Application Guide

How to Apply for Communications and Development Manager

at Empire Clean Cities

🏢 About Empire Clean Cities

Empire Clean Cities (ECC) is a U.S. Department of Energy-supported nonprofit coalition dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and petroleum consumption in transportation. As part of a national network, ECC offers a mission-driven environment where your work directly contributes to cleaner air and a sustainable future. Working here means joining a collaborative team that values innovation and community impact.

About This Role

This role combines communications, marketing, and development to amplify ECC's mission and secure funding for clean transportation initiatives. You'll lead digital storytelling, manage donor relationships, and support events that engage stakeholders. Your work will directly drive awareness and resources for critical environmental programs.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing analytics from the latest email campaign, then draft a grant proposal narrative for a new electric bus project. Midday, you could coordinate with a partner organization on an upcoming webinar, and later update the website with a blog post about a community EV event. You'll also touch base with the executive director on donor outreach priorities.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Empire Clean Cities

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Empire Clean Cities Is Looking For

  • A skilled storyteller with 3+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or nonprofit development, able to translate technical clean energy topics into compelling narratives.
  • Proficient in managing websites (WordPress), email marketing platforms (Mailchimp), social media tools, and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) to track donor engagement and outreach metrics.
  • Detail-oriented with exceptional writing and editing skills, comfortable drafting grant proposals, sponsorship packages, and donor communications.
  • Passionate about sustainability and clean energy, with knowledge of transportation electrification, alternative fuels, or environmental policy.

📝 Tips for Applying to Empire Clean Cities

1

Tailor your resume to highlight measurable impacts from past communications campaigns (e.g., increased social media engagement, newsletter growth, funds raised).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience with ECC's mission—mention specific projects or initiatives by ECC that resonate with you.

3

Provide a portfolio or samples of your work, including writing samples (newsletters, press releases) and examples of social media or website management.

4

Research ECC's current projects (e.g., alternative fuel vehicle adoption in New York) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

5

Highlight any experience with grant writing or fundraising, even if secondary, as the role supports development strategy.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for clean energy and environmental justice, and how it aligns with ECC's mission to reduce petroleum consumption.", "Specific examples of successful communications campaigns you've led, including metrics like audience growth or engagement rates.", "Your experience with donor communications or grant writing, emphasizing how you can support ECC's fundraising goals.", 'Your ability to manage multiple platforms (website, social media, newsletters) and adapt messaging for different audiences (stakeholders, funders, public).']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ECC's website and recent newsletters to understand their tone, key programs (e.g., EV charging infrastructure), and current funding priorities.
  • → Look into the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities program to grasp the national context and ECC's role within it.
  • → Explore ECC's social media channels to see how they engage with stakeholders and what content performs well.
  • → Read about New York State's clean transportation policies (e.g., Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act) to understand the regulatory landscape.
Visit Empire Clean Cities's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you create a content calendar that balances marketing, donor updates, and event promotion?
2 Describe a time you managed a communications crisis or handled sensitive messaging in a nonprofit context.
3 What strategies would you use to prospect new donors or sponsors for ECC's programs?
4 How do you measure the success of a social media campaign or newsletter? Provide an example.
5 What do you know about the Clean Cities program and how ECC fits into the national network?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention ECC's specific programs or mission—personalization is key.
  • Overlooking the development aspect; failing to highlight any fundraising or donor communication experience can hurt your candidacy.
  • Not providing writing samples or a portfolio—this role heavily relies on communication skills, so you must demonstrate them.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Empire Clean Cities!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →