Senior Adviser, Communications

Reports to: Executive Vice President, Communications
Staff reporting to this position: None
Department: Communications
Position Classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 9
Minimum compensation: $140,000

Summary

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Senior Adviser for Communications, who will work with the Center for American Progress Action Fund’s Advocacy Department to manage media relations and other external communications. This person will serve as a strategist, working closely with the president of CAP Action to develop and implement communications plans for CAP Action’s programs and priorities. The Senior Adviser will work closely with other CAP Communications staff and with counterparts at allied organizations to align messaging and press strategies. They will also work side by side with the Advocacy Department’s digital communications, campaigns, and research teams and play a leadership role in developing CAP Action’s communications strategies around advocacy and electoral activities. This role is part of the Advocacy Department’s senior leadership team.

This role will be driven by American Progress’ mission “to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country.” The Senior Adviser will be part of a dynamic department that supports work across American Progress’ five cross-cutting priorities:

• Strengthening public health and ending the pandemic
• Building an economy for all
• Securing a sustainable climate
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Restoring social trust and strengthening democracy

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement communications plans for the Advocacy Department’s programs and products, working closely with teams across the department and organization when needed.
• Work closely with the Advocacy Department’s digital team on the development and execution of communications plans that incorporate social media strategy, digital content creation, and traditional press.
• Partner with the research team to identify rapid-response and long-term opportunities that clearly define and contextualize progressive policy impacts and hold elected leaders accountable using a data-driven approach.
• Lead outreach to communicators at allied organizations to help develop content and strategy around key advocacy initiatives.
• Play a leadership role in advising CAP Action’s rapid-response program.
• Pitch reporters on CAP Action initiatives and products.
• Write content for talking points, memos, and other products, coordinating with other members of the CAP communications team.
• Manage special projects as they arise, including polling development and releases.
• Manage prospective Advocacy Department communications staff and coordination with CAP’s Press team on products and strategy.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Twelve to 15 years of experience in media and/or communications, including managing strategies and execution of issue and electoral programs.
• A keen strategic eye for news-worthy angles paired with the discipline needed to drive a message.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well on a team.
• Experience working with reporters with on-the-record spokesperson experience.
• Campaign experience is strongly preferred.
• Previous management experience is preferred.
• Strong relationships with progressive partners and allies, including with political organizations.
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.
• Ability to build, motivate, and work within a team to accomplish project goals.
• Experience effectively engaging with reporters, thought leaders, and other policy influencers on social media.
• Nonprofit or government experience is required.

American Progress offers full and competitive benefit packages. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

American Progress’ offices will reopen in February 2022, and employees are expected to be available to work from and commute to Washington, D.C. Details of a hybrid work schedule will be communicated prior to the employee’s start date. We will continue to monitor the current health emergency and adjust plans as needed in the future.