Director of Communications – Washington, D.C.
The Democracy Alliance (DA) is a growing network of progressives who partner with, contribute to, and encourage collaboration among progressive organizations, strategists and donors at the national, state and local levels.
Over the last decade, more than $500 million has been raised to build and sustain elements of the progressive infrastructure – from multi-issue think tanks to a sophisticated media monitoring apparatus – that did not previously exist. As a result of DA strategy and funding, there have been numerous progressive electoral victories, and many progressive ideas and policies have been enacted – and achieved broad popular support.
In a nearly year-long consultative process, the DA has created its Vision 2020, setting out ambitious goals for the next five years that build on previous achievements. By 2020, the DA seeks to build an America where progressives hold the reins of power and use them to make significant impact on several of our nation’s greatest challenges: a fair democracy where everyone can participate; an inclusive economy that works for all; and a planet that is healthy and safe. The DA is committed to addressing the issues of democracy, economic fairness and climate change together because they are deeply connected and sustainable progress will build on that principle.
As it has in the past, the DA is committed to building progressive power that produces electoral and policy victories, and to the infrastructure that can support those efforts. In addition, the DA will make new investments in state-based infrastructure and the key constituencies that comprise the Rising American Electorate (voters of color, young people and single women) and work closely with other communities that share our progressive values.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director of Communications, together with the SVP for External Relations, will develop strategies to help generate greater awareness of the DA’s 2020 Vision and the progressive organizations and ideas it supports, in order to contribute to the national dialogue, grow the Partnership, and encourage greater support for DA-recommended organizations and efforts. The Director of Communications will oversee internal communications, developing new/innovative ways to share news and information with Partners and help them to connect with one another, as well as external communications, responding to media inquiries and developing proactive strategies to build awareness of the DA’s work – and the work of our recommended organizations – in traditional and new/social media outlets.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Director will:
- Engage the staff in developing and implementing a strategy to convey the DA’s 2020 Vision
- Create effective messages to convey the connection between the restoration of democratic structures, the promotion of a progressive economy and the urgent need to offset the long-term effects of climate change
- Design a system to ensure that DA is able to take advantage of every opportunity to highlight the work of its recommended organizations, publicly, in the media, at conferences and in other settings where appropriate
- Identify the external audiences needed to effect DA’s 2020 Vision and draw up a plan to reach each segment most effectively
- Ensure that both internal and external communications are innovative, interesting, current, and regular
- Field press inquiries and put reporters in touch with appropriate spokespersons
- Oversee process for revamping the DA’s public and internal websites, leading the thinking on the content that needs to be communicated with internal and external audiences
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
The Democracy Alliance seeks a candidate with:
- At least seven years of experience in the field of journalism or communications
- Experience in electoral and/or issue campaigns
- Familiarity with conventional communications platforms but also with new/social media and the constantly changing options available for messaging to diverse audiences
- Excellent oral and written communications skills
- Highly developed editing abilities with experience writing, revising and generating web material and publications
- The ability to work quickly and effectively with a broad range of people and as part of a team
- Experience in critical issues that can sometimes be controversial in nature
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt as needs and priorities change
- Strong work ethic, resourcefulness and willingness to take on wide-ranging responsibilities
- Sense of humor and interest in building a strong culture and a high-performing team
REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President for External Relations
BASED IN: Washington, DC
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: One
START DATE: Immediately
TRAVEL: Some travel will be required.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience, education, and ability
TO APPLY
Applicants should email susanosnos@earthlink.net and must include a cover letter, resume, an unedited writing sample and salary requirements. Email MUST reference “Director of Communications” position in the subject line. No calls, please.
We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool in the belief that employees from diverse backgrounds are critical to achieving our goals. We strongly encourage applications from persons with diverse backgrounds and experiences.