JOB: (DC) Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, Communications Coordinator

[Mandy Vlasz]

 

Communications Coordinator

Updated February 11, 2016

 

BISC seeks a politically savvy, organized individual with strong writing skills to support our communications efforts. This is a full-time position based in our Washington, DC office, remote work will be considered with commensurate experience.

Overview

The Communications Coordinator is responsible for providing crucial communications implementation support in a manner that advances the organization’s mission. This position will develop communications materials and maintain the organization’s online communications tools including the BISC website and all related social media. Additionally, this position will also be responsible for monitoring, tracking and compiling media coverage (traditional, new media and blogs) of ballot initiative and referenda activity across the country, and data management and evaluation. The Coordinator will be responsible for packaging these and other updates for internal and external distribution.

Job Responsibilities

Our full-time Communications Coordinator will help us increase our impact by doing the following:

 

·       Draft and prepare communications materials including Web site content, press releases, letters, memos, research briefing papers, reports, background memos and more, under the supervision of the Director of Programs & Communications;

·       Maintain BISC Web sites and BISC social media; update with new content as appropriate;

·       Work closely with the Director of Programs & Communications to develop Web site content, while providing other communications support as needed to advance the legislative, coalition assistance, and planning goals of the organization;

·       Monitor, track and compile media coverage (traditional, new media and blogs) of ballot initiative and referenda activity across the country;

·       Develop and maintain contact databases of members of the media and organizational partners; as well as consistent evaluation of existing data and database management.

·       Develop proactive outreach to progressive grassroots organizations through blogs, community networking sites, listservs, etc;

·       Support outreach to partners by synthesizing and distributing media clips of relevant news,

·       Coordinate communications efforts with research and communications consultants; work to to coordinate outreach communications, media campaigns and online and offline communications, including earned-media outreach and event planning and logistics;

·       Support BISC senior staff by preparing PowerPoint and other presentations for board meetings and convenings.

·       Work with other staff to track and research state initiatives and referenda that impact progressive policies and politics;

·       Monitor and analyze web and email metrics to enhance traffic and supporter participation;

·       Occasionally partner with other departments on special projects;

·       Other duties as assigned

 

Requirements

Job requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·       Creativity and the ability to solve problems

·       Good political instincts and demonstrated passion for progressive causes

·       Strong writing skills, including experience producing a variety of materials for web, email and print communications

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team to develop and implement creative communications strategies

·       Experience creating and maintaining media lists and drafting press releases

·       Experience managing Web sites and online communications with CMS systems (ETapestry or similar preferred) and blast email systems such as Constant Contact

·       Previous experience working with new/social media

·       Proficiency in Microsoft Office software suite

·       Ability to change course quickly – flexibility is essential

·       Previous work with state-level policy/political organizations and labor unions 

·       Some familiarity with ballot initiatives and issue campaigns preferred

·       Willingness to “pitch-in” where needed

·       Some experience in using photo and video editing software preferred, but not required

 

Qualifications

•       Excellent writing skills: Strong writing skills as well as a demonstrated ability to write independently and under tight deadlines.

•       Detail oriented:  Extremely organized and detailed oriented.

•       Results-driven: Flexible and organized, and shows relentless commitment to meeting a high bar and a history of getting things done even in the face of obstacles.

•       Effective interpersonal skills: Proven ability to communicate effectively with different personalities to move projects forward.

•       Strong time management skills: Proven ability to balance many projects at once and prioritize accordingly.

•       Demonstrated commitment to the progressive movement.

 

We prefer candidates with at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Exceptional benefits including health, vision and dental, as well as 401(k).

How to apply

Send Cover letter, resume and two writing samples to Jo...@ballot.org with the subject line Communications Coordinator.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.