ARAW job opening: Communications Associate

[Omaha Steve]

Hi all,

I'm leaving my position at American Rights at Work to attend graduate school--and so we're hiring! Please help us find an awesome candidate. To apply, folks should send cover letter, resume, references, and 2 relevant work writing samples by May 31 to [email protected]. (no phone calls or direct solicitations, please) The job description is below:

Communications Associate

Starting Salary Range: $ 43,000 – 54,000, commensurate with experience
Status: Full-time, Exempt, Unit Position
Location: Washington, DC

Position Overview: American Rights at Work, a nonprofit advocacy organization focused on protecting and advancing workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively, seeks a Communications Associate to write, edit, and provide production oversight for the organization's public relations materials, website, publications, and collateral material, as well as provide day-to-day administrative and programmatic support for the Communications Department and organizational initiatives. We are looking for an experienced candidate with solid writing skills and project management experience who is comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment and carrying out administrative tasks.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:



Writing & Editing

* Writes, rewrites, and plans copy and content for a variety of organizational initiatives and communications projects, including but not limited to website, blog, publications, letters, e-newsletters, online alerts, press releases, advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, presentations and speeches.
* Proofreads, fact checks, and edits as needed.



Media Relations

* Monitors and distributes news coverage of key organizational issues, and for additional projects as needed, under supervision and with assistance from the Media Relations Director.
* Coordinates letters to the editor.
* Manages archives and promotion of the organization’s press clippings.
* Assists with organizing press and special events.
* Responds to public/media inquiries.



Online Strategies

* Manages blog workflow and production schedule, in coordination with the blog team.
* Supports the development and maintenance of the website and online advocacy work through research, writing, editing, and designing content as assigned.
* Regularly loads press releases, updates, and new publications.
* Ensures home page and other features are updated with fresh content regularly.
* Manages and enhances presence on social networking sites.



Communications Coordination

* Coordinates communications workflow, calendars and production schedules for most communications products and marketing initiatives, under supervision by the Deputy Director of Communications and through coordination with various departments.
* Supports special events, projects and initiatives through communications coordination, logistics, material organization and other related tasks.
* Coordinates correspondence with Board of Directors and other stakeholders: plans, researches, drafts, and edits letters and prepares attachments.
* Maintains inventory of organization’s printed materials.
* Distributes new materials electronically to key audiences.
* Coordinates department mailings.



Administrative Support

* Carries out or oversees communications interns or consultants in:
o Assisting with daily activities in communications office.
o Maintaining central files and communications contacts.
o Responding to and/or rerouting website/email user inquiries, problems, and information requests.
o Assisting in maintenance of email lists and databases.
o Assisting with webpage and email message production.
o Providing back up administrative and office support to the Office Manager as needed.
o Responding to miscellaneous communications and research requests from staff and department.
o Assisting Communications Director with projects as assigned.



Qualifications:

* 3-4 years work experience in communications, marketing, journalism, PR, or media relations, preferably for a nonprofit, labor, or political, or news publishing organization.
* Bachelors’ degree in communications, journalism, political science, English, or related field.
* Excellent writing and proven proofreading skills, with competence in the following styles: media releases, letters to the editor, op-eds, action alerts, blogs, and web pages.
* Experience with HTML, content or constituent management systems, graphic design, image editing, and social media tools and marketing.
* Familiarity with print production, website management, and media file management.
* High proficiency with MS office suite, internet research, and database management.
* Attention to detail a must.
* Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and perform a wide variety of tasks over the course of the workday.
* Motivation, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
* Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work well in a team environment.
* Ability to work independently and with professional discretion in performing work assignments.
* Experience managing external vendors preferred.
* Commitment to and experience in social justice advocacy, progressive politics, or workers’ rights policy preferable.


Application Instructions:

To apply, send cover letter, resume, references, and 2 relevant work writing samples by May 31 to [email protected]. Incomplete applications, or applications delivered by fax, mail, or in person will not be considered. Please no phone calls or direct solicitations.

American Rights at Work is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages diversity in the workplace.