Resources Legacy Fund builds the architecture behind lasting environmental progress. 

From climate resilience to land and water conservation to community well-being, we offer steady support and strategic know-how to turn complex challenges into collective victories.

For 25 years RLF has been a full-service organization that turns visionary ideas into action, from fiscally sponsoring projects to designing and implementing programs and advocacy campaigns to managing major strategic grantmaking efforts. 

Rooted in California with initiatives across Western North America and beyond, we have a track record of building and supporting programs at every scale. Through our 501(c)4 affiliate organization, Fund for a Better Future, we provide additional tools to shape public policy that delivers impact including lobbying, ballot measures, and political expenditures.

Addressing three interconnected crises — climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental injustice — requires creativity, collaboration, and fast reflexes. With deep operational expertise and the confidence of donors and other partners, we deliver lasting results.

Together, we can build a healthier and more resilient planet. To learn more about our work or to partner with us, visit: https://resourceslegacyfund.org


Resources Legacy Fund

We deliver transformative outcomes for our planet and its people through trusted partnerships and creative campaigns.

About The Alliance For Wildfire Resilience

The Alliance for Wildfire Resilience (AWR) is working to achieve meaningful and durable policy change to lessen the negative impacts of wildfire both today and tomorrow. AWR works with the broader wildland fire community to advance policy change and foster systemic solutions to the growing wildfire crisis.

AWR is a collaboration of AWR Research and AWR Action. AWR Research, a fiscally sponsored project of the 501c3 Resources Legacy Fund (RLF), provides nonpartisan research, analysis, and public education on additional policy solutions to America's worsening wildland fire crisis. AWR Action, a fiscally sponsored project of the 501c4 Fund for a Better Future (FBF), advocates for wildfire policy reforms through coalition building, strategic communications, and engagement with decisionmakers.

Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) delivers transformative outcomes for our planet and its people through trusted partnerships and creative campaigns. Rooted in California and expanding across Western North America and beyond, we have a 25-year track record of supporting initiatives at every scale. We host fiscally sponsored projects that reach across the globe, reinforcing the efforts of change makers worldwide. To learn more about Resources Legacy Fund, visit https://resourceslegacyfund.org.

About The Opportunity

AWR is seeking a strategic and versatile Senior Communications Associate to lead the organization's communications functions in support of AWR's federal wildfire policy and advocacy priorities. This position will shepherd AWR's newsletter, develop and steward organizational media channels, drive earned media strategy, and coordinate paid media and grassroots list activation with outside contractors. The role also works closely with policy staff and AWR's Principal Researcher to translate substantive policy and research work into public-facing communications products. Audiences also include lawmakers, legislative staff, and administration officials. The position is also the point of contact for communications contractors and consultants, including media strategy, paid media, and grassroots list vendors.

The ideal candidate combines strong writing and editorial judgment with experience developing communications strategy for a small organization, managing outside communications vendors, and working cross-functionally with policy and research staff. Experience in wildfire, natural resources, environmental, or related public policy communications is strongly preferred.

The Senior Communications Associate will work closely with the Managing Director of Partnerships and collaborate regularly with AWR's policy, research, and government relations staff. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Managing Director of Partnerships. The position is fully remote within the U.S., with periodic travel for partner meetings, media events, and conferences (estimated 2 to 4 trips per year).

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Administration (25%)

Support the development and implementation of AWR's overall communications strategy. Develop and maintain AWR's communications channels, ensuring consistent voice, cadence, and qualitySupport the development of AWR's brand, voice, and design (e.g., visual style guide, templates, visuals)Work with AWR's Managing Directors to enhance fundraising narrative strategy, including offering thought partnership around how to frame and relay impact, and reviewing donor materials and reportsTrack and report on communications metrics and effectiveness to inform strategy and funder reporting

Communications Support (35%)

Create and disseminate communications products (such as briefs, fact sheets, and public-facing summaries) from AWR staff policy and research work. Support the development and dissemination of in-house publications (such as technical guides and research papers) including editing content and collaborating with third-party partnersDevelop materials for periodic virtual and in-person events, briefings, and lobby daysPrepare staff and coalition members for media interviews and public speaking opportunitiesCollaborate with partner organizations to develop and disseminate communication materials (such as letters, talking points, one-pagers, op-eds, and press templates and materials) for coalitional work

Earned and Paid Media (20%)

Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and reporters covering wildfire, natural resources, and related federal policyProduce and distribute press releases and other earned media materials for AWR, with an eye toward policy impact on legislative and administration audiencesMonitor media coverage relevant to AWR's policy priorities and identify opportunities for AWR engagement, including rapid response to breaking news or fast-moving developmentsWork with outside contractors to inform media strategy, production, and rollout

Newsletter and List Management (20%)

Manage the production, distribution, and growth of AWR's monthly newsletterWork with outside contractors to support grassroots list development and activationDevelop content to support the maintenance and growth of AWR's grassroots lists. Maintain AWR's contact databases

Requirements

Note: These qualifications are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, so if you have 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. Experience can include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work that helped you to build the competencies, knowledge, and skills needed for this position. Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered.

Key Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy and research findings into clear, compelling public-facing contentExperience developing and executing earned media strategy, including press release production and journalist relationship-buildingDemonstrated ability to manage outside communications, media, and grassroots contractors and vendorsStrong editorial judgment and copy editing skillsExperience managing newsletter or email communications production and distributionStrong interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate effectively with internal staff, partner organizations, and outside contractors

Preferred Qualifications

Education or equivalent work experience in communications, journalism, public policy, or a related field4-7 years of experience in nonprofit, advocacy, congressional, or public policy communicationsExperience developing or stewarding organizational media channels, such as social media and blogsExperience with science communication highly valued. Experience working with paid media and grassroots mobilization contractorsGraphic design and video editing proficiency, such as experience with Adobe Premiere or CapCutExperience with multi-organization grassroots coalitions or membership organizations

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, where all team members feel valued, respected, and included. We know that our work is enriched by the varied voices and perspectives of every staff and board member, so we are committed to making an earnest effort to recruit, welcome, train, develop, and retain talented individuals from all backgrounds. We believe that a welcoming culture expands our creative capacity to do our work and achieve greater outcomes for people and the natural world.

Benefits

The Senior Communications Associate starting salary range is: $90,000 - $100,000 annually, salary commensurate with related work experience and qualifications.

We have an alternate Fridays off work schedule (employees work 40 hours one week, 32 hours the next week). The position has a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan with a 5% match, and generous paid time off. Benefits also include a technology allowance, student loan repayment assistance, the Calm app, mental health benefits and approximately 17 paid holidays per year.

How To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter - please be sure to address your experiences creating communication products, any relevant subject area expertise, and developing communications plans and channels. Applicants encouraged to apply by October 5, 2026. 

RLF participates in E-Verify, potential candidates can review the information here and here.