Strategic Communications Lead
Description
Job Description:
Position Overview
RMI is seeking a Strategic Communications Lead to develop and drive communications strategies that advance the clean energy transition in the built environment , influence key audiences, and support organizational impact.
The Strategic Communications Lead serves as a strategic communications partner to RMI’s Buildings team , working closely with Buildings Program staff, as well as colleagues across global geographies and RMI’s Electricity team to design integrated communications approaches that support policy, market, stakeholder, and organizational objectives . This role is responsible for developing 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 judgment and project management skills. They are able to translate 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
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Develo p end-to-end communications strategies for projects and initiatives within the Buildings program, while collaborating closely with other key programs like Electricity and across RMI’s global geographies.
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Define target audiences, key messages, desired outcomes, and high-level channel approaches.
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Align communications strategies with project objectives, program priorities, and organizational goals.
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Identify communications opportunities that support influence and impact , stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, fundraising, and program impact.
Audience Narrative & Insight Development
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Translate technical analysis, research, and programmatic work into audience-specific narratives and communications approaches.
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Identify key stakeholders, influence pathways, and communications opportunities for priority audiences.
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Develop messaging frameworks and narrative recommendations for projects and campaigns.
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Monitor relevant trends, stakeholder dynamics, and external developments to inform communications strategies.
Program Partnership & Advisory
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Serve as the primary communications partner for assigned projects and workstreams.
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Advise project teams on communications approaches that support desired outcomes and stakeholder engagement goals.
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Ensure communications considerations are integrated into project planning and implementation.
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Build trusted relationships with program staff, subject matter experts, and cross-functional partners.
Planning Integration and Delivery Oversight
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Advise project teams on communications timing, publication strategies, and opportunities to leverage external moments and news cycles.
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Develop communications plans that guide account team execution across media, digital, editorial, design, events, and other communications functions.
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Ensure communications activities remain aligned with strategic objectives throughout implementation.
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Coordinate across teams to support successful execution and delivery.
Business Development & Fundraising Integration
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Advise project teams on communications approaches during concept note , proposal , and project development processes.
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Contribute communications strategy recommendations and budget inputs for project-level fundraising and business development efforts.
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Identify opportunities where communications can strengthen stakeholder engagement, visibility, and proposal competitiveness.
Measurement & Performance
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Align communications objectives and KPIs with project goals and desired outcomes.
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Monitor communications performance and identify trends, insights, and opportunities for improvement.
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Use data and audience feedback to refine communications approaches and recommendations.
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Contribute to reporting and evaluation efforts that demonstrate communications impact.
Collaboration & Account Team Leadership
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Develop clear strategic direction for account teams responsible for communications execution.
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Ensure alignment among project teams, account teams, and stakeholders regarding objectives , audiences, messaging, and priorities.
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Facilitate productive collaboration across communications disciplines to support integrated campaigns and initiatives.
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Contribute strategic recommendations during account team planning and execution processes.
Thought Leadership & External Positioning
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Identify and recommend thought leadership opportunities that support project goals and audience engagement strategies.
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Support development of articles, op-eds, speaking materials, messaging frameworks, and other thought leadership products.
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Work with communications colleagues to increase visibility for project leaders and subject matter experts.
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Help position program experts in relevant external conversations, events, and media opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
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5+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public relations, journalism, marketing, nonprofit communications, or a related field .
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Experience developing communications strategies for projects, campaigns, initiatives, or policy efforts.
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Strong ability to translate complex technical topics into audience-centered communications approaches.
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Experience advising internal stakeholders and managing communications projects from planning through execution.
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Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
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Excellent project management and organizational skills.
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Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder groups.
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Experience using communications metrics and audience insights to inform decision making.
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Strong judgment, initiative, and problem-solving abilities.
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Passion for RMI's mission and interest in climate, energy, sustainability, public policy, or related fields.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience supporting policy, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, or thought leadership initiatives.
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Knowledge of the buildings and clean energy ecosystem, including current transmission grid challenges , electric utility-related dynamics (e.g., data center demand growth, affordability) , and related opportunities in the United States and globally.
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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.
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Experience working in climate, energy, sustainability, economic development, consulting, journalism, or nonprofit sectors.
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Familiarity with earned media, executive communications, digital communications, and integrated campaigns.
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Experience contributing to fundraising, proposal development, or business development activities.
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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.