Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Programmatic Communications

at C40 Cities

🏢 About C40 Cities

C40 Cities is a global network of 96 cities committed to urgent and ambitious climate action. Working here means contributing to tangible, city-led solutions that reduce emissions and build a sustainable future, collaborating with world-class mayors and experts.

About This Role

This role is the communications engine for C40’s programmatic work across sectors like clean energy, transport, and urban planning. You’ll translate complex climate strategies into compelling narratives, directly supporting campaigns that drive policy change and public engagement.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by checking climate news and drafting a press release on a new clean energy partnership. Mid-morning, you’ll coordinate with the food and waste program team to align messaging for a campaign launch. After lunch, you could review a donor report for fundraising and end the day scheduling social media posts for the urban planning project.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who C40 Cities Is Looking For

  • A skilled writer who can distill technical climate concepts (e.g., net-zero buildings, circular economy) into accessible press releases, social posts, and web copy.
  • A project manager who thrives on juggling multiple sector-specific communications plans, from clean energy to food waste, without losing coherence.
  • A collaborative team player who can align messaging across diverse program teams and ensure consistency with C40’s brand voice.
  • A proactive self-starter comfortable in a fast-paced, global environment, with fluency in English and ideally another language for multilingual campaigns.

📝 Tips for Applying to C40 Cities

1

Tailor your CV to highlight communications projects related to climate or sustainability, not just generic PR experience.

2

In your cover letter, mention a specific C40 initiative (e.g., Deadline 2025) and propose a fresh angle for communicating it.

3

Include a portfolio link with writing samples that show you can make complex topics like urban resilience or air quality engaging.

4

Research C40’s programmatic areas (e.g., Clean Energy, Food Systems) and reference at least two in your application to show depth.

5

Emphasize experience with digital channels (social media, web) and any graphic design skills, as you may create visuals.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Demonstrate your ability to write clear, compelling content on climate topics, citing specific examples from your past work.', 'Show how your project management skills enable you to coordinate multiple program communications without missing deadlines.', 'Convey genuine passion for C40’s mission and understanding of how city-level climate action drives global change.', 'Highlight any experience with fundraising materials (e.g., donor reports, case studies) as the role supports development efforts.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read C40’s latest Annual Report and a few recent case studies on their website to understand their storytelling style.
  • → Explore the specific programmatic sectors mentioned (e.g., transport, food waste) and identify recent C40 publications or campaigns in those areas.
  • → Familiarize yourself with C40’s key partners (e.g., Bloomberg Philanthropies) and how they collaborate on communications.
  • → Review C40’s social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram) to see how they currently engage audiences on programmatic topics.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you adapt a technical report on building efficiency into a social media campaign for a general audience?
2 Describe a time you managed competing priorities across multiple projects; what systems did you use?
3 What’s your process for ensuring brand consistency across different programmatic teams?
4 How would you measure the success of a communications strategy for a clean energy initiative?
5 Why are you interested in working for a city network like C40 rather than a national or international organization?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t reference C40’s specific programs or mission—this role demands tailored passion.
  • Focusing too much on general PR skills without demonstrating understanding of climate or sustainability issues.
  • Ignoring the requirement to create materials (graphics, social content) and not showcasing relevant samples in your portfolio.

📅 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 C40 Cities!

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