Chaloner has partnered with Potential Energy Coalition on their search for a Head of Communications.

Potential Energy Coalition is a world-class, nonpartisan nonprofit transforming the way the world thinks about climate. We operate at the intersection of data science, behavioral insight, and award-winning creative—bringing the tools of modern marketing to one of the greatest challenges of our time. Built by veterans of the private sector, our team crafts breakthrough narratives that shift culture, shape public opinion, and spark action. In just five years, we’ve developed a powerful, proven model for accelerating the global energy transition—and we’re just getting started.

We’re on a mission to shift the cultural and political landscape on climate—and we’re looking for a visionary Head of Communications to help lead that charge. As a senior leader on our executive team, you’ll drive an ambitious, high-impact communications strategy that amplifies our voice, elevates our brand, and mobilizes audiences across platforms. Building on our proven track record, you’ll harness the full power of our research, creative, and coalition assets to influence the global climate conversation and make climate a top-tier issue for more people, more often.

You’ll lead Potential Energy’s Corporate Communications efforts and emerging rapid-response communications efforts to get the right messages, messengers, and stories into the world fast. You’ll work across teams to package our narratives, research, and creative for maximum impact, then drive their distribution through earned media and partner channels. A key part of your remit will be proactively positioning Potential Energy’s leaders and allied spokespeople in the moments that matter—ensuring our voice breaks through at the exact right time. Leading an internal team of communicators and several external partners, you’ll also build the broader Potential Energy brand into a recognized global leader. Your week might include steering bold campaigns and narratives, cultivating relationships with national and local media, managing our digital presence (website, social, and email), cultivating influencers and driving thought leadership—all in service of shifting culture and sparking climate action.

As Head of Communications, you will also help us navigate the evolving world of AI and emerging technologies—ensuring Potential Energy remains on the front edge of innovation. From content generation to audience targeting, you’ll help integrate the tools that keep us agile, effective, and future-ready.

We’re looking for a bold, strategic communicator with the vision to shape culture and the discipline to deliver results. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven leader with deep expertise in media relations, narrative development, and influencer strategy—someone who knows how to make headlines and move hearts. The right candidate thrives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, with a keen understanding of how to navigate today’s polarized media and political landscape. Success means being comfortable operating at both 30,000 feet and on the ground—leading big-picture strategy while rolling up your sleeves to get the work done.

Our portfolio sits at the intersection of purpose and performance—mission-driven work powered by a team with deep roots in advertising, media, and brand strategy. We bring the creativity, rigor, and ambition of the private sector to one of the most urgent challenges of our time. This is where big talent meets big purpose—where seasoned strategists and storytellers come together to drive cultural change at scale.

Major Responsibilities

• Craft and execute an integrated communications and thought leadership plan to elevate Potential Energy’s knowledge and insights about climate messaging and to position the organization as the leading global expert in climate marketing.
• Leverage the expertise and public profiles of senior executives through media engagement, publishing, events, and other activities.
• Lead the packaging and placement of our most compelling narratives—rooted in research and creative excellence—across earned media and through key partners. Ensure the right message reaches the right audience at the right moment..
• Drive Potential Energy’s rapid-response strategy to deliver high-impact storytelling at speed and scale. This is where strategy meets urgency—and where the right message, delivered at the right moment, can shape the national conversation.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team.
• Act as a strategic advisor to leadership during high-stakes moments, providing calm, direct counsel and rapid, thoughtful action.
• Proactively develop and drive newsworthy story ideas and pitch angles, in some cases working closely with our outside PR partners to amplify messages.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key members of the consumer, business and trade media on various relevant beats (climate, energy, public policy, communications, advertising, industry/business, etc.). Proactively pitch and secure top-tier exposure and, as appropriate, identify and coordinate applications for award opportunities.
• As needed, serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the organization. Prepare other PE leaders and spokespeople for interviews.
• Develop and regularly update in collaboration with others at PE a comprehensive rapid response/crisis communications plan.
• Prepare spokespeople - including executives and board members for high-stakes media moments and stakeholder communications. 
• Create and distribute messaging materials, including news releases, op-eds, pitches, media alerts, and memos.
• Oversee the creation of content for PE's owned media channels, including the website, social channels, and monthly newsletter. Develop and execute a strategy to significantly expand the reach of these channels within key audiences.
• Develop and implement metrics for tracking, measuring, and reporting on the impact of the communications program. Work closely with the analytics team to show metrics-driven ROI for PE’s paid campaigns.
• Collaborate with external partners (e.g.: polling firms, stakeholders, spokespeople, PR firms, etc.) to promote PE’s programmatic efforts.
• Help to cultivate influencers and other spokespeople on climate.

Ideal Skills and Experience

• Political and advocacy experience is preferred, as is a strong familiarity with the climate policy discourse in the United States.
• Must have 10+ years of strategic communications or closely related experience, including 4+ years managing a team.
• A demonstrated track record of sound judgment, good instincts, and prudent decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of the core elements of the communications field including experience in integrated client communications, media relations, press campaign development, crisis management, and execution of creative, strategic, and effective communications plans.
• Successful experience with proactive and reactive earned media relations, with a track record of securing impactful coverage.
• Deep understanding of the media landscape including across key social media platforms – TikTok, X, Instagram, Bluesky. Tested experience with rapid response and crisis communications including the ability to filter signals from noise and act quickly without sacrificing accuracy or mission alignment.
• A team approach to problem-solving; collaborative; a coalition builder and partner.
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills with demonstrated experience communicating about complex subjects and tailoring messages to specific audiences.
• Serve as a strategic voice on how Potential Energy leverages AI and emerging technologies to maximize reach, efficiency, and impact. Stay ahead of the curve on tools and trends—from content generation to audience targeting—and help integrate them into our communications strategy. Ensure we remain innovative, agile, and equipped to lead in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
• Ability to thrive in a data-driven environment with multiple priorities.
• Proactive and independent work style blended with an ability to thriving in a team environment.
• Proficient in Google Docs, media databases (i.e. Cision/Meltwater/Muck Rack), and major social media platforms; familiarity with web publishing platforms and the use of tools like Google Analytics

Reports to: President

Location: NY, DC or Remote

Location, Salary & Benefits

This is a remote-first position, open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Most team meetings take place during East Coast business hours, and occasional travel to New York, Washington DC, and other cities may be required.

The annual salary range for this position is $220,000 - $240,000.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance: 100% premium coverage (medical, dental, and vision)
• 401k plan with up to 6% match
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $75/month)
• Generous time off and paid holidays

We are a close-knit, mission-aligned team that values inclusion, collaboration, and creativity. We work hard, laugh often, and support one another. If this sounds like the right environment for you, we hope you’ll apply—we can’t wait to meet the next member of our team.

If you’re hungry to help rewrite the climate story and work with a team that’s redefining what’s possible, we want to hear from you.

Potential Energy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. PE’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

Interested candidates should apply by using the application form. Chaloner will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.