From time to time, Oil & Water Don't Mix has opportunities to assist in advancing this movement in a more meaningful way. We're primarily a volunteer organization but occasionally offer paid positions. When these positions occur, they will be listed here.
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Communications Specialist Consultant
Posted 2/15/22
Reports To: The communications specialist is an independent contractor guided by a work plan and accountable to the Oil & Water Don't Mix (OWDM) Coordinator and Steering Committee.
Context: Thousands of families, businesses, and workers from across Michigan are working to keep oil out of the Great Lakes and spur a transition to a clean energy economy and mitigate the impact of a disruptive climate. They have organized under the banner of Oil & Water Don't Mix, a grassroots coalition guided by a steering committee representing environmental, tribal, and civic groups.
We are a movement and come from all walks of life. We have our areas of focus, including concerns about water quality, Indigenous rights, climate change, pollution, sustainable economies, protecting sporting, commerce, and tourism, and protecting the jobs dependent on our water and our Pure Michigan way of life.
The singular objective of our efforts is to shut down the ticking time bomb in the Straits of Mackinac: The nearly 70-year-old twin Line 5 pipelines, which carry 23 million gallons of oil and natural gas every day. If these damaged and dangerous pipelines rupture, experts say the impact on Michigan and the Great Lakes could be catastrophic. Canadian pipeline owner Enbridge has proposed extending the life of Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac in a dangerous oil tunnel.
Scope: The Communications Specialist Consultant will provide knowledgeable, accurate, and timely information to journalists, media outlets, and others within a coalition of individuals and groups who work collaboratively toward achieving Oil & Water Don't Mix priority goals. The Communications Specialist Consultant will be part of a collaborative team that includes campaign and digital coordinators, organizers, and others accountable to the Oil & Water Don't Mix Steering Committee.
Activities include but are not limited to:
- Work with journalists and others to ensure Michigan, regional and national media coverage is comprehensive and includes the best scientific and other expert information, analysis, and opinion reflecting the serious nature of the Line 5 pipeline threat to Michigan, the Great Lakes, and our climate.
- Work within the OWDM team on developing effective media and other communications strategies.
- Establish and maintain relationships with Michigan print, radio, television, and online reporters.
- Collaborate with other OWDM consultants and volunteers on email communications to OWDM supporters.
- Assist with rapid media response on fast-breaking Line 5 stories.
- Maintain and update media distribution lists.
- Monitor and distribute to Steering Committee members and others' media coverage related to Line 5 and other priority OWDM issues.
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:
- Ability to write creatively and concisely to convey a clear message.
- Ability to organize and structure press releases and other media materials.
- Media relations skills and knowledge to communicate with reporters and editors about the Line 5 issue.
- Experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across the group
- identities and position/role.
- Familiarity with Associated Press style.
- Proficiency in the use of social media applications.
- Commitment to environmental and social justice values.
- Ability and commitment to participating in regular, weekly meetings with colleagues and allies.
- Ability to work remotely.
The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following experience, skills, and competencies:
- Ability to manage multiple essential priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of effectiveness. Skill in using discretion, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with confidential, controversial, or sensitive matters, as well as being a problem-solver.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly compelling storytelling and communicating impact.
- Knowledge of Michigan, Great Lakes regional and national media markets
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
- Experience with Nation Builder and social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Twitter
Compensation
A monthly consulting fee in the range of $1,000 to $1,500.
Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to Sean McBrearty/ smcbrearty at cleanwater.org and David Holtz/ david at davidholtz.org. Please do not contact us by phone.