Communications Consultant
(Part-Time)

Overview

The Volgenau Climate Initiative (VCI) seeks a part-time Communications Consultant to implement and expand VCI’s external communications. The consultants will strengthen VCI’s voice, visibility, and storytelling across platforms, capturing the outcomes of convenings, sharing stories of leaders and networks, and ensuring consistent brand alignment.

Because VCI hosts six convenings annually, the workload will ebb and flow, and some functions (e.g., videography) will be contracted separately but coordinated with the consultant. Depending on skills and availability, this work could be fulfilled by one lead consultant or divided between two individuals with complementary expertise.

Objectives

  • Elevate VCI’s brand and storytelling among funders, participants, and the broader climate solutions community.

  • Ensure consistent brand voice and visual identity across all communications.

  • Capture convening outcomes and stories that reflect VCI’s collaborative, systems-focused approach.

Scope of Work

Brand Voice & Alignment

  • Implement VCI’s communications strategy.

  • Ensure brand voice and visual identity are consistently applied across all outputs.

  • Support integration of new brand elements into communications materials.

Content Creation

  • Draft and distribute quarterly newsletters (or more frequent updates as needed).

  • Manage VCI’s LinkedIn presence (1–2 posts per week).

  • Write stories and profiles of leaders, grantees, and convening participants.

  • Draft website and annual report content.

  • Experiment with creative storytelling formats—spotlights, video clips, quotes, or “arcs of conversation.”

Convening Coverage

  • Attend all six annual convenings, providing:

    • Detailed notes and summaries for internal and external audiences.

    • Stories, quotes, and thematic write-ups.

    • On-site photography (or coordination with photographers/videographers).

  • Build and maintain an organized, searchable photo library.

  • Deliver edited photos within one week post-convening.

  • Produce post-retreat outputs such as:

    • Website write-up

    • Email to participants

    • Summary report (framing, challenges, outcomes, action items)

Website Oversight

  • Maintain current, accurate, and dynamic website content.

  • Publish fresh stories, spotlights, and action plan updates quarterly.

  • Coordinate with developers on backend/layout needs.

Video & Photography

  • Coordinate with videographers on highlight reels and “Who We Are” video.

  • Maintain a curated photo and video library with metadata and organization.

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

  • Track metrics for newsletters, website, and social media.

  • Recommend adjustments based on data insights.

Internal Coordination

  • Work closely with the VCI Operations and Program teams.

  • Attend planning and debrief meetings as needed.

  • Collaborate with other contractors (videographers, designers, MEL team) to ensure alignment.

Deliverables

  • 4+ newsletters annually.

  • 60–80 LinkedIn posts annually.

  • 6 convening coverage packages (notes, stories, photos).

  • Updated website content quarterly.

  • 1 annual report (in collaboration with VCI team).

  • Video and photo outputs (via vendor coordination).

  • Quarterly analytics summary.

Timeline

  • Term: 12 months from start date.

  • Workload: Peaks before/after convenings and during annual report production.

  • Convening Deliverables:

    • Notes/photos within 1 week post-retreat.

    • Polished stories within 2–3 weeks.


Budget / Hours

  • Estimated 600–700 hours annually, averaging 10–15 hours per week.

  • Separate videography/film budget.

Key Success Metrics

  • Consistent, high-quality brand voice across platforms.

  • Increased engagement and reach on digital channels.

  • Convening outputs that accurately capture outcomes and action plans.

  • Website that reflects VCI’s evolving work.

  • Positive feedback from participants, funders, and partners on communications clarity and resonance.

To apply 

Please send a one page statement of interest, work samples (writing, photography, and digital marketing), your resume and hourly rate to jill@volgenauclimate.org.