Open Position | External Communications Director

External Communications Director

PEER is a unique, dynamic and fast-paced organization whose employees and supporters are passionate about addressing critical environmental and public health issues. PEER’s mission is to support current and former public employees who seek a higher standard of environmental ethics and scientific integrity within their agencies. We do this by defending whistleblowers, shining the light on improper or illegal government actions, working to improve laws and regulations, and supporting the work of other organizations. Since the organization’s founding in 1992, thousands of scientists, law enforcement officers, land managers, attorneys, and other professionals have relied on PEER to help make the government accountable to the public and protect employees who protect the environment.

About this Position

We are seeking a highly dynamic, creative professional with substantial management and writing experience for the position of External Communications Director. The Director will write, develop, and manage external communications as part of a media outreach strategy. The Director will be charged with developing campaigns for print, online, electronic, and broadcast media.

The Director will use their writing and communication skills to enhance the visibility and awareness of environmental issues and the issues facing public employees who work to protect the environment.

The External Communications Director will report to Timothy Whitehouse, PEER Executive Director. This position can be on-site or remote.

In the first three months, the Director of External Communications will be responsible for assessing the communications program and presenting recommendations for new goal setting and achievement.

Key Responsibilities

    1. Oversee the production of all communications and publications in print, online, and other media, including PEER’s website and social media channels.
    2. Be a writer and editor for PEEReview, PEER’s quarterly newsletter, and PEERMail, PEER’s biweekly e-newsletter.
    3. Represent PEER’s interests to media, partners, and government agencies.
    4. Provide strategic direction and planning for communications-related matters.
    5. Produce a limited number of events (e.g., webinars, videos and podcasts).
    6. Draft, pitch, and place Op-Eds.
    7. Manage the writing and distribution of press releases, coordinate media interviews and track appearances and mentions.
    8. Maximize PEER’s exposure in the media.
    9. Bring new, creative and exciting ideas to PEER.

Key qualifications

    • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, digital media, journalism, science or liberal arts.
    • At least 5 years of experience demonstrating progressively greater responsibility in communications, marketing, and/or media.
    • Expert writing and editing skills.
    • Ability to become a strong advocate for PEER causes and issues.
    • Extensive experience writing on environmental and public health issues.
    • Extensive experience with media relations.
    • Ability to craft and successfully implement a communications strategy.
    • Experience with or willingness to learn graphic design, layout, and publishing
    • Self-directed, motivated and entrepreneurial.
    • A deep commitment to PEER’s mission and values.
    • Practical experience managing complex websites and social media strategies is a plus.

Compensation

The starting salary range is between $75,000 and $90,000 annually with generous leave, flextime and benefits.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter, your resume and three short writing samples to info@peer.org. No calls, please. PEER is committed to diversity and strongly encourages women and minority candidates to apply.

PEER is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Phone: 202-265-7337

962 Wayne Avenue, Suite 610
Silver Spring, MD 20910-4453

Copyright 2001–2024 Public Employees for
Environmental Responsibility

PEER is a 501(c)(3) organization
EIN: 93-1102740