Director of Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Communications

🔹 Company: Carbon180

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Remote-First)

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Environmental Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote-First, with proximity to Washington, D.C. required)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading communications, marketing, and PR efforts to support Carbon180's mission
• Developing and implementing strategies to enhance the organization's impact
• Managing a team and collaborating with senior leadership to drive strategic initiatives
• Fostering a culture of philanthropy and supporting fundraising efforts
• Bringing energy, enthusiasm, and bold vision to inspire the team and organization

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of communications, marketing, and PR strategies. The ideal candidate will have experience in the climate and policy fields and be committed to integrating practices informed by Traditional Ecological Knowledge and led by Indigenous, Black, and other historically underrepresented practitioners.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement communications, marketing, and PR strategies aligned with Carbon180's strategic plan

✅ Ensure Carbon180's unique value and impact are defined and articulated

✅ Drive professional and organizational growth conversations

✅ Collaborate with the senior leadership team to establish Carbon180's voice as a leader in the carbon removal field

✅ Build and lead a high-performing team through hiring, mentoring, and support

✅ Support organizational fundraising efforts by driving key messaging and creating fundraising collateral

✅ Plan and lead execution of innovative campaigns and efforts

✅ Develop and oversee the annual communications department budget

✅ Promote transparency, inclusivity, and open feedback

✅ Drive collaboration across teams for seamless project execution

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may evolve based on the organization's needs and the successful candidate's skills and interests.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience: 5+ years of experience in a leading strategic communications and/or marketing role within non-profit, government, or non-governmental organizations with a national reach

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in developing and executing communications, marketing, and PR strategies
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing teams and fostering professional development
• Excellent communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and media engagement in high-profile settings
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice (DEIBJ)
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to build structure out of chaos
• Expertise in the climate and policy fields, including a commitment to integrating practices informed by Traditional Ecological Knowledge and led by Indigenous, Black, and other historically underrepresented practitioners

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in policy communications and/or policy development
• Knowledge of public relations strategies and the ability to identify impactful PR opportunities
• Familiarity with CRM software

ASSUMPTION: The required and preferred skills listed above are essential for success in this role. However, Carbon180 is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $178,090 - $194,280 (with opportunities for growth up to $242,850)

Benefits:

• 36-hour workweeks (closing at 1 pm every Friday) and dedicated no-meeting time each week
• Remote-first flexible work culture
• Four weeks of PTO, three weeks of paid org-wide breaks, four weeks of sick leave, and five floating holidays/personal days
• 100% company-covered insurance premiums for medical/dental/vision/long-term disability for you and your dependents
• Quarterly health and wellness, book, and learning and development stipends

Working Hours: 36 hours per week, with flexible scheduling and the option to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on Carbon180's commitment to market-leading compensation and robust benefits for its employees. The organization conducts regular market analyses to ensure competitive salaries and safeguards internal salary equity.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Carbon180 is a climate NGO focused on removing legacy carbon emissions from the atmosphere and creating a livable climate for current and future generations. The organization designs and champions equitable, science-based policies that bring carbon removal solutions to gigaton scale.

Company Size: Carbon180 is a small to mid-sized organization with 11-50 employees, allowing for close collaboration and a strong team culture.

Founded: Carbon180 was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in Oakland, CA.

Company Description:

• Carbon180 is a new breed of climate NGO, committed to reversing two centuries of carbon emissions
• The organization prioritizes growth conversations, both professionally and organizationally
• Carbon180 fosters a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and open feedback

Company Specialties:

• Carbon removal solutions
• Policy development and advocacy
• Strategic communications and marketing

Company Website: www.carbon180.org

ASSUMPTION: Carbon180 is a mission-driven organization that values diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice. The company is committed to dismantling inequitable systems and harmful corporate norms and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, reporting directly to the Executive Director and overseeing a team of communications, marketing, and PR professionals.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Communications will report directly to the Executive Director and oversee a team of communications, marketing, and PR professionals.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a remote-first flexible work culture and the option to work remotely. However, the successful candidate must be within a two-hour driving distance of Washington, D.C.

Growth Opportunities:

• Carbon180 is a growing organization, offering opportunities for professional development and advancement
• The Director of Communications will have the opportunity to shape the organization's communications, marketing, and PR strategies and drive its impact
• The successful candidate will have the chance to work closely with senior leadership and contribute to Carbon180's mission and strategic plan

ASSUMPTION: The Director of Communications role is a critical position within Carbon180, offering significant opportunities for growth and impact. The successful candidate will have the chance to shape the organization's communications, marketing, and PR strategies and drive its mission forward.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Carbon180 has offices in Washington, D.C., and Oakland, CA, with a remote-first flexible work culture.

Office Location(s): 80 M St SE, Washington, District of Columbia 20003, US and 1111 Broadway, Floor 3, Oakland, CA 94607, US

Geographic Context:

• Washington, D.C. is the headquarters of Carbon180 and the location of the organization's main office
• The District of Columbia is a highly educated and diverse metropolitan area with a strong focus on environmental and social justice issues
• The successful candidate must be within a two-hour driving distance of Washington, D.C.

Work Schedule: 36 hours per week, with flexible scheduling and the option to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a remote-first flexible work environment and be able to manage their time and priorities effectively. They will also be able to collaborate and communicate effectively with team members in different locations.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the HR team
• Behavioral and situational interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and communications, marketing, and PR expertise
• Leadership skills and team management experience
• Alignment with Carbon180's mission, values, and culture
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic communications, marketing, and PR strategies, as well as your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice
• Showcase your ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and drive results
• Demonstrate your understanding of Carbon180's mission and values, and how you can contribute to the organization's success

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Team Management, Fundraising, Policy Communications, Creative Problem Solving, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will be thorough and comprehensive, designed to assess the candidate's skills, experience, and cultural fit with Carbon180. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to lead communications, marketing, and PR efforts, manage a team, and drive strategic initiatives.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
• Design and graphics software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or similar)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, or similar)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with relevant communications, marketing, and PR tools and technologies, as well as the ability to learn and adapt to new platforms as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• One Boat: We work hard to ensure that we are rowing in one direction as a team, aligning our work and resources to shared goals.
• Pencil to Pen: We think critically, do our research, and weigh multiple options. Then, we commit to move to action.
• Win + Lose Together: When one of us succeeds, we all win. When we encounter challenges, we determine how best to redirect the energy and resources of the team to solve them.
• Person in the Professional: Our team is composed of real people with real passions, interests, and needs within and outside of work. We believe we need to care for ourselves and others to be our best and most productive selves at work.
• Make Space, Share Space: We believe in making space for all voices to be heard, within our team and our broader work - particularly and especially voices historically disenfranchised and disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.
• Be a Window, Not a Door: We’re committed to transparency, and to shining light on how and why decisions are made. We are honest with one another, ask for clarity, and operate with integrity to build a culture of trust.
• Grow the Braintrust: We are committed to constantly learning, and to staying up to speed on the science of our field. We work to grow our knowledge, sharpen our skills, and to bring great minds to the field of carbon removal.

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and action-oriented
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Carbon180's commitment to making space for historically disenfranchised voices in our team and our broader work?
• How do you approach transparency and open communication in a team setting?
• How do you balance your personal needs and interests with your professional responsibilities?

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their alignment with Carbon180's values and work style, as well as their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The successful candidate will need to manage a team and drive strategic initiatives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• The role may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, or events
• The successful candidate will need to be comfortable working in a remote-first flexible work environment and managing their time and priorities effectively
• The successful candidate will need to be able to balance multiple priorities and deadlines and adapt to changes in the organization's needs and priorities

ASSUMPTION: The Director of Communications role is a challenging and demanding position that requires strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. The successful candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changes as needed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior-level communications, marketing, and PR positions in non-profit organizations, but with a unique focus on the climate and policy fields
• Carbon180's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice sets it apart from other organizations in the sector
• This role offers significant opportunities for growth and impact, as well as the chance to work closely with senior leadership and contribute to Carbon180's mission and strategic plan

ASSUMPTION: The Director of Communications role is a unique and exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of communications, marketing, and PR strategies. The successful candidate will have the chance to shape Carbon180's communications, marketing, and PR strategies and drive its mission forward.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communications, marketing, and PR strategy to launch a new carbon removal initiative
• Managing a team to create and distribute impact-oriented messaging and collateral for fundraising campaigns
• Collaborating with senior leadership to plan and execute a high-profile event or conference

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with relevant communications, marketing, and PR projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to lead teams, manage multiple priorities, and drive strategic initiatives.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Carbon180 prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice in its communications, marketing, and PR efforts?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the organization in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Carbon180 support the professional growth and development of its team members?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does Carbon180 approach collaboration and communication across teams and departments?

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to ask insightful and thoughtful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the organization, and the industry. They will also be able to articulate their skills, experience, and alignment with Carbon180's mission and values.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your strategic thinking, leadership skills, and cultural fit with Carbon180
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
• If you have any questions or issues submitting your application, please email us at hr@carbon180.org

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.