Director of Communications

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization exclusively dedicated to climate change education, engagement, and advocacy. Founded in 2010 in Miami, Florida, we work with front-line communities and their leaders to build climate literacy. We highlight the urgency of climate action and impact policy while championing solutions for a resilient future.

Director of Communications

Location: Miami, Hybrid

Reports To: VP of Policy & Partnerships and Executive Director

START DATE IS ASAP. We are currently reviewing resumes.

Position Overview:

The Director of Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and executing CLEO’s strategic communications to elevate its mission, drive engagement, and position the organization as a leading voice in climate justice and advocacy. This role will oversee media relations, content strategy for program and fundraising efforts, public awareness and education campaigns, and legislative communications, ensuring that CLEO’s messaging is impactful, cohesive, and aligned with the organization’s strategic goals.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and experienced storyteller with a deep understanding of climate justice, advocacy, and public engagement. They will lead a small team of content creators and collaborate across departments to amplify CLEO’s reach and influence.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy & Media Relations

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance CLEO’s visibility and influence.
• Oversee CLEO’s social media strategy and accounts, ensuring compelling, on- brand messaging.
• Manage relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers to secure earned media placements (op-eds, TV, radio, podcasts, and digital media). The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to climate change education.
• Ghostwrite op-eds, press statements, and thought leadership pieces to amplify CLEO’s voice in climate discourse.
• Represent CLEO in coalitions, media interviews, and public forums when appropriate.
• Develop strategic public awareness campaigns in collaboration with consultants and internal teams.

Content Development & Digital Strategy

• Oversee website content and messaging, ensuring it remains dynamic and relevant.
• Develop talking points, messaging toolkits, and narratives for campaigns and advocacy efforts.
• Lead the creation of high-impact publications (e.g., climate policy guides, reports, and research summaries).
• Co-produce House on Fire Podcast, supporting guest selection, scriptwriting, and production.
• Oversee video production and digital storytelling to engage diverse audiences.
• Manage a team of content creators to ensure high-quality execution of all communications.

Legislative & Campaign Communications

• Work closely with the VP of Policy & Partnerships and the Director of Policy & Campaigns to develop strategic communications plans that advance CLEO’s legislative, policy, and partnership priorities.
• Position CLEO with key journalists, frame potential reporting
• Craft compelling narratives, toolkits, and messaging to support legislative efforts.
• Develop targeted media and digital strategies to mobilize grassroots and
• grasstop support

Grant & Fundraising Contributions

• • Assist in writing content that supports fundraising efforts
  • Develop communications materials that enhance donor engagement and fundraising efforts.
  • Coordinate & lead digital fundraising campaigns with social media team and consultants.

Capacity Building & Training

• Train CLEO staff, genCLEO leaders, and volunteers in media engagement, storytelling, and message discipline.
• The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to climate change education. www.cleoinstitute.org
• Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to team members on communication best practices.

Strategic Goals for 2025:

The Director of Communications will play a critical role in achieving the following

CLEO SMARTIE goals:

• Launch a multilingual public service campaign to reach 10+ million people nationwide by Q4 2025.
• Mobilize 1 million people to sign a petition eliminating fossil fuel subsidies by Q4 2025.
• Launch high-impact bilingual marketing campaigns targeting Latino and non- English-speaking communities.
• Publish an investigative report on utility money contributions to anti-climate candidates, leveraging earned and social media.
• Promote renewable energy incentives through digital storytelling and outreach campaigns.
• Raise $2.1 million dollars in revenue

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, or digital advocacy.
• Proven experience securing earned media placements and managing press relationships.
• Strong writing skills, with experience in op-ed ghostwriting, messaging toolkits, and public reports.
• Expertise in storytelling, digital engagement, and content strategy for advocacy.
• Experience working on climate, environmental justice, or political campaigns.
• Ability to manage multilingual and culturally relevant campaigns.
• Fundraising experience is a strong plus.
• Experience managing teams, consultants, and content creators.

The CLEO Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non- disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply.

Position Details:

• Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000 (Commensurate with experience and aligned with CLEO’s compensation structure).

Location: Miami, Florida (hybrid) Start Date: ASAP

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape climate communications in one of the most climate-vulnerable states in the nation. If you are a passionate, creative, and strategic communications leader who thrives in a fast-paced advocacy environment, we encourage you to apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to info@cleoinstitute.org.