World Resources Institute
Urban Development Communications Manager
World Resources Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.
About the Program:
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities aims to transform the way cities are planned and designed to ensure that urban development benefits people, nature and the climate. Through creative and sustainable local partnerships, we help decision-makers navigate competing tensions so they can adapt and harness the benefits of systemic change. Our network of local and international experts work in more than 150 cities across 75 countries. We produce practical, data-driven research on how fast-growing urban areas can deliver core services like transport, housing, clean water and sanitation to all residents while simultaneously restoring nature and stabilizing the climate. We work hand-in-hand with local leaders to advance solutions ranging from electric mobility to resilient water systems to better public transit and urban land use. And we forge long-term partnerships and coalitions to ensure that cities not only create change but sustain it.
Job Highlight:
Reporting to Director, Global Communications & Engagement, you will integrate equity into your work. You will oversee communications strategies and products related to the Urban Development workstream, which works across country and regional offices to deliver research, data, tools, capacity-building offers, and policy recommendations to further climate-resilient urban development and design. You will be a member of both the Urban Development team and the Global Communications team, and you will report to the WRI Ross Center Director for Global Communications and Engagement.
You will develops and executes communication strategies and materials for projects within the Urban Development program, ensuring a coherent vision and narrative for the entire portfolio. The primary function of this role is to elevate the profile of Urban Development and the projects within it, both within WRI and externally. You will accomplish this by developing clear communications strategies and priorities for both the Urban Development program as a whole, and specific projects within it, including the Deep Dives work, Urban Heat portfolio, REHOUSE (Resilient, Equitable Housing, Opportunities and Urban Services), Urban Shift, and various projects related to advancing urban nature-based solutions.
You will manage the UD Communications Associate, and will coordinate closely with the rest of the Global Comms team, to produce a wide variety of deliverables including but not limited to: reports, blog posts, social media campaigns, webinars, in-person events, newsletters, and videos. This role will also help maintain a web presence for the Urban Development program and associated projects.
As part of the Global Communications team, you will help support priority deliverables for the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, which include support for global events such as COP and World Urban Forum, among other things. This would also include liaising and coordinating with WRI's Core Communications team.
What will you do:
Develop, manage and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for Urban Development Create an updated narrative for Urban Development that explains the work of the program, integrates the role of Livable Neighborhoods as a key goal and lens for the work, and offers a clear foundation to build upon for a range of UD communications materials, including an updated project page, slide decks, blog posts and social campaigns Work with various Urban Development project teams to execute on specific project deliverables that include reports, blogs, social media campaigns, webinars, in-person events, newsletters, and videos Lead key Urban Shift Communications deliverables until the project ends in October 2025, including the final annual report, and support on key events (e.g. Africa Forum) and handover of communications assets Contribute to ongoing management of the Urban Development narrative, while also contributing to internal activities for the Urban Development team, including retreats and meetings Coordinate and produce insightful, well-researched, and narrative-driven blog posts and Insights articles that reflect the work of Urban Development Coordinate external events, including webinars, advocacy events, and workshops Help manage the web presence for Urban Development and its associated projects Liaise with WRI Core Comms to amplify the work of Urban Development across institutional social accounts on a regular basis, with additional amplification around key events and comms product releases Contribute to key deliverables for WRI Ross Centre, including supporting key global events such as COP and World Urban Forum What will you need:
Education: You have a completed bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, international relations, public policy, or related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted Experience: You have minimum 7 yr of full-time professional experience in creating and implementing communications strategies and high-level content Excellent writing and editing skills (journalistic writing and annual report writing experience a plus) Excellent web content, social media, and email marketing skills (Hootsuite/Emplifi/Pardot/Salesforce experience a plus) Strong organizational, coordination, and project management skills Professional experience at an environmental or scientific organization and understanding of issues related to the environment, climate, sustainability and urban development, especially as it relates to sustainable cities Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in conversation and in writing Excellent design sense and visual storytelling ability (Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Premier Pro skills a plus) Critical thinker who can analyze complex and technical content and convey it in engaging infographics and other visual forms Ability to work cooperatively with others, demonstrate flexibility in fulfilling assignments, and be proactive in planning, researching, and pitching ideas Strong computer skills, including knowledge of website content management systems (Drupal/WordPress/CSS skills a plus) Ability to work calmly and enthusiastically under high pressure Ability to assess impact of communications strategies and outputs, familiarity with Google Analytics Detail oriented and organized thinker who can juggle multiple, competing priorities Languages: Fluent in English (proficiency in one of the following languages a plus: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, or Bahasa Indonesia) Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization Potential Salary: US salary range is between 96,000 and 116,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 13 February 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.
We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter in addition to your resume.
You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours Generous leave days that increase with tenure Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution
About Us:
Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.
The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world's greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people's lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
Our mission and values:
WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.
Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.
Our culture:
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.
About the Program:
WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities aims to transform the way cities are planned and designed to ensure that urban development benefits people, nature and the climate. Through creative and sustainable local partnerships, we help decision-makers navigate competing tensions so they can adapt and harness the benefits of systemic change. Our network of local and international experts work in more than 150 cities across 75 countries. We produce practical, data-driven research on how fast-growing urban areas can deliver core services like transport, housing, clean water and sanitation to all residents while simultaneously restoring nature and stabilizing the climate. We work hand-in-hand with local leaders to advance solutions ranging from electric mobility to resilient water systems to better public transit and urban land use. And we forge long-term partnerships and coalitions to ensure that cities not only create change but sustain it.
Job Highlight:
Reporting to Director, Global Communications & Engagement, you will integrate equity into your work. You will oversee communications strategies and products related to the Urban Development workstream, which works across country and regional offices to deliver research, data, tools, capacity-building offers, and policy recommendations to further climate-resilient urban development and design. You will be a member of both the Urban Development team and the Global Communications team, and you will report to the WRI Ross Center Director for Global Communications and Engagement.
You will develops and executes communication strategies and materials for projects within the Urban Development program, ensuring a coherent vision and narrative for the entire portfolio. The primary function of this role is to elevate the profile of Urban Development and the projects within it, both within WRI and externally. You will accomplish this by developing clear communications strategies and priorities for both the Urban Development program as a whole, and specific projects within it, including the Deep Dives work, Urban Heat portfolio, REHOUSE (Resilient, Equitable Housing, Opportunities and Urban Services), Urban Shift, and various projects related to advancing urban nature-based solutions.
You will manage the UD Communications Associate, and will coordinate closely with the rest of the Global Comms team, to produce a wide variety of deliverables including but not limited to: reports, blog posts, social media campaigns, webinars, in-person events, newsletters, and videos. This role will also help maintain a web presence for the Urban Development program and associated projects.
As part of the Global Communications team, you will help support priority deliverables for the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, which include support for global events such as COP and World Urban Forum, among other things. This would also include liaising and coordinating with WRI's Core Communications team.
What will you do:
Develop, manage and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for Urban Development Create an updated narrative for Urban Development that explains the work of the program, integrates the role of Livable Neighborhoods as a key goal and lens for the work, and offers a clear foundation to build upon for a range of UD communications materials, including an updated project page, slide decks, blog posts and social campaigns Work with various Urban Development project teams to execute on specific project deliverables that include reports, blogs, social media campaigns, webinars, in-person events, newsletters, and videos Lead key Urban Shift Communications deliverables until the project ends in October 2025, including the final annual report, and support on key events (e.g. Africa Forum) and handover of communications assets Contribute to ongoing management of the Urban Development narrative, while also contributing to internal activities for the Urban Development team, including retreats and meetings Coordinate and produce insightful, well-researched, and narrative-driven blog posts and Insights articles that reflect the work of Urban Development Coordinate external events, including webinars, advocacy events, and workshops Help manage the web presence for Urban Development and its associated projects Liaise with WRI Core Comms to amplify the work of Urban Development across institutional social accounts on a regular basis, with additional amplification around key events and comms product releases Contribute to key deliverables for WRI Ross Centre, including supporting key global events such as COP and World Urban Forum What will you need:
Education: You have a completed bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, international relations, public policy, or related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted Experience: You have minimum 7 yr of full-time professional experience in creating and implementing communications strategies and high-level content Excellent writing and editing skills (journalistic writing and annual report writing experience a plus) Excellent web content, social media, and email marketing skills (Hootsuite/Emplifi/Pardot/Salesforce experience a plus) Strong organizational, coordination, and project management skills Professional experience at an environmental or scientific organization and understanding of issues related to the environment, climate, sustainability and urban development, especially as it relates to sustainable cities Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in conversation and in writing Excellent design sense and visual storytelling ability (Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Premier Pro skills a plus) Critical thinker who can analyze complex and technical content and convey it in engaging infographics and other visual forms Ability to work cooperatively with others, demonstrate flexibility in fulfilling assignments, and be proactive in planning, researching, and pitching ideas Strong computer skills, including knowledge of website content management systems (Drupal/WordPress/CSS skills a plus) Ability to work calmly and enthusiastically under high pressure Ability to assess impact of communications strategies and outputs, familiarity with Google Analytics Detail oriented and organized thinker who can juggle multiple, competing priorities Languages: Fluent in English (proficiency in one of the following languages a plus: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, or Bahasa Indonesia) Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization Potential Salary: US salary range is between 96,000 and 116,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.
How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 13 February 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.
We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter in addition to your resume.
You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.
What we offer:
Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours Generous leave days that increase with tenure Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution
About Us:
Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.
The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world's greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people's lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.
Our mission and values:
WRI's mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.
Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.
Our culture:
WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.
Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.