Vice President, Global Methane Communications

Environmental Defense Fund; Washington; Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund is seeking a Vice President of Methane Communications to architect EDF’s global narrative on methane reduction. The role leads a high-stakes communications strategy, shaping policy influence and market action across regions.

The VP oversees a seven-figure budget and a team of six, coordinating with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and regional teams to ensure a unified voice in global forums and media.

Qualifications

• Fifteen-plus years in communications or advocacy, with preference for environmental/energy sectors.
• Experience leading international programs and complex teams.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling translating science for broad audiences.
• Strong cross-cultural collaboration and leadership across diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Architect and drive a global methane communications strategy aligned with EDF priorities.
• Elevate flagship methane initiatives and navigate politically sensitive terrain.
• Coordinate messaging with allies, donors, and EDF leadership; support spokespeople.
• Lead a high-performing team and manage the methane communications budget.
• Design campaigns for global audiences, aligning with policy and diplomacy goals.
• Monitor policy trends and metrics to optimize strategy and impact.
• Advance EDF DEI goals across all levels of work.

Skills

Strategic communications

Global campaigns

Media relations

Storytelling

Policy advocacy

Multilingual

Job description

Location

NY and DC preferred with flexibility for other US locations based on candidate profile.

Duration

This is a 3-year fixed-term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

Overall Function

Methane reduction is the fastest, highest-impact lever available today to slow global warming. The Vice President of Methane Communications willarchitect EDF’s global narrative on this issue.

A key player in EDF’s methane advocacyand scienceefforts, the VP will lead a high-stakesglobalcommunications strategy that mobilizes policymakers, industry leaders, investors,science community,and civil society to accelerate climate action on the world stage,translating complex, technical content into credible, moving narratives that drive action. The role calls for a sophisticated understanding of the global political and media landscape, spanning government,business, civil society,academia; as well as therole ofhigh-qualitydata in driving effective action.

The VP, who manages 6 staff and aseven-figurebudget,is both a strategicleaderand astrongexecutor.The VP will strengthen EDF’s credibility and voice in the rooms where methane policy is shaped. They mustbuild deep, trusting relationships internally withEDF’ssenior leaders,methane leadership team,subject matter experts,andregional communications teams. Externally, strong relationshipswith policymakers, industry executives, journalists, investors,consultants,science,and civil society partnerswill be key to success. As EDF’s methane mission expands, the VP will coordinate closely with staff across geographiesand areas of expertiseto ensure a unified, powerful voice.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy & narrative:Architectanddriveaproactiveglobal methane communications strategyfor EDF’s highest-leveragework, including MethaneSAT,theoil & gassector,agricultureandlivestock. They will craft a positive narrative to push policy, influence market/capital access, and stimulate corporate action. This role uses high-quality data and science to underpin undeniable human and economic stories and integrates and synthesizes region-based work around a unified global narrative to command the public conversation.

• Flagship initiatives & political terrain: Elevate the profile ofsignaturemethane initiatives, includingMethaneSAT,the Dairy Methane Action Alliance, the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter, the Animal Health & Climate initiative, and Better Feeding for Climate, as visible proof points of progress. Navigate politically sensitive terrain, including farmer and rancher constituencies and the polarized oil and gas debatein key regions, to preserve credibility across the spectrum.

• External coordination & representation: Coordinate messaging with key allies,philanthropies, andEDFfundraisingteam. Serve on EDF’s communications leadership team.Supportkey EDF spokespersonsto maximizemediaand narrative-shaping momentsat COP, G7,American Geophysical Union,and similarforums.

• Team & budget:Nurture,lead,andgrowa high-performing team of in-house staff, consultants, and agency partners. Manage the methane communications budgetforthe highestimpactoforganizationalstrategies.

• Campaign design & execution:Lead global media relations, crisis communications, and high-impact campaigns for global audiences, with a tailored focus on key regional markets. Partner withscience,policyand advocacy teams to design communications that support specific regulatory and diplomatic outcomes (e.g.national methane action plans, super-pollutant provisions under the UNFCCC and Global Methane Pledge,anddata collection initiatives).

• Thought leadership & measurement:Monitorglobal climate policy,science,politics, and industry trends to position EDF as a definitive thought leader on methane reduction. Establish metrics to rigorously evaluate campaign effectiveness and continuouslyoptimizestrategy.Anticipate key developments in sector to strategically position EDF’svoice ina timelyway to ensure impact

• Participates in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years’ experience in communications, media, or a related field (advocacy sector experience strongly preferred), including at least 10 years in an environmental, energy, government, or multilateral role.Experience working attheinternational level is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic communications campaignsfor national and global audiences, including experience managing complex teams of staff, consultants, and partners.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to shift seamlessly between technical andlay audiences, and comforttranslating complex environmental science, measurement, and satellite/remote-sensing data into accessible public narratives.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong contacts inglobalmediaand nationaloutletsin themarkets that matter tothisworkishighly valued.Multilingualskillsalsohighly valued.
• Strong knowledge of climateissues, with experience or fluency communicatingacross a variety of sectors,constituenciesand industries –includingwithinvestorand financialaudiences.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

230,000 - 260,000 USD