NRDC is a non-profit environmental advocacy organization. We use law, science, and the support of 3.1 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our people helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws, including the Clean Water Act and many of the implementing regulations. Today, our team of more than 700 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy advocates, communications experts, and others work across the United States and the globe from our offices in Beijing; Chicago; New Delhi; New York; San Francisco; Santa Monica; and Washington, D.C.

NRDC is seeking a Senior Writer, Executive Communications to work in the Executive Office department in one of our US offices.

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Senior Writer, Executive Communications plays a critical role in drafting, producing, and executing communications in the President & CEO’s voice. The Senior Writer transforms complex policy and organizational information into clear, compelling, and strategically aligned content for diverse audiences including staff, Trustees, donors, policymakers, and the public. 
 

Working under the direction of the Senior Manager, Executive Communications, this role produces written materials across internal communications, board engagement, speeches and talking points, social media content, event preparation, and briefing materials. The Senior Writer also fully owns all advance and travel preparation for the President’s external engagements. 
 

The successful candidate brings exceptional writing craft, strong organizational skills, and the ability to translate direction into polished, audience-ready communications. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions: 

Writing & Content Development 

• Draft, edit, and proof written and verbal communications across all platforms, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency with the President’s voice. 
• Prepare talking points, scripts, remarks, op-eds, blogs, social media content, briefing materials, and correspondence. 
• Conduct background research, fact-checking, and SME consultations to strengthen content. 
• Manage version control and coordinate the review process with internal stakeholders. 
   

External presence & audiences 

• External Speaking Events 
  • Draft all speeches, scripts, and talking points for confirmed engagements, incorporating research and strategic direction. 
  • Prepare full briefing books, background research, and scenario planning for each event. 
  • Support event pitching by drafting pitch language and researching hosts, audiences, and agendas. 
  • Provide onsite writing and real-time support during major events. 
• Social Media (President’s Voice) 
  • Draft and produce social media posts, including rapid-response content. 
  • Mine the President’s calendar, NRDC’s work, and news coverage for opportunities to highlight priority themes. 
  • Track analytics and audience engagement to inform future content. 
     

Internal & Board Communications 

• Internal Communications 
  • Draft all-staff, small-group, and individual emails; prepare internal remarks and materials for staff meetings or office visits. 
  • Convert leadership direction into clear communications tailored to staff needs. 
  • Support all aspects of internal messaging production and distribution. 
• Board Communications & Engagement 
  • Draft Board Book materials, Board presentations, talking points, and follow-up communications. 
  • Support onsite board engagement by preparing last-minute edits and day-of materials. 
     

Advance & Travel Support  

• Fully own all advance planning for external engagements: liaise with hosts, develop schedules, confirm logistics, and coordinate briefing sessions. 
• Prepare complete briefing books, timelines, scripts, travel materials, and contingency plans. 
• Manage all travel logistics and itineraries in partnership with the Executive Office. 
• Provide onsite support and real-time adjustments during events. 

Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Special Projects 

• Work closely with colleagues across the Executive Office, Communications, Development, Board Relations, and Program teams. 
• Support special projects and emerging needs related to executive communications. 
• Serv in a supporting role to the Senior Manager, Executive Communications, in the CEO Voice Working Group.  
   

The above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s responsibility. Other duties may be assigned.  

Minimum Education & Experience:   

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, writing, English, public affairs, or a related field. 
• 4+ years of experience writing for senior leaders or public figures (nonprofit, government, industry, academia preferred). 
• And/or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Skills, Abilities, Competencies  

• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with proven ability to adapt another person’s voice. 
• Strong research, interviewing, and content development abilities. 
• Ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
• Familiarity with climate change, environmental policy, or related issues (preferred). 
• Strong organizational and project-management skills. 
• Excellent proofreading, copyediting, and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently while incorporating feedback effectively. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. 
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and collegial attitude. 
• High discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S.–based offices and external events (10–15% annually). 
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles. 

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position within the described work environment. 

Frequently: Perform desk-based computer tasks 

Frequently: Ability to interact and communicate with employees and others as necessary 

Frequently:  Attend planned meetings and collaborate with management and coworkers 

Occasionally: Ability to attend events and activities in the office or offsite  

Work is sometimes performed primarily in office.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate in other situations.  Hours of employment may sometimes require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when necessitated by projects. The job includes work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters. 

NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We believe that celebrating and actively welcoming diverse voices and perspectives is essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and is commensurate with skills and experience. Internal equity will be reviewed and considered to determine a final offer. For this position, the salary range is $100,000 to $115,000.

NRDC operates under a hybrid work model. Employees are required to come to the office 8 days per month.

As a science-based organization, NRDC aims to do our part to help contain the COVID-19 public health crisis. For the sake of health, safety, and equity, we ask that people be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or other exemption in accordance with state and local law. We consider a person to be vaccinated two weeks after receiving one full course of a CDC-approved vaccine. In accordance with state or local law, new hires will be asked to attest to vaccination, those wishing to do so may request medical or religious accommodations or other exemptions via NRDC Employee Relations. NRDC treats all vaccine-related data confidentially, in keeping with local, state, and federal laws.

To apply, visit www.nrdc.org/careers and upload your résumé and cover letter. Please mention where you saw this posting and upload any additional materials that showcase your abilities. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact only those candidates we would like to interview. Please no phone calls, emails, or in-person résumé drop-offs.

If you experience technical problems while applying or if you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying online, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422.

For more about NRDC, visit www.nrdc.org.