Director of Communications

About Our Organization

Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 to engage Republican policymakers and the public about responsible, conservative solutions to address our nation’s energy, economic and environmental security while increasing America’s competitive edge. This work includes building out robust political and advocacy operations to support Republican clean energy champions in the U.S. House and Senate. In addition to working with Members of Congress and legislative staffs to discuss policy ideas, the CRES team members also collaborate with industry representatives and subject matter experts in their mission to bring Americans together to solve our most pressing issues. CRES policy goals include:

• Reducing global emissions and growing the U.S. economy.
• Enacting policy that builds off historically successful approaches to affordable clean energy.
• Affordably reducing domestic emissions in a manner that can be leveraged globally.

To further its mission, CRES established CRES Forum in 2017 to educate the public and influence the national conversation around clean energy solutions that are actionable, market-friendly and responsible. CRES Forum provides expert information to key decision makers, so they are empowered to act in addition to support annual forums and events, such as National Clean Energy Week, to demonstrate how clean energy policies strengthen the economy, enhance America’s vital national security interests and help to preserve our environment for future generations.

Scope of Work:

The Director of Communications advances CRES' strategic priorities, mission and vision by executing a comprehensive communications and media strategy and strengthening the organization’s public profile. This role ensures consistent and effective messaging to legislators, policymakers, the media and the public—reinforcing CRES' reputation as a leader in climate and clean energy advocacy. The Director also plays a pivotal role in crafting compelling content, monitoring the media landscape, refining messaging strategies and building key relationships with external and government stakeholders.

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and collaborating closely with the Government Affairs, External Relations and Policy teams, the Director helps shape public discourse, engage diverse audiences and enhance CRES’ positioning. A primary responsibility of this role is to support CRES’ long-term strategic planning. These duties include—but are not limited to—identifying opportunities to insert CRES as an expert voice and/or areas for engagement to expand CRES’ reach and exposure.

The Director should demonstrate a strong desire to grow into a managerial role by fostering collaboration, supporting colleagues and contributing to the development of high-performing teams.

Responsibilities:

• Drafts a wide range of external communications materials including press releases, media advisories, talking points, op-eds and executive remarks, ensuring alignment with CRES’s messaging priorities.
• Supports CRES staff and spokespeople for external speaking engagements by developing briefing materials and conducting prep sessions.
• Monitors news coverage and social media to assess media sentiment, track relevant narratives and identify proactive and responsive opportunities to insert CRES messaging.
• Leads the development and delivery of recurring communications products, such as the CRES newsletters, in coordination with internal staff and external consultants.
• Builds and maintains relationships with Congressional communications staff and monitors public statements from lawmakers and relevant stakeholders to inform CRES communications efforts.
• Leads CRES’ Capitol Hill Communicators Program, including coordination with affiliated caucuses and foundations such as the Conservative Climate Caucus and the Western Caucus Foundation.
• Organizes and manages C6WC (Cool Conservative Communicators Collaborating on Climate Change with CRES) programming and events, ensuring alignment with CRES communications goals.
• Serves as a thought partner with the development of broader communications strategies in support of legislative priorities, events and issue campaigns, in partnership with the Vice President and the other Director of Communications.
• Provides strategic direction for the development of multimedia content and digital assets—including blogs, social media, and videos—while collaborating with internal team members and vendors to ensure brand consistency.
• Assists with the drafting and editing of high-level organizational documents such as annual reports, polling decks, briefing memos and messaging frameworks as needed.
• Supports the implementation of the communications workplan by contributing to goal tracking, reporting and performance measurement in coordination with the Vice President and Director of Communications.
• Collaborates with the External Relations team to provide communications support for grant proposals, reporting and donor engagement.
• Ensures adherence to CRES brand and style guidelines across all external-facing communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Professional Attributes:

• Demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership: Effectively leads communications efforts with a clear vision, guiding cross-departmental collaboration to achieve organizational goals.
• Manages competing priorities: Excels at juggling multiple tasks, meeting tight deadlines and maintaining focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Politically savvy: Possesses strong instincts and the ability to anticipate how others, including media and policymakers, will respond to CRES' communications and initiatives.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills: Produces high-quality content quickly, with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to adapt messaging for diverse audiences.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented: Demonstrates excellent organizational skills, ensuring seamless execution of communications strategies and materials.
• Collaborative and team-focused: Works well across teams, driving consensus and supporting colleagues to maximize organizational impact.
• Creative and adaptable problem-solver: Develops innovative solutions to enhance messaging and media engagement strategies.
• Aspires to develop managerial skills : Demonstrates a strong desire to grow into a leadership role by fostering collaboration, guiding team efforts and mentoring colleagues to achieve high performance and shared success.

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• Required:
• 6+ years of communications, press, or media relations experience in a policy, political, or advocacy setting
• Bachelor's degree in communications, political science, public relations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Outstanding writing and communication skills
• Experience writing press releases and op-eds
• Existing relationships with beltway reporters, Capitol Hill communicators, etc.
• Demonstrated experience engaging Republican policymakers, conservative policy organizations, or center-right audiences, including building relationships with relevant offices, coalitions, and media, and advancing policy communications objectives with those audiences.

• Preferred:
• Existing relationships with energy beat reporters
• Knowledge of energy and/or environmental policy
• Experience working in federal or state government
• Experience working at a not-for-profit or similar organization to CRES
• Social media management

Compensation and Competitive Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $110,000 – 130,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position. CRES is committed to pay equity and transparency and offers a competitive compensation and benefits package:

• Excellent health, vision, dental and prescription drug insurance
• Paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Retirement plan match
• Transportation benefit
• Cell phone reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

CRES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CRES’ policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment and provides equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal law or the D.C. Human Rights Act.

How to Apply:

Please include “ Director of Communications” in your subject line and send your CV and cover letter to: