Overview

Megafire Action is a startup nonprofit organization dedicated solely to developing and securing policy solutions to the megafire crisis. The scale and intensity of modern wildfires, especially megafires, demand an urgent and coordinated policy response. To meet this challenge, we advocate for reform at the national and state level, with a special focus on landscape management, community resilience and better use of innovative technology solutions.

Megafire Action has established itself as a leading driver of wildfire policy change. We are looking for a leader with a track record of excellence to lead our strategic communications and public affairs work.

This leader is driven, has a hands-on, ownership mentality, and will bring an outcomes-focused approach to leading Megafire Action’s strategic communications efforts.

Position Summary

This role reports to the CEO and will collaborate with the leadership team in place at Megafire Action (National Policy Director, Research Director and the head of Operations & Growth) as well as the to-be-hired Executive Director of the Association of Firetech Innovation, on the communication and amplification strategies necessary to champion legislation and expand Megafire Action’s voice and style as we pursue continued bi-partisan success in the wildfire policy space. This role is a critical full-time position. The Director will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to influence and and get the attention of the media, funders/donors and critically, decision -makers. The position leads and operates with the goal that catastrophic wildfire is a crisis that can be solved.

The Communications Director will:

• Serve as a chief strategist and thought partner in positioning the organization’s message, brand and advancing broader wildfire policy priorities.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to advance policy goals and engage key stakeholders, including policymakers, media, donors, and the public.
• Long-term: Cultivate a dynamic team that transforms Megafire Action into a vibrant hub for communication and education, leading the charge in managing fire, learning to live with fire in our communities and landscapes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a communications strategy that amplifies Megafire’s work on wildfire policy and advances the organization’s broader legislative and policy goals.
• Craft compelling and persuasive messaging tailored to different audiences, including policymakers, partners, donors, and the general public.
• Ensure brand consistency and alignment across all external communications.
• Work closely with Megafire leadership and policy teams to translate complex issues into accessible narratives, and support fundraising and development efforts by crafting compelling donor communications.
• Coordinate with coalition partners to align messaging and maximize impact
• Proactively pitch stories to press and identify external engagement opportunities that further the cause of Megafire and its mission.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Creative problem solver with entrepreneurial spirit and self-starting nature.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with experience crafting persuasive campaigns.
• Proven ability to secure media coverage and manage press relationships.
• Familiarity with public policy, advocacy, and legislative processes.
• Ability to simplify complex policy issues into compelling, accessible narratives.
• Experience managing communications teams, agencies, or contractors is a plus.
• Experience developing and executing an organization’s strategic communications plan.
• A proven track record of starting and growing high functioning teams.

What makes candidates stand out:

• Strong interest in public policy, and legislative advocacy.
• Excellent writing skills and a finesse for positioning communications when it matters.
• Familiarity with legislative processes, policymaking and politics.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Superb interpersonal communication skills.
• A healthy skepticism of the status quo and drive to make a public case for systemic change.
• Knowing when to ask for help – A willingness to learn and adapt to changing organizational needs and opportunities.

Details:

• Hours: This position is a full-time, remote, salaried position
• Location: Remote
• Reports to: CEO
• Paid leave: Flexible PTO
• Healthcare and lifestyle stipends
• Retirement benefits

Megafire Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

At Megafire Action, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that individuals from all backgrounds, especially those from communities disproportionately affected by wildfires and environmental challenges, bring unique perspectives and experiences that are invaluable to our mission. We strongly encourage you to apply and be a part of our inclusive community.