The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of over 2 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of nearly 500 lawyers, scientists and other professionals to fight for the planet and its people in the halls of Congress, communities across the country, and nations around the globe. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act, and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our staff work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, Montana and Beijing.
The Senior Writer is responsible for writing President’s Office and Institutional communications. The Senior Writer will be part of a fast-paced communications team that both responds to breaking news and strategically develops narratives around our major environmental issues. The ideal candidate will be able to take institutional environmental themes and issues and translate them into the powerful voice of an organization, capturing NRDC’s voice and vision and carrying it through on a variety of materials. This position will also manage message research for the communications staff and develop primary message guidance documents for communications colleagues on key topic areas.
- Write blogs, speeches, letters, and other materials for NRDC President.
- Be the steward of the president’s voice within the organization:
- work throughout the institution to make the president’s voice and perspective consistent across a variety of materials ranging from fundraising appeals to internal leadership communications to public addresses
- draw out important themes to create a narrative across a variety of platforms; integrate in-the-field experiences into larger narrative
- review and edit copy drafted by others for authenticity, style, and tone.
- Craft materials and talking points for a variety of public events, including media interviews, panel discussions and speeches Understand NRDC’s position on a wide range of environmental policy issues, and be able to articulate this position from the president’s perspective, communicating a unique lens into the work. This is not a scientific or advocacy-based role, but a strong grasp of our often-nuanced position—or interest and ability to learn quickly—is required.
- Lead the development and management of message research materials for the Communication’s team. Develop message guidance for institutional priorities issues that speak to a broader audience, using compelling everyday language and examples.
- Work with leaders within Communications, Programs, Government Affairs, and the President’s Office to determine topics and themes for weekly blogs, social media content and other ad hoc/rapid response statements.
- Manage external writing support as needed, providing feedback on content and overseeing deadlines and materials (e.g., script writers for video pieces, firms for speech drafts).
- Act as “eyes and ears” – always on the lookout for stories and angles that will translate into content. Frequently involves working closely with social media as the immediate delivery for rapid response statements.
- Steer materials through the full project lifecycle, from research and writing through review and publication/delivery. Must be able to incorporate feedback from a variety of sources into a strong and coherent final product.
- At least five years of experience writing and editing experience; speechwriting experience or high-level ghostwriting experience strongly preferred.
- Proven ability to prioritize effectively and meet strict deadlines simultaneously.
- Leadership and collaborative skills that allow you to work across departments and professional skill sets.
- Desire to work in a fast-paced, dynamic, deadline-driven communications environment.
NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.