Kerry E. Leslie
Bay Area, CA 94530 | (575) 644-3097 | kerryeleslie@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/kerry-e-leslie | tinyurl.com/kerryeleslie
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Strategist. Advocate. Storyteller.
Skilled communications and campaign strategist, collaborative leader and coach, adept project and people manager, dedicated researcher and analyst, and a passionate advocate for environmental and social justice with 12 years' experience working in and consulting with a wide range of progressive and mission-driven nonprofits, and foundations. Deeply self-aware. Constantly curious. Equally analytical and empathic. Steward of details and organization. Lover of patterns and stories. Peering through realist-tinted glasses but stubbornly committed to the belief that another world is possible – a just, joyful, liberated world for all of us. Key skills include:
Team Management | Project Management | People Management | Budget Management | Relationship Management |
Communications + Campaign Strategy | Narrative + Messaging Development | Digital + Social Media | Media Relations | Content Creation |
Writing | Ghostwriting | Editing | Branding | Marketing | Behavior Change Theory | Audience Segmentation |
Coaching + Mentoring | JEDI Analysis + Application | Critical Thinking | Problem Solving | Systems Thinking | Self Awareness | Empathy |
Cross-Functional Collaboration | Strategic Planning | Research + Analysis | Policy Advocacy
EXPERIENCE
Upstream, Remote November 2025 - Present
Director of Strategic Communications
Leading strategic communications and narrative strategy to accelerate a just transition to a world where people and the planet are treated as indisposable, and communities thrive without waste. Managing communications team of in-house and contract staff.
SFFILM, Remote June 2025 - August 2025
Communications Strategist (Contract)
Crafted suite of messaging and strategy tools to guide and support execution of marketing and communications efforts to promote SFFILM's programming holistically as single, cohesive brand.
Created comprehensive Marketing and Communications Strategy Framework, streamlining and increasing MarComms team efficiency and coordination.
Developed organizational narrative platform, and aligned tailored audience and program messaging, equipping internal stakeholders to serve as effective brand ambassadors.
The Wilderness Society, Oakland, CA and Remote May 2019 - July 2024
Communications Director, April 2022 - July 2024 | Senior Communications Manager, May 2021 - March 2022
Led strategy and execution for Climate Solutions communications team and budget, directly managing 2 staff. Developed, guided and oversaw implementation of strategic communications plans for advocacy and engagement projects within Climate Solutions portfolio, as well as North Cascades landscape, including: narrative strategy and tailored messaging; earned media and rapid response; content creation and webinar production; and brand and narrative consistency.
Shaped and shepherded Climate Solutions “comms pod” of 5 to 9 media, digital, marketing and GIS strategists, plus interns and contractors, significantly improving cross-functional collaboration and reducing internal silos. Managed pod’s annual discretionary budget of $70K to $125K.
Led first-of-its-kind visioning and narrative process for North Cascades team, aiding fundraising team to secure 3-year $1.5M pledge from donor. Process adopted and used as model by Southern Appalachian team.
Advised creation of Climate Solutions 5-year programmatic outcomes and 3-year priorities, providing direct feedback and probing questions to ensure clear goals and measurable outcomes. Identified needs and shaped messaging and strategy for 2 new issue areas: just energy transition and clean energy minerals and mining justice.
Built relationships with journalists, producers, influencers and partner groups across country. Landed coverage and op-eds in outlets from The Washington Post and The Guardian to the Santa Fe New Mexican and Arizona Daily Star, and from “PBS Newshour” to “The Landscape Podcast.”
Expanded public and political support for federal policies via tailored outreach and messaging across communications channels, narrative interventions, and strategic elevation of key messengers. Worked in coalition to successfully: pass Inflation Reduction Act free of riders that gut bedrock environmental laws; advance first-ever update and expansion of Western Solar Plan to 11 states; and achieve 20-year oil and gas leasing ban around Greater Chaco Canyon as part of decades-long Indigenous-led collaboration.
Amplified campaign messaging and grantee stories via earned, digital, webinar and social media. Oversaw storytelling content elevating: immigrant oil and gas workers in New Mexico organizing for just transition; activists from Appalachia to Wind River Reservation advocating for health, safety and reform throughout fossil fuel lifecycle; and Indigenous land protectors fighting to stop oil and gas drilling in Greater Chaco Canyon and Western Arctic.
Fostered personal and professional growth of numerous staff and interns across departments, mentoring across cultures and difference. Directly managed 2 staff at opposite ends of careers – securing promotion for 1 within first year. Helped hire 9 new employees (hiring manager for 1).
Consistently praised by colleagues for advancing organizational and staff growth around equity, inclusion and diversity by: developing communication resources like Inclusive Messaging Guide; thoughtfully participating in internal learning and accountability sessions, including as small-group facilitator for White Staff Member Caucus; and leading discussion on putting stated commitment to equity and justice into practice in campaigns, projects and policy.
Received ‘One TWS Award’ in 2022, given every two years to staff member who “is a true team player” and served the organization above and beyond normal job duties, reaching outside comfort zone across multiple departments to achieve TWS’ vision and mission.
Communications Manager, May 2019 - April 2021
Crafted and implemented communication strategies and messaging for advocacy and outreach projects in Pacific Northwest, climate and energy portfolio, and national Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) permanent funding campaign. Mentored project teams on inclusive messaging and ethical storytelling.
Elevated bipartisan support for LWCF permanent funding with coalitions and state advocacy and government relations teams, securing quotes in 3 key policymaker communications including Sen. Daines (R-MT), Sen. Tester (D-MT) and Rep. Simpson (R-ID). Achieved permanent funding via passage of Great American Outdoors Act.
Authored first-ever advocacy narrative connecting Washington state projects in cohesive way, illustrating to funders, supporters and policymakers how state-based work contributes to national goals.
Drafted and trained staff to utilize messaging about Northwest Forest Plan update. Spearheaded communication planning and messaging development, audience identification and strategy for newly created coalition, Great Northwest Forests, and accompanying website.
Coordinated, project managed and led content strategy for storytelling project with six grantee partner organizations and frontline climate and justice advocates from South Carolina to Central California, amplifying community-led action and collective impact.
Applauded by executive team and other senior staff for immediate and sustained leadership in working groups throughout all phases of 10-year strategic plan development.
Spitfire Strategies, San Francisco, CA November 2013 - November 2018
Director, July 2018 - November 2018 | Senior Account Manager, April 2017 - June 2018 | Senior Account Executive, June 2016 - March 2017 | Account Executive, January 2015 - May 2016 | Account Coordinator, January 2014 - December 2014 | Public Relations Intern, November 2013 - December 2013
Managed and supported 5 to 10 accounts at a time via remote matrixed teams, serving strategic communications and campaign needs of nonprofits and foundations focused on climate, environment, education, immigration, health, and racial, reproductive, economic, gender and social justice. Created, implemented and coached clients on communications, digital and social media strategy; developed brand identities and paid campaigns; crafted messaging and email, website, social media and press materials; provided consistency reviews and editing; and conducted in-depth analyses with strategic recommendations. Promoted from intern to Director in fewer than 5 years, becoming go-to digital strategist and trainer in under 3.
Expanded client profiles and influence via critical content creation and project management capacity, including: communications planning, storytelling and localized support for New Americans Campaign; coalition coordination and grantee storytelling for The Walton Family Foundation; development and deployment of communications overhaul for Equal Rights Center; and clutch project management ensuring timely completion of foundational messaging and reports for ACLU Campaign for Smart Justice.
Honed and scaled online brands of 10 organizations and leaders, including: growing The California Wellness Foundation Twitter followers by nearly 80% in two years; garnering praise for CalWellness president’s thought leadership on Twitter in top philanthropy journal; developing brand identity, message platform, collateral and website content for Climate Action Reserve tool, Climate Impact Score; implementing social media ad and content strategy to boost author’s followers ahead of “Sleeping Giant: How the New Working Class Will Transform America” book release; and launching inaugural Better Together: California Teachers Summit, convening more than 15,000 educators and trending on Twitter 2xs on summit day.
Facilitated strategic decision making for major groups like Environmental Defense Fund and the Guttmacher Institute. Conducted in-depth research and analyses (including stakeholder interviews, literature and materials reviews, and landscape, peer and media analyses), synthesized complex issues and findings, and presented insights and recommendations to program directors and board members.
Trained and coached ~100 advocates from dozens of organizations on communications and digital strategy, in-person and online. Mentored ~10 to 15 junior staff in San Francisco and Washington, D.C., offices. Hired and managed 2 interns (hiring and managing 1 permanently after internship).
Managed first Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Deepened staff knowledge and commitment to racial equity and EDI practices, improving mutual accountability by facilitating difficult conversations with compassion.
VOLUNTEERISM
Friends of the Dunes, Manila, CA March 2013 - May 2013
Environmental Educator & Volunteer
Led field trips for more than 100 3rd-7th graders deepening knowledge of Humboldt bay and dune ecology. Engaged students in hands-on activities targeting California State Learning Standards in science in applied context of coastal ecosystems.
EDUCATION
Master of Arts (MA) in Social Science: Environment & Community, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
Honors: Patricia O. McConkey Outstanding Graduate Student Award/Graduation with Distinction
Thesis: Mending the Gap: Latino Involvement with Mainstream and Local Environmental Organizations – A Pilot Study in Los Angeles County, California; Gregg Gold (Advisor)
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, Willamette University, Salem, OR
International Study: Universidad San Francisco, Quito, Ecuador
Senior Project: Heavy Metal Pollution Induced Oxidative Stress as a Causal Factor for Autism in Genetically Susceptible Individuals; Susan Koger (Advisor)
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Leslie, K., & Koger, S. (2012). Toxicants and environmental health: A psychological issue. Journal of Student Research, 1(2), 19-30.
Leslie, K. E., & Koger, S. M. (2011). A significant factor in autism: Methyl mercury induced oxidative stress in genetically susceptible individuals. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 23(4), 313-324.
Koger, S. M., Leslie, K. E., & Hayes, E. D. (2011). Climate change: Psychological solutions and strategies for change. Ecopsychology, 3(4), 227-235.
LANGUAGE, TECHNICAL, EDITORIAL SKILLS
Languages: English: native speaker; Spanish: speak, read, and write with conversational proficiency
Digital/Technical Competencies: Google Suite, MS Office, Asana, CMS (Sharepoint, Drupal, WordPress), MuckRack, social media (Meta platforms, TikTok, reddit, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, BlueSky), Canva, Google Analytics, ArcGIS StoryMaps, EveryAction, Slack
Editorial: AP Style Guide, American English grammar, SEO, design consistency (UX/UI), inclusive language guides (multiple)