Careers >> Communications Associate
Communications Associate
Summary
Title:Communications Associate
ID:1074
Department:Communications
Campaign Start Date:01/10/2019
Location:National Office - Washington, DC
Description

Communications Associate

Summary

The Children’s Defense Fund seeks a driven, detail-oriented Communications Associate. The Communications Associate will report to the Communications Director and will assist with writing and editing, media outreach, project management and support as needed for the CDF Communications team to advance our efforts to engage priority audiences in CDF’s work to improve the odds for all children in America. The ideal candidate is highly organized, takes initiative, thinks creatively, and is eager to learn.

Mission of the Children’s Defense Fund

The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown.

CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individual donations, foundation, corporate and government grants.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Assist with execution of media outreach, advocacy and awareness campaigns, publication preparation and release, public events and other communications projects
  • Manage department calendars and project timelines, working with the Communications team and other departments to ensure smooth work flow and meet deadlines
  • Create and maintain press lists and assist with distribution of press releases, statements, and media advisories
  • Draft and edit press releases, statements, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, press kits and other materials to support press outreach
  • Monitor news coverage of CDF’s programs and priority issues, alert staff to key developments, and prepare press coverage reports
  • Write and edit compelling, effective content for media outreach, marketing materials, and digital communications
  • Copyedit and proofread publications, collateral materials, press kits and other materials as needed
  • Assist with content, proofreading, and layout for print and digital marketing materials
  • Assist with capturing multimedia content (photo, video, and audio) at CDF events
  • Provide administrative support including fielding phone calls to the communications department, assisting with scheduling and other duties as needed
  • Assist with management of consultants, vendors, services and subscriptions for the Communications department
  • Provide communications support as needed to CDF staff across National and State offices
  • Serve as a Communications team representative in interdepartmental meetings and working groups as needed

Essential Qualifications:

  • A passion for the mission of CDF and a commitment to improving the odds for children in America
  • Strong public relations skills and experience interacting with members of the media
  • Superb writing, editing and proofreading skills
  • An ability to translate complex information into simple, concise content and compelling stories
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • An ability to be flexible, work effectively under pressure, balance multiple projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively both independently and in teams to achieve organizational goals
  • One to three years of relevant work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience at a nonprofit, Congressional office, public affairs firm or political campaign preferred
  • Experience managing team calendars and project timelines
  • An understanding of the media and policy landscape surrounding issues impacting children in America, including poverty, health and nutrition, child welfare, early childhood and K-12 education, gun violence and the youth justice system.
  • Working knowledge of digital tools and services including Meltwater, PR Newswire, Hootsuite and WordPress

Salary commensurate with experience. Attractive salary and benefits package.

To apply, please submit cover letter, resume, two relevant writing samples and salary requirement.

The Children’s Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer

 

This opening is closed and is no longer accepting applications