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Position: Communications Associate

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)

Reports to: Director of Media Relations 

Salary Grade: Associate

Salary Range: $60,000-$65,000

Location: Washington D.C.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (two days in the office) 

About Us

Issue One is committed to winning game-changing reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. 

Since 2014, Issue One has worked to educate the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

Issue One is helping lead the fight to protect U.S. elections and election workers in 2024, ensure a peaceful transfer of power in 2025, and win comprehensive reforms to combat disinformation on technology platforms. Issue One built the National Council on Election Integrity and led its $15 million Count Every Vote Campaigns to defend the integrity of the 2020 elections and push back against attempts to undermine faith in our democratic process. 

Position Summary

The Communications Associate will support Issue One’s Director of Media Relations and initiatives focusing on earned media strategies related to our Council for Responsible Social Media (CRSM). They will proactively pitch and build relationships with the media covering technology reform and brainstorm creative angles to elevate Issue One’s brand and advance our mission. As such, they will closely monitor tech-related news cycles so that Issue One and our CRSM members can respond effectively and appropriately. They will also assist in drafting and distributing press releases, statements, op-eds, and other communications materials.

Responsibilities

Media Relations (75% of role)

• Proactively pitch and build relationships with members of the media;

• Develop creative pitch ideas and angles;

• Closely monitor tech-related news cycles for rapid response and other earned media opportunities;

• Assist in drafting and distributing press releases, statements, op-eds, and other communications materials as assigned;

• Assist the Director of Media Relations in coordinating relevant press events, media trainings, and public speaking opportunities for spokespeople;

• Maintain robust media lists for national and local media outlets;

• Monitor and document media mentions of Issue One and stakeholders.

Communications Support (25% of role)

• Assist with message development and consistency of IO communications products related to CRSM and technology reform (SO2).

Programs Support (10% of role)

• Keep Issue One staff up-to-date with all issues that affect Issue One and the tech reform sector; and

• Other tasks as assigned.

Job-Related Experience 

• Minimum of two years of applicable communications experience, including internships;

• Demonstrated passion for American politics, social media reform,  and fixing democracy;

• Commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable political system;

• Demonstrated experience in copy editing a plus;

• Experience writing talking point memos and prepping spokespeople; and

• Experience researching and monitoring the media landscape.

Job-Related Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities 

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write persuasively and concisely;

• Advanced knowledge of the issues and media landscape that pertain to Issue One’s SO2;

• The ability to work with and develop relationships with members of the press that result in earned media coverage;

• High computer proficiency with skills in Google, Excel, and Mac iOS preferred;

• Highly organized, detail-oriented self-starter with excellent time management and multitasking skills;

• The ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with the evolving media pool is essential;

• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and follow through on assignments under deadlines with appropriate direct supervision; and

• The ability to work effectively with all Issue One stakeholders, including staff, consultants, colleagues, volunteers, media, elected officials,  and the general public.

Structure and Location

This full-time, salaried, fully benefited position requires 40 hours per week. This position requires residency in the Washington, DC area. 

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance: 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.

• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.

• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for commuting and any work-related travel.

• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. They are also eligible to be reimbursed for stepping outside of their comfort zone and doing something they have never done before.

• All staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

• June 26-July 10: The position is posted, and resumes are collected

• July 11-12: Resumes are screened and top candidates are identified for interviews.

• July 15-19: first-round panel interviews take place.

• July 22-25: Finalists identified and paid assessment conducted (if needed).

• July 29-August 2: Second-round panel interviews with finalists take place.

• August 5-9: Preferred candidate named and the role offered (contingent on a background check and verification of all educational credentials).

• September 3-New candidate begins (flexible start date)

Special Note: While Issue One will do its best to follow the above timeline, there are instances where the selection process is shortened or delayed due to circumstances beyond our control. The organization will do its best to update all selected candidates on any changes to the timeline. In addition, while resumes may be submitted after July 10, there’s no guarantee they will be screened for a potential interview.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire 

At Issue One, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to voluntarily complete our self-identification questionnaire. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity, or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Company is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.