Director of Communications

ABOUT THE CLEO INSTITUTE

The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization exclusively dedicated to climate change education, engagement, and advocacy. Founded in 2010 in Miami, Florida, we work with front-line communities and their leaders to build climate literacy. We highlight the urgency of climate action and impact policy while championing solutions for a resilient future.

The CLEO Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and intersectional individuals are encouraged to apply.

Director of Communications

Full-time (40 hrs/week)

Reports to: VP of Partnerships & Policy, and CEO

Location: Must be based in one of our Florida markets: Miami, Orlando, Tampa or Tallahassee with periodic travel across the region. Hybrid work environment.

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary range: $80,000-$105,000, alongside a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid Life & Long-Term Disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k) plan with match, generous paid time off, flexible hybrid schedule, paid Parental Leave, professional development opportunities.

Position Summary

The Director of Communications is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing CLEO’s overall communications, brand, and marketing strategy. This role ensures that CLEO’s voice remains bold, credible, and resonant, across advocacy, education, and philanthropy audiences alike. The ideal candidate combines strategic communications expertise, creative storytelling, and analytical marketing acumen, leading a team that drives both movement impact and measurable growth.

This position requires a visionary communicator who can manage multiple priorities, translate complex climate and policy issues into accessible narratives, and build national visibility for CLEO’s mission. This position includes 2 direct reports: Communications Manager and Digital Communications Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and marketing strategy aligned with CLEO’s Vision 2030 and annual SMARTIE goals.
• Serve as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on brand positioning, public image, and narrative framing.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of communications, marketing, and creative professionals; manage external vendors and consultants as needed.
• Oversee department budgets, performance metrics, and timelines with a focus on impact and ROI.

Brand Management

• Oversee CLEO’s brand identity, messaging architecture, and visual standards to ensure consistency and authenticity across all channels.
• Maintain a strong, distinct, and trusted brand that reflects CLEO’s leadership in climate education and justice.
• Guide creative content and design development for digital, print, video, and event materials.

Public & Media Relations

• Serve as CLEO’s primary media contact; pitch stories, manage press relationships, and coordinate responses to media inquiries.
• Develop and execute earned media strategies to elevate CLEO’s thought leadership in climate advocacy, resilience, and education.
• Manage crisis communications and rapid-response messaging tied to policy developments, climate disasters, or misinformation.

Campaign Execution & Brand Growth

• Conceptualize and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns that advance program participation, fundraising, and advocacy goals.
• Oversee website management, digital advertising, SEO/SEM, and content marketing strategies to increase reach and engagement.
• Use analytics and performance data to evaluate campaign effectiveness and inform data-driven improvements.
• Support donor engagement and fundraising efforts through compelling storytelling, brand campaigns, and creative collateral.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Program, Policy, and Development teams to ensure unified messaging across campaigns, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Align communications efforts with CLEO’s education, policy, and advocacy programs to amplify community impact and policy outcomes.
• Engage youth, women, and frontline communities in co-created storytelling that reflects CLEO’s commitment to equity and representation.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field (advanced degree a plus). Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Experience: 8+ years in communications and marketing, including at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role within a nonprofit, advocacy, or mission-driven organization.
• Expertise with CRMs/Tools such as EveryAction, Google Analytics, META, Zapier, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva
• Strategic & Creative Excellence: Proven success developing integrated communications and marketing strategies that drive measurable outcomes.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team.
• Media Relations: Strong network and track record securing coverage across local, regional, and national media.
• Digital Marketing: Proficiency in campaign management, content strategy, analytics, SEO, CRM, email marketing, and social media.
• Project Management: Skilled at balancing multiple priorities, managing deadlines, and working cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to measure and interpret data to evaluate performance, guide decisions, and demonstrate impact.
• Values Alignment: Deep commitment to climate action, environmental justice, and inclusive storytelling.

Preferred:

• Experience in advocacy, climate, sustainability, and/or social justice sectors.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish).

To Apply

Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications, and two samples of your work (e.g., campaign assets, media placements, or strategic plans) to info@cleoinstitute.org, and include “Director of Communications” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid Life & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) plan with match
• Generous paid time off, flexible hybrid schedule
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional development opportunities