Communications Assistant at the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, DC

[Eric V]

Are you an excellent writer with an eagle eye for details? Do you thrive under ambitious deadlines? Are you looking for a progressive workplace where you can use your communications skills to support a dynamic team of public scholars working to change the world? If so, look no further!

Founded in 1963, the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) is the nation’s first progressive multi-issue think tank.  We are a community of scholars and activists committed to putting bold ideas into action to promote true democracy and challenge concentrated wealth, corporate influence, and military power. 

We are seeking a Communications Assistant who will work with the Communications team and our nationally renowned experts to assist with the release of groundbreaking reports, publish commentaries and talking points, and help garner media attention for work that is shifting the narrative on inequality, race and gender justice, foreign policy, and climate justice. Under the supervision of the Communications Director, the Communications Assistant will be responsible for a variety of day-to-day activities that support IPS’s goals of growing the community and audience for our work.

Primary Responsibilities

External Communications Support (60%-70%)

• Drafting various communications to supporters, including INSIDE IPS quarterly newsletter, the annual report, e-newsletters, etc.
  
• Assisting with distributing IPS’s e-newsletters.
  
• Posting and managing online content as needed.
  
• Assisting with event logistics, including securing venues, dates, times, etc.
  
• Posting events to IPS’s website and coordinating online outreach with the social media manager.
  
• Maintaining internal Google calendar of IPS events.
  
• Other projects as assigned.
  

Media Outreach Support (30%-40%)

• Supporting Institute-wide and project-specific media outreach, including conducting media research and assisting with media requests.
  
• Assisting in drafting press materials, including press releases, statements, and media advisories.
  
• Tracking media hits and maintaining the IPS online press room.
  

Essential Skills and Experience

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
  
• Highly organized, meticulous, and have strong attention to detail.
  
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, marketing, or related field and/or 1-2 years of relevant experience in a professional setting.
  
• Experience with Convio/Luminate Online, WordPress, and Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
  

Salary and Benefits

This is a temporary, one-year position with the possibility of becoming a permanent position after the first year. The selected Communications Assistant is expected to commit to a full-time schedule (IPS has a 37.5 hour work week) from February 1, 2016 until January 31, 2017.

The salary range for this position starts at $37,000 and is commensurate with experience.  Excellent benefits include generous vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, 403(b) plan upon hire, employer-paid health insurance, fully paid life insurance, fully paid long-term disability, optional short-term disability, and flex time.

IPS is strengthened by the diversity of our network and our differences in background, culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and much more. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, the LGBTQIA community, and other groups that have historically been subject to discrimination.

How to Apply

Please send the following materials in a single PDF to ap...@ips-dc.org with “Communications Assistant” in the subject line.  

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in communications work and any related experience.
   
2. Your resume, including three references.
   
3. Writing sample(s) not exceeding 4 pages in length.
   

Application deadline: Friday, December 11, 2015.