JOB (DC): Communications Director with the Center for Effective Government
Rick Trilsch
The Center for Effective Government (CEG) seeks to connect national policy issues and debates in Washington, DC, with the lives and concerns of everyday people in communities across the country. We aim to help Americans understand why the public sector is important to their hopes and aspirations and to draw them in to learn more, demand more, and engage with our government to ensure it is responsive to their priorities. We believe the two major challenges of our time – addressing rising inequality and creating a sustainable, green economy – require a robust, effective national government and a citizenry that supports it.
The job of Communications Director is central to our organization’s success.
This job is for you if:
- You enjoy writing and editing and love a good, powerful story. A key function of this role will be to edit reports, blogs, and other written materials so they are accessible to a general-interest audience and the mainstream media. We aim to balance solid and respected policy analysis with good narratives that drive and shape public conversations. Some of these reports will contain wonky policy material that may need to be translated into more accessible language.
- You like grabbing coffee with journalists. We need someone who can develop an aggressive, proactive media strategy that includes developing, maintaining, and deepening relationships with mainstream media. Through regular contact with reporters and editors, the Communications Director will work to make us a go-to source on stories about the federal government, the enforcement of laws and rules, corporate interference in the policymaking process, and tools that encourage citizen engagement and government responsiveness.
- You think strategically and have a big-picture view of the media and current political debates. We are looking for an individual who is intellectually curious and well-read, someone who scans the political press and news shows for fun and is always thinking about how to inject our voice and values into national debates.
- You understand and appreciate the power digital media plays in social justice issues. You’ll be overseeing our Digital Media Strategist and helping to shape and grow our online.
- You like to work collaboratively and mentor colleagues. Leading cross-team communications planning is essential to this role. We want you to shape and guide report messaging from conception through production. You will help ensure our staff frame policy discussions in broader themes about the role of government, public protections, and citizen activism.
- You take on challenges with enthusiasm and develop creative solutions. We want to greatly expand our communications reach and are eager to find someone with energy and passion to lead this work going forward.
Supervision and Leadership
The Communications Director will report to CEG’s President and will lead the communications team.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications or journalism and 7+ years' experience working in a communications field, with a demonstrated ability to expand an organization’s reach in the media.
- Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
- Motivated self-starter with a track record of achieving desired results and demonstrating impact.
- A strong passion and drive for changing the world, preserving democracy, and having fun doing it.
Salary & Benefits
Salary range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000, including 100% employer-paid health care and dental coverage.
All new employees receive paid vacation, 17 paid holidays, and paid sick and personal leave. We offer a retirement plan and long-term disability insurance.
Our office is located in the lively DuPont neighborhood of Washington, DC. It’s metro-accessible, and we offer access to Metro SmartBenefits.
How to Apply
Email the following to “Hiring Committee” at hir...@foreffectivegov.org (please be sure to mention where you saw the job advertised):
- A compelling cover letter explaining your interest in the position and our organization.
- Resume.
- Sample of communications work.
The Center for Effective Government is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, physical disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or length of time spent unemployed. This position is not part of CEG’s collective bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 70.