A national energy trade association seeks a Vice President, Strategic Communications to lead its communications, brand, and strategic messaging efforts. Based in Washington, DC, the organization represents thousands of independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies that develop the majority of America’s oil and natural gas wells and support millions of U.S. jobs.

Why This Role Matters: The Vice President, Strategic Communications will shape how the organization communicates its priorities at a pivotal time for U.S. energy policy. This leader will strengthen the association’s voice in Washington, elevate its media presence, and ensure members, policymakers, and stakeholders clearly understand the industry’s role in supporting American jobs and energy security while aligning advocacy, public affairs, and member engagement through clear and compelling communications.

About the Role: Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President, Strategic Communications leads the organization’s messaging, media relations, and long-term communications strategy and serves as a senior advisor to leadership on public positioning and strategic messaging. The role oversees the association’s communications function, including supervision of one staff member and management of external communications vendors, while working closely with the government affairs team and senior leadership to translate policy priorities into effective communications campaigns that reach policymakers, media, and association members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s overall communications strategy, messaging, and brand positioning.

• Develop and execute strategic communications plans that support advocacy priorities and industry initiatives.

• Oversee media relations efforts, including proactive outreach, interview coordination, and message development.

• Draft and oversee the development of press releases, statements, op-eds, speeches, talking points, and other communications materials.

• Partner closely with the government affairs team to support policy and advocacy priorities through coordinated communications campaigns.

• Manage the association’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms, to ensure consistent messaging and engagement.

• Serve as a senior advisor to leadership on communications strategy, organizational priorities, and crisis response.

• Support communications with the Board of Directors, including development of board materials and messaging related to organizational priorities.

• Develop communications that keep association members informed about policy developments, industry issues, and organizational initiatives.

• Manage one communications staff member and oversee outside vendors such as PR firms, digital consultants, and design partners.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with members, policymakers, coalitions, media, and industry stakeholders.

• Monitor media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities to elevate the association’s voice.

What You’ll Need to Succeed (Requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field.

• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, government relations, or media relations.

• Experience in energy policy, communications in the energy sector, or trade associations strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated experience leading issue-based communications campaigns tied to policy, advocacy, or regulatory issues.

• Experience developing and executing media relations strategies, including working with national and trade press.

• Proven ability to write and edit press releases, op-eds, speeches, and other strategic communications materials.

• Experience advising senior leadership on messaging, communications strategy, and public positioning.

• Experience with crisis communications and rapid response messaging.

• Ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences.

• Strong understanding of the federal policy and legislative process, particularly in Washington, DC.

• Experience managing staff and/or external communications vendors or agencies.

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with strong attention to detail.

• Ability to operate effectively in a small, collaborative association environment and manage multiple priorities.

Additional Details

• Location: Washington, DC (in-office three days per week)

• Compensation: $200,000–$215,000 plus benefits

• Flexibility for occasional overnight travel