Matters ▸ Attachment
MarionDavis_CV_redacted — File 24-0308
MARION S. DAVIS
SUMMARY
Writer, editor and communications strategist with robust knowledge of climate science,
policy and finance issues, sustainable development and urban affairs, and a strong track
record in public policy journalism, research and advocacy communications. Expert at
synthesizing complex materials and tailoring messages for different audiences. Highly
collaborative, attuned to team needs and political nuances, creative and solutions-
oriented, with a global, multicultural perspective and a passion for social justice.
EXPERIENCE
Writer, Editor and Communications Strategist, Boston, Mass., and Providence, R.I.
Multiple clients and publications, 2004–2011 and March 2017–present
• Trusted writer and editor for international clients focused on climate change and
sustainable development, including the World Bank, Stockholm Environment Institute,
Climate Investment Funds, and other research and policy institutions. This work
includes publications, briefing notes, annual reports, web stories, media materials, etc.
• Specialize in distilling complex scientific, technical and policy issues into clear and
compelling messages for policy-makers and diverse stakeholders.
• Support nonprofits focused on racial and socio-economic justice with communications
strategy, effective policy advocacy, media relations and social media outreach to build
their brand, advance policy goals, raise public awareness and increase fundraising.
• Write news features, opinion articles, blogposts and other materials, with a focus on
climate change, sustainable development, and racial, economic and social justice.
Boston Impact Initiative, Boston, Mass.
Marketing & communications consultant, February–June 2023
• Advised nonprofit impact investment fund focused on racial equity and social justice
on clear, effective messaging, thought leadership, and overall communications strategy.
• Laid a strong foundation for a forthcoming hire by modeling good practices, building
systems and creating templates and content modules for the fund’s long-term use.
• Produced a wide range of editorial and multimedia content to support BII activities
and engage BII’s diverse stakeholders (entrepreneurs, investors, donors, emerging fund
managers and ecosystem partners), including multilingual materials.
• Organized BII’s 10th anniversary celebration, working with a wide range of partners.
Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Boston, Mass.
Director of communications, March 2017–June 2020
• Shaped the voice of New England’s top immigrant advocacy organization in a dynamic
and politically charged landscape, leading communications on multiple campaigns and
developing tailored messaging for immigrants, allies and policy audiences.
• Managed digital communications, including branded campaigns to educate and
mobilize advocates, doubling or tripling audiences on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Played a key role in development, including an annual gala, Annual Appeal materials,
online solicitations, some grant proposals, and targeted appeals for specific funders. Co-
led the Unafraid Scholarship, raising $240,000 since 2017 for more than 60 students.
• Built capacity for effective advocacy through communications workshops, media
training, writing support, and one-on-one coaching for immigrants, activists and allies.
• Recognized as a 2018 Latinx Amplifier for excellence in advocacy for our
communities.
MARION S. DAVIS
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EXPERIENCE
Stockholm Environment Institute, Somerville, Mass. (with HQ in Stockholm)
(CONT.)
Senior communications officer, July 2015–March 2017
Climate communications officer, policy writer and editor, Feb. 2010–March 2017
• Led communications for SEI’s climate projects worldwide, working closely with
researchers to raise SEI’s global profile as a trusted source of climate/energy expertise,
helping it become the No. 2 most-influential environmental think tank worldwide.
• Pioneered a model of communications as an integral part of research teams – directly
engaged in shaping policy messages and planning and developing publications and
events – that improved the quality of outputs, built institutional capacity, and increased
SEI’s impact. This model transformed SEI’s communications strategy worldwide.
• Identified and leveraged a wide range of channels to disseminate SEI’s work and
thought leadership, building a robust social media following, regularly publishing blogs
and op-eds, and cultivating strong relationships with international news media.
• As SEI’s most prolific editor and writer, produced hundreds of publications, including
major international reports sponsored by UN agencies and governments, such as the
Arctic Resilience Report and the New Climate Economy project’s flagship reports.
• Developed and delivered training modules for researchers and communications staff
across SEI, and provided sustained one-on-one coaching on strategic communications.
Providence Business News, Providence, R.I.
Managing editor, Jan. 2006–Nov. 2007
• Assembled and led an award-winning editorial team that dramatically raised PBN’s
profile by diversifying and expanding coverage of health care, tech and creative sectors.
Reporter (staff and contributing writer), July 2004–Oct. 2010
• Delivered in-depth, expert coverage of health care, insurance and medical research,
breaking new ground on the uninsured, geriatrics, end-of-life care, patient safety and IT.
• Wrote news and features on banking, economic development, tech and innovation.
Beacon Communications, Warwick, R.I.
Editor, Cranston Herald, Jan.–July 2004
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, R.I.
Assistant director of external relations, June–Dec. 2003
The Providence Journal, Providence, R.I.
Senior education reporter, Oct. 2000–June 2003
Staff writer, various beats, 1995–2000
EDUCATION
Columbia University, Graduate School of Journalism
Master of Science in Journalism, with honors, 1994
Georgetown University, College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, 1993
Double major in English and history
MARION S. DAVIS
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SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Authored/Co-Authored:
World Bank (2023, forthcoming). Grievance Redress Service Annual Report 2023.
http://www.worldbank.org/grs.
Davis, M., Harris, K., Talebian, S., Nitsch, C., & Klein, R.J.T. (2023). “Entry points for integrating
transboundary climate risks in the global goal on adaptation.” Stockholm: Adaptation Without Borders
Discussion Brief. https://adaptationwithoutborders.org/knowledge-base/adaptation-without-
borders/entry-points-for-integrating-transboundary-climate-risks-in-the-global-goal-on-adaptation
CIF (2023). Supporting Just Transitions to a Sustainable Water Sector in Bolivia. Just Transition Case Study.
Washington, DC, and Stockholm: Climate Investment Funds and Stockholm Environment Institute.
https://www.cif.org/knowledge-documents/supporting-just-transitions-sustainable-water-sector-bolivia
World Bank (2022). Angola Country Climate and Development Report. Washington, DC.
http://hdl.handle.net/10986/38361. [co-authored and edited report]
Davis, M. (2022). Working with Nature: Next Generation Green and Blue Infrastructure for Addis Ababa.
Policy Brief 3, Addis Ababa Urban Age Task Force. LSE Cities, London School of Economics and Political
Science, London. https://urbanagetaskforce.net/addisababa/. [Authored package of four briefs.]
CIF (2023). Annual Report 2022: Delivering Results. Climate Investment Funds, Washington, DC.
https://www.cif.org/news/cif-annual-report-2022-delivering-results. [Also wrote 2021 Annual Report.]
CUT (2021). Seizing the Urban Opportunity: How National Governments Can Recover from COVID-19, Tackle
the Climate Crisis, and Secure Shared Prosperity through Cities. Coalition for Urban Transitions, London and
Washington, DC. https://bit.ly/33SzzUu. [Lead author of global synthesis report and six country reports,
on China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.]
ASEAN Climate Resilience Network (2021). Climate-Smart Land Use Practice Insight Briefs: Six-part
series covering promising techniques for Southeast Asian agriculture, aquaculture, forestry and landscape
restoration. https://asean-crn.org/climate-smart-land-use-practice-insight-brief-series/. [Edited and co-
authored series with Stockholm Environment Institute Asia Centre team.]
Edited:
Vigil, S., and Kim, D. (2023). International Labour Migration in a Changing Climate: Insights from Malaysia and
Thailand. Bangkok: International Organization for Migration. https://publications.iom.int/books/
international-labour-migration-changing-climate-insights-malaysia-and-thailand
Atteridge, A. (2023). Principles for Just Food System Transitions Envisioning a More Equitable and Sustainable
Future – and an Inclusive Path to Achieving It. Just Rural Transition, Washington, DC.
https://justruraltransition.org/resource/principles-for-just-food-system-transitions/
Verkuijl, C., Strambo, C., Hocquet, R., Butterfield, R., Achakulwisut, P., Boyland, M., Vega Araújo, J.,
Bakhtaoui, I., Smit, J., Bastos Lima, M. and Green, J. (2022). A Just Transition in the Meat Sector: Why, Who,
and How? SEI report. Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute. http://doi.org/10.51414/sei2022.046
World Bank Group (2022). Malawi Country Climate and Development Report. World Bank, Washington, DC.
http://hdl.handle.net/10986/38217
OECD (2022). Urban–Rural Linkages in Poland. OECD Regional Development Studies. Paris: Organisation
for Economic Co-Operation and Development. https://doi.org/10.1787/94b5c782-en
Beard, V. A. and Lopez-Ortiz, C. (2022). Inequality, Resource Gaps, and Opportunities for Collaboration:
Insights from the First-Ever Global Survey of City Leaders. Working Paper. Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities,
Ithaca, NY. https://centerforcities.aap.cornell.edu/your-city-counts