About the Opportunity

AWR is seeking a strategic and versatile Senior Communications Associate to lead the organization's communications functions in support of AWR's federal wildfire policy and advocacy priorities. This position will shepherd AWR's newsletter, develop and steward organizational media channels, drive earned media strategy, and coordinate paid media and grassroots list activation with outside contractors. The role also works closely with policy staff and AWR's Principal Researcher to translate substantive policy and research work into public-facing communications products. Audiences also include lawmakers, legislative staff, and administration officials. The position is also the point of contact for communications contractors and consultants, including media strategy, paid media, and grassroots list vendors.

The ideal candidate combines strong writing and editorial judgment with experience developing communications strategy for a small organization, managing outside communications vendors, and working cross-functionally with policy and research staff. Experience in wildfire, natural resources, environmental, or related public policy communications is strongly preferred.

The Senior Communications Associate will work closely with the Managing Director of Partnerships and collaborate regularly with AWR's policy, research, and government relations staff. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Managing Director of Partnerships. The position is fully remote within the U.S., with periodic travel for partner meetings, media events, and conferences (estimated 2 to 4 trips per year).

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Administration (25%)

• Support the development and implementation of AWR's overall communications strategy.
• Develop and maintain AWR's communications channels, ensuring consistent voice, cadence, and quality.
• Support the development of AWR's brand, voice, and design (e.g., visual style guide, templates, visuals).
• Work with AWR's Managing Directors to enhance fundraising narrative strategy, including offering thought partnership around how to frame and relay impact, and reviewing donor materials and reports.
• Track and report on communications metrics and effectiveness to inform strategy and funder reporting.

Communications Support (35%)

• Create and disseminate communications products (such as briefs, fact sheets, and public-facing summaries) from AWR staff policy and research work.
• Support the development and dissemination of in-house publications (such as technical guides and research papers) including editing content and collaborating with third-party partners.
• Develop materials for periodic virtual and in-person events, briefings, and lobby days.
• Prepare staff and coalition members for media interviews and public speaking opportunities.
• Collaborate with partner organizations to develop and disseminate communication materials (such as letters, talking points, one-pagers, op-eds, and press templates and materials) for coalitional work.

Earned and Paid Media (20%)

• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and reporters covering wildfire, natural resources, and related federal policy.
• Produce and distribute press releases and other earned media materials for AWR, with an eye toward policy impact on legislative and administration audiences.
• Monitor media coverage relevant to AWR's policy priorities and identify opportunities for AWR engagement, including rapid response to breaking news or fast-moving developments.
• Work with outside contractors to inform media strategy, production, and rollout.

Newsletter and List Management (20%)

• Manage the production, distribution, and growth of AWR's monthly newsletter.
• Work with outside contractors to support grassroots list development and activation.
• Develop content to support the maintenance and growth of AWR's grassroots lists.
• Maintain AWR's contact databases.

Requirements

Note: These qualifications are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, so if you have 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Experience can include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work that helped you to build the competencies, knowledge, and skills needed for this position. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

Key Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy and research findings into clear, compelling public-facing content.
• Experience developing and executing earned media strategy, including press release production and journalist relationship-building.
• Demonstrated ability to manage outside communications, media, and grassroots contractors and vendors.
• Strong editorial judgment and copy editing skills.
• Experience managing newsletter or email communications production and distribution.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate effectively with internal staff, partner organizations, and outside contractors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education or equivalent work experience in communications, journalism, public policy, or a related field.
• 4-7 years of experience in nonprofit, advocacy, congressional, or public policy communications.
• Experience developing or stewarding organizational media channels, such as social media and blogs.
• Experience with science communication highly valued.
• Experience working with paid media and grassroots mobilization contractors.
• Graphic design and video editing proficiency, such as experience with Adobe Premiere or CapCut.
• Experience with multi-organization grassroots coalitions or membership organizations.

Benefits

The Senior Communications Associate starting salary range is: $90,000 - $100,000 annually, salary commensurate with related work experience and qualifications.

We have an alternate Fridays off work schedule (employees work 40 hours one week, 32 hours the next week). The position has a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with a 5% match, and generous paid time off. Benefits also include a technology allowance, student loan repayment assistance, the Calm app, mental health benefits and approximately 17 paid holidays per year.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter - please be sure to address your experiences creating communication products, any relevant subject area expertise, and developing communications plans and channels. Applicants encouraged to apply by October 5, 2026.