ACORE Director, Communications

ACORE • Full-time • Washington • 12h ago

Position Title:         Director, Communications
Department:           Communications
Reports to:           Senior Vice President, Communications

Who We Are:
The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion – and we’ve been doing it for over 20 years. The ACORE staff bring decades of experience, passion, and dedication to their jobs, which translates into tenacious execution for our members and partners in driving the clean energy revolution forward. We believe in a clean energy future. We also believe in enjoying where you work. ACORE is proud to be named by The Nonprofit Times as one of the best nonprofits to work for in 2023.

Who We’re Looking For:
The Director of Communications is a senior member of ACORE’s communications team, responsible for shaping and stewarding the organization’s voice across all platforms. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Communications, the Director will:

Translate organizational strategy into compelling narratives for policymakers, media, and industry stakeholders.
Lead the development of high-impact materials—including policy briefs, reports, op-eds, executive remarks, and rapid-response communications.
Oversee day-to-day communications operations, media relations, and brand consistency.

This role is ideal for a collaborative, experienced communicator who can contribute to the big-picture strategy while rolling up their sleeves to drive execution. The Director will play a central role in elevating ACORE’s visibility, amplifying its thought leadership, and strengthening its reputation as a leading clean energy think tank.

This position is based in Washington, D.C. ACORE has a hybrid work environment that allows team members a combination of in-office work and telework.

Key Job Duties:

Team & Project Leadership

Mentor the Communications Manager, providing guidance and feedback to support professional growth.
Manage contractors, consultants, and external communications partners as needed.
Oversee cross-departmental communications deliverables including:
- Develop project plans, assign tasks, and establish clear timelines.
- Coordinate cross-departmental input and approvals.
- Track progress to ensure deadlines and quality standards are met.
- Maintain communications calendars and workflows to align priorities across the organization.
Oversee the tracking and analysis of communications metrics to assess campaign effectiveness and inform future strategy.

Strategic Communications

Partner with the SVP to implement ACORE’s communications strategy and oversee day-to-day execution.
Serve as a steward of ACORE’s brand, ensuring consistent voice and messaging across all channels.
Draft and edit priority communications materials—policy briefs, fact sheets, comment letters, op-eds, executive speeches, and other high-level content.

Media Relations & Public Engagement

Cultivate relationships with journalists, manage proactive media outreach
Serve as a secondary press contact and prepare executives for media engagement.
Position ACORE as a go-to resource for clean energy policy and market expertise.

The Must-Haves:

Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy and business issues into compelling content.
A strategic thinker with proven success in communications leadership roles.
Strong media relations background with experience cultivating press relationships and managing proactive outreach.
Fluent in AP style.
Collaborative leadership style with experience managing staff and cross-functional teams.
Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment.
Expert understanding of the clean energy sector, with particular focus on finance, trade, transmission, permitting, and major legislative and regulatory battles.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or relevant field.
8–12 years of progressively responsible communications experience, ideally within a mission-driven nonprofit, trade association, clean energy company, or public affairs/PR firm.
Demonstrated experience managing staff and leading integrated communications campaigns.

The Perks of Working at ACORE:

Competitive salary.
Robust health care options.
Generous vacation policy with 15 vacation days in your first year.
11 federal holidays, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Paid parental leave.
Hybrid work schedule.
401(k) retirement plan that includes an employer contribution.
Educational assistance program.

Non-Discrimination
ACORE is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal-opportunity employer 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.

Compensation (Dependent on Experience): Director $115,000-$140,000