Job Summary
ClearPath is seeking a strategic, versatile Executive Communications Manager to run its executive positioning program. This role elevates the voices and perspectives of ClearPath leaders among policymakers, reporters, and other key stakeholders, by planning where they appear, writing in their voices, and preparing them to deliver messages.
The Executive Communications Manager reports to the Managing Director, External Affairs, and works in parallel with the Media Relations & Content Advisor, who books interviews and places op-eds. This role owns the positioning plan, the writing that appears under each leader's name, and spokesperson preparation for the CEO, senior executives, and policy and program experts.
Candidates with more or less experience are encouraged to apply. The hiring team will evaluate the appropriate title and level based on individual qualifications and experience.
Job Description
Executive Positioning Strategy
- Responsible for ClearPath's executive positioning program end to end, building a tiered plan for the CEO, senior executives, and policy and program experts that connects each spokesperson's topics, audiences, and channels to organizational strategy
- Formalize and manage the speakers bureau and spokesperson roster, making the calls on which voice fits each issue and audience
- Question how ClearPath has positioned its leaders in the past, and design new approaches as the program grows
- Feed positioning priorities into the External Affairs editorial calendar, track engagements across all tiers, and use evidence to adjust the plan
- Partner with the Media Relations & Content Advisor to turn media opportunities into appearances for the right spokesperson
Speaking Placements
- Identify, pursue, and secure speaking roles at anchor events, conferences, and panels where ClearPath's audiences gather, weighing the tradeoffs of each opportunity
- Plan and support concurrent executive positioning opportunities, setting priorities and backup plans, and coordinate logistics with the events team
- Supply ClearPath speakers for coalition and partner presentations, and prepare them with briefing materials, remarks, and input on the program
Ghostwriting & Executive Content
- Draft and edit op-eds, bylines, scripts, quotes and social posts in the voices of the CEO and senior executives
- Write speeches, remarks, and talking points that help audiences see the big picture behind ClearPath's research and policy positions
- Keep each leader's voice consistent across channels, and keep content true to ClearPath's research, policy positions and master narrative
- Use AI tools for drafting and research while protecting ClearPaths voice and verifying the accuracy of every claim
Spokesperson Preparation & Media Training
- Prepare spokespeople to represent ClearPath externally in interviews, hearings, and appearances, including briefing memos, message frameworks, and anticipated questions
- Design and lead media training for executives and for policy and program experts as the roster grows, sometimes in partnership with external consultants
- Gather and offer feedback after appearances and refine messaging and preparation
Capabilities
- Strategic Thinking – Develop and help drive a shared understanding of a long-term vision that describes how the organization needs to operate now and in the future.
- Fact-Based Management – View the organization as an open system, synthesize information from diverse sources, come to conclusions, and make decisions that are rational and based on sound evidence.
- Business Acumen – Make sound business decisions based on a strong understanding of the company’s business model, strategic goals, and relevant policies, as well as best practices and current technologies in one’s own discipline or functional area.
- Creativity and Innovation – Tend toward divergent thinking and the propensity to question existing practices; challenge commonly held assumptions; originate new or radical alternatives to traditional methods, processes, and products; and build on others’ ideas.
- Planning and Priority Setting – Identify the priorities, processes, and practical actions that are necessary to achieve an objective or realize an idea.
Qualifications
- 5–7 years of experience in executive communications, speechwriting, public affairs, journalism, or a related field, including supporting a CEO or senior executives
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- Exceptional writing skills and the ability to write convincingly in other people's voices, with samples of op-eds, speeches, or remarks
- Experience securing speaking opportunities and preparing principals for interviews, panels, and presentations
- Ability to translate complex policy and technical subjects into clear, persuasive language for different audiences
- Sound judgment and discretion when working closely with senior leaders
- Comfort using AI tools to speed up drafting and research
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally for events
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in energy, climate, or technology policy, or in a Washington, DC policy, advocacy, or think-tank environment
- Familiarity with center-right policy organizations and media
- Experience designing and leading media training
Compensation + Benefits
- The salary range for this position is $115,000–$125,000, based on experience and qualifications. This position is also eligible for a performance-based bonus of up to 10% of annual base salary.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions of $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay you contribute
At ClearPath, we value a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe our team is the key to making an impact and fulfilling our mission. ClearPath is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.