Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing will lead the development and execution of HARC’s integrated communications and marketing strategy to elevate the organization’s visibility, strengthen its brand, and expand its influence across environmental, sustainability, and climate-focused audiences.

This role is responsible for both strategic communications and hands-on execution across internal and external communications, media relations, digital content, and marketing initiatives. The position will directly manage a Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer and will work closely with HARC’s research and leadership teams to translate complex technical work into compelling, accessible, and high-impact storytelling.

This individual will serve as a key driver of HARC’s external presence—helping position the organization as a thought leader in environmental research, resilience, energy, water, air quality, and climate equity.

We are seeking a confident, persuasive communicator with strong conviction, sound judgment, and the ability to push HARC’s visibility forward in a bold and strategic way.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Brand Elevation

• Develop and execute an integrated communications and marketing strategy aligned with HARC’s mission and strategic goals.
• Strengthen HARC’s brand voice, positioning, and visibility across all channels.
•  Serve as a communications advisor to HARC leadership, board of directors, departments, and HARC spokespersons.
• Proactively identify opportunities to elevate HARC as a thought leader in environmental and climate-related issues.
• Ensure all communications align with organizational priorities and effectively reach target audiences including policymakers, funders, partners, media, and the public.

Marketing & Thought Leadership

• Lead marketing initiatives that increase awareness of HARC’s programs, research projects, consulting practices, fundraising efforts, and impact.
• Develop thought leadership content including articles, blogs, reports, presentations, and op-eds.
• Support positioning of HARC leadership and researchers as experts in environmental and sustainability fields.
• Design and implement campaigns that translate technical research into compelling public-facing narratives.

Media Relations & External Communications

• Develop and manage media relations strategy, including outreach to local, regional, and national media.
• Draft press releases, briefing materials, talking points, and media messaging.
• Support leadership and researchers in interviews, public presentations, and external engagements.
• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists and media outlets.

Internal Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support internal communications strategies that keep staff aligned and informed.
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure consistent messaging across departments.
• Work closely with project partners on joint external communications initiatives and events, as required.
• Digital Communications & Content Management
• Oversee day-to-day implementation of social media strategy, website content, and digital engagement efforts.
• Manage content development across multiple channels including newsletters, reports, webinars, marketing collateral, and multimedia content.
• Translate complex technical content into clear, accessible language for varied audiences.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and brand alignment across all communications outputs.
• Oversee digital analytics reporting & use data, insight and audience analysis to strengthen the effectiveness, reach and impact of communications activity across channels.

Project & Team Management

• Manage and mentor a Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer.
• Oversee multiple concurrent communications projects with tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality communications products.
• Establish workflows, priorities, and accountability systems within the communications function.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, English, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or related fields.
• Proven experience in environmental, sustainability, climate, energy, water, air quality, or related sectors preferred.
• Strong background in both strategic communications and hands-on content development.
• Demonstrated experience in marketing, branding, and thought leadership development.
• Experience managing communications projects with multiple stakeholders and strict deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage direct reports effectively.
• Be able to recognize and navigate political nuances that may impact how the organization will be perceived in the community, with specific experience navigating politics in Texas
• Strong media relations experience and ability to engage with journalists and external partners.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate technical content for broad audiences.
• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments with multiple concurrent priorities.
•  Proficient in using WordPress, InDesign, Canva, MailChimp; and social media (LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky)

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Confident, persuasive communicator with strong conviction and the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for elevating organizational visibility and reputation.
• Highly proactive, self-directed, and comfortable operating in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative but decisive leadership style.
• Ability to “push HARC outward” — increasing its presence, credibility, and visibility in the public and professional space.
• Comfortable navigating complex or technical subject matter and translating it into compelling narratives.

Additional Details

• This position is based in Texas (hybrid work environment).
• Candidates will be required to provide a writing portfolio and complete a writing exercise as part of the interview process.
• Strong communication skills are essential, and performance will be evaluated heavily on writing, strategic thinking, and execution ability.