Media/Press/Communications Director

The Future Referenceis hiring a part-time Climate Communications Consultant to lead projects for climate tech startups. Draft press releases with client approval; pitch news stories to media; write speeches, articles and posts; create social media campaigns. Ability to strategize at the CEO level required to launch and quickly build awareness for new companies raising venture capital. As a senior member of a small consulting team, be ready to help in any way necessary – below, above and outside your job description. Must be a proactive, action-oriented, positive person who stays three steps ahead of the clients.

The Future Reference is fundamentally changing the way we think about our own place on earth by helping our partners define and execute fast-paced change for the new sustainable future. We combine the collective expertise of leading climate scientists, seasoned public relations experts and top political strategists to collaborate with clients solving the climate crisis. We create perspective shifting strategies and communications for Fortune 100 companies, federal government agencies, and the most promising Silicon Valley climate tech startups. Our work drives financial investment, sustainability reputations and regenerative behaviors. We are a California-based Benefit Corporation, placing social and environmental values on an equal footing with profits.www.thefuturereference.co

Location: Hybrid in the San Francisco Bay Area. We have a co-working space on San Francisco’s Embarcadero to meet once per week (more or less).

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of climate change, familiarity with greenhouse gas mitigation, carbon removal strategies, alternatives to plastic, regenerative agriculture and/or blue economy technologies. Excellent writing and editing skills, and experience managing complex projects under tight deadlines. This position requires collaborating directly with C-level clients and their teams, both in person (Bay Area) and remotely. Reports to the Managing Director of The Future Reference and works with our small, decentralized team.

Qualifications

Specific duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

+ Create a wide range of communications-related deliverables, such as developing and producing technical and non-technical press releases, speeches, articles, posts; developing materials for social media campaigns; creating presentations and conference materials

+ Pitch stories to media, secure interviews, media train clients, sit in on interviews and track resulting stories. Build client’s reputation through media attention, traditionally or creatively

+ Create communications plans in advance for conferences, press campaigns, new products

+ Serve as a writer, editor, and copy editor on a wide range of proposals, articles, speeches and other products

+ Provide strategic consultation to clients around new product launches, creative ways to raise awareness, new partnerships, financing rounds, scaling their business, organizational structure and more

+ Knowledge of climate change sector including understanding the many complex concepts, influencers, major events and how climate communications are evolving right now

Minimum Qualifications:

+ BA/BS in climate science, communications, journalism, or related degree

+ 8+ years of work experience in a relevant field and preferably at least 5 years of direct experience in a similar role including: climate change, CDR, oceans and adaptation.

+ Familiarity with the climate tech or tech startup world

Preferred Experience/Expertise:

+ Master’s degree in climate science, communications, journalism, or related field

+ Experience managing communications for applied complex climate technologies

+ Experience juggling multiple competing priorities on tight deadlines and knowing the difference between important vs. urgent tasks

+ High level of professionalism, grace under pressure, collaborative yet willing to take charge as needed. Ability to “read the room”.

+ Evolved ego that can defer to the client’s decision and do all levels of work

+ Detail-oriented and self-motivated

+ Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-focused environment where you need to build consensus across multiple individuals and organizations.

+ Confident in executing without all of the information

+ Exceptional writing and editing skills.

Working atThe Future Reference

Working atTFRmeans you are passionate about meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the climate crisis. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed TFR staff tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, business and governments. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication and opportunity for growth.

We can only participate in the world’s toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. All qualified people are welcome to apply for this position, with at-home mothers and recent retirees encouraged. Note it is permanent part-time, about 20 hours per month. Workload is variable, sometimes with tight deadlines, sometimes with flexibility. Compensation is based on hours worked, with the rate based on qualifications. This position is an external consultant without benefits - with great flexibility, fun clients, a knowledgeable compassionate boss and rewarding work.

If you would like to work with us but possess a slightly different sustainability skill set, please reach out.