Application Guide

How to Apply for Public Finance Communications Campaigner

at Oil Change International

🏢 About Oil Change International

Oil Change International is unique as a research-driven advocacy organization specifically focused on ending fossil fuel finance and subsidies globally. Unlike broader environmental groups, they combine rigorous data analysis with strategic campaigning to directly influence economic policies. Someone might want to work there to be at the forefront of the just transition movement, using evidence-based communication to drive systemic change in public finance.

About This Role

This role involves designing and executing communications strategies to support campaigns targeting public finance institutions (like development banks and export credit agencies) to stop funding fossil fuels. It's impactful because you'll translate complex financial data into compelling narratives that mobilize public pressure and influence policymakers, directly contributing to shifting billions away from fossil fuels toward clean energy.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with coordinating press outreach for a new report on fossil fuel subsidies, then drafting social media content to amplify partner campaigns targeting a development bank. You could spend the afternoon designing a fact sheet for policymakers and joining a strategy call with international allies to align messaging on an upcoming policy announcement.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Oil Change International Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years in communications with demonstrable experience turning technical or financial information into accessible content for policymakers and the public
  • Possesses a track record of building journalist relationships and pitching stories on economic or climate policy, not just general environmental topics
  • Has digital campaigning experience specifically focused on advocacy or policy change, with examples of creating social media strategies that drive engagement toward concrete goals
  • Shows experience collaborating with international civil society networks or coalitions, understanding how to amplify partner voices in coordinated campaigns

📝 Tips for Applying to Oil Change International

1

Tailor your writing samples to include at least one piece that translates complex policy or financial data into public-facing content (like a fact sheet or op-ed), as this mirrors the core responsibility

2

Highlight any experience with public finance, development banks, or economic justice campaigns specifically, not just general climate communication

3

Demonstrate understanding of OCI's 'just transition' framework by referencing their reports on fossil fuel subsidies or finance in your materials

4

Show digital campaigning examples that illustrate how you've used social media to pressure institutions or policymakers, not just raise awareness

5

If you have international network experience, name specific civil society groups you've collaborated with that align with OCI's focus (e.g., groups working on development finance)

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Explain how your communication skills have directly supported policy or campaign wins, especially related to economic or climate justice', 'Describe your approach to collaborating with diverse allies in networks, emphasizing coordination over solo messaging', "Reference specific OCI campaigns or research (e.g., their work on G20 fossil fuel subsidies or multilateral development banks) to show you've done homework", "Connect your experience to their goal of securing 'economic policies' for a just transition, not just general climate action"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study OCI's recent reports on public finance (e.g., 'Past Last Call' on G20 subsidies) to understand their data-driven approach
  • → Review their campaign targets, such as specific development banks or government policies they're currently focused on
  • → Explore their 'just transition' framework and how it differs from broader climate messaging
  • → Look at their social media and blog content to see how they communicate complex finance topics to different audiences
Visit Oil Change International's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a communications strategy to pressure a specific public finance institution (like the World Bank) to end fossil fuel funding?
2 Walk us through how you'd translate a complex report on fossil fuel subsidies into a social media campaign targeting policymakers
3 Describe a time you managed competing priorities from coalition partners in a joint campaign—how did you ensure cohesive messaging?
4 How do you measure the impact of communications on policy change, beyond media hits or engagement metrics?
5 What's your experience with pitching stories to financial or policy reporters versus general environmental journalists?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic environmental communication examples without tying them to policy change or economic justice outcomes
  • Focusing solely on awareness-raising rather than demonstrating how your work has influenced decision-makers or campaigns
  • Not showing familiarity with OCI's niche in public finance—avoid applying as if it's a general climate communications role

📅 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 Oil Change International!

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