Communications Manager

Envision Resilience works to advance innovative city planning and design in the face of climate change through student and community partnerships. By connecting current and future professionals working across disciplines, the organization creates opportunities for communities to reimagine climate challenges and inspire resilient solutions. Envision Resilience, originally developed by Remain, is part of the philanthropic organizations and initiatives created and funded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to work toward a healthy, resilient, secure world for all.

The signature program, the Envision Resilience Challenge, is an annual place-based, multi-university design studio run in communities throughout the Northeast. Graduate and undergraduate students studying architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture partner with communities through an iterative process that produces speculative designs for adapting neighborhoods, parks, businesses and waterfronts in the face of climate change. With each new Challenge, Envision Resilience has addressed the pressing environmental challenges

facing communities, like rising seas and increased flooding, and their impact on issues ranging

from transportation and access to housing and food security. As the Challenge alumni step into

the professional world, they bring with them the experience of designing in community—collaborating with residents, thinking across disciplines and shaping a more

optimistic, adaptive future.

The Communications Manager will report directly to the Executive Director, with the primary task of developing and implementing the communications strategy for the organization, including external and partner communications, media relations and branding. The Communications Manager will lead overall efforts to raise visibility and drive interest for Envision Resilience while enhancing the brand identity and narrative of the organization, its mission and its projects.

Key responsibilities for this role include the following:

• Create a communications strategy and manage brand guidelines
• Develop internal communication systems for effective management of annual Challenges, community partner outreach, university partner outreach and press announcements
• Engage in effective, creative and collaborative storytelling about the work of each Challenge year, the community partners, university partners, grantees and other mission-related projects
• Write newsletter articles, press releases, media pitches, studio reports and other materials
• Work with the team to produce films, including concept development, script writing, video production and vendor coordination
• Copyedit materials written by Envision Resilience team
• Foster strong relationships with university communications departments for collaboration and cross promotion
• Work with the broader Schmidt organization communications team to identify opportunities for collaboration to amplify reach and messaging
• Participate in entity-wide communication team

• Manage other Envision Resilience projects, as assigned by Executive Director
• Lead visual storytelling efforts including production of annual mini documentary 
• Support annual exhibition—strategy, design, promotion
• Work with the Research Associate to publish, market and promote all studio work to date (2021-2025) – 2024 Studio Report here

• Refine and implement branding guidelines aligned with strategic communications plan for Envision Resilience
• Maintain and distribute Envision Resilience branding guidelines for internal and external communications and marketing strategies
• Create and manage content for the Envision Resilience website and social media channels
• Manage photo, video, graphics and design archive

• Manage external agency relationships 
• Serve as point person on all major communications 
• Develop and execute media outreach strategies 
• Write press releases and media advisories 
• Establish strong relationships with key media to generate media coverage for Remain work, partners and grantees 
• Provide executive communications support, including development of talking points and presentations

• Passion for working toward just, inclusive, adaptive and resilient climate futures
• 7 - 10 years of experience in public and media relations, marketing, journalism or related field
• Experience in climate or environmental science, architecture or planning, urban studies is preferred 
• Demonstrated track record of developing and implementing communications strategy
• Ability to foster and maintain positive and productive collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and other stakeholders
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and pivot quickly and easily when priorities change
• Resourceful, adaptable, accurate, creative and results-oriented with high energy
• Interest and background in sustainability, resilience and community development
• Adaptability and comfort in working in a fast-paced environment to help develop and implement new tools, frameworks and systems
• Ability and skills to help turn visionary ideas into innovative solutions
• Effective storyteller with the ability to proactively find stories, news and information relevant to internal and external audiences
• Ability to foster and maintain positive and productive collaborative relationships with a high volume of external partners, stakeholders, universities
• Have a proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills
• Exercise discretion and exhibit sound judgment and decision-making when interacting with media
• Attentive to detail, with highest standards for quality, accuracy and consistency
• Self-starter, highly motivated, hands-on professional, with the ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively
• High energy
• Proven ability to proactively establish rapport, credibility and influence in a highly collaborative team environment

This is an exempt position.

Envision Resilience is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply