportunities to help you develop the skills you may not have had the opportunity to cultivate yet.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note: At this time, RMI is not able to sponsor employment visas or hire candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the United States. All candidates must have current, independent authorization to work in the U.S. without present or future sponsorship from RMI. We will update our hiring pages if this status changes.
Location
We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington,DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can belocatedfrom anywhere in the continental United States.
We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.
We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs).
Compensation
At RMI, we prioritize fairness in our pay practices. Salaries are determined based on a mix of experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity across similar roles. The salary range of this position is $68,092-$83,924. New hires typically start toward the lower end of the range, depending on experience and alignment with the role’s scope. In addition to base salary, this position includes an annual bonus target of 5% and eligibility for merit-based increases, which are tied to both individual and organizational performance.
Benefits:
We offer an array of benefits including:
Medical, dental, vision insurance
403b retirement match with immediate vesting
Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability
Optional voluntary life, AD&D and accident plans
Health savings or flexible spending accounts
Fertility and hormonal health support
Mental health and wellness support
Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave)
Generous paid time off and sick leave
Paid sabbatical leave
Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography
Work from home and home technology allowances
Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget)
Potential for bonuses and merit increases
Discount marketplace (gym memberships, pet insurance, etc.)
Hybrid / remote work options
Team retreats and geographic meetups
Rewards and recognition programs
Diversity
We know that the diversity of our teams makes us stronger as an organization, and RMI is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity as outlined in U.S. federal law. We prohibit discrimination against applicants, interns, and employees on the basis of any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: age (40 and over), race, color, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, uniformed service member status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other applicable status protected by applicable law.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Originally posted on Himalayas