Communications & Marketing Associate

Voices for America’s Children is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit child advocacy organization committed to speaking out for the well-being of children at the local, state and federal levels of government.  With 60 members in nearly every state, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, we advocate for effective public policies in order to improve the lives of all children throughout the United States.  We have a talented and entrepreneurial Washington, DC-based staff and are looking to add a creative communications and marketing associate who can help our network make the case for children in fresh and attention getting ways.

 Essential Functions / Responsibilities

The Communications team is responsible for the overall message and strategies that articulate VOICES’ mission and for collaborating with all member organizations’ teams to effectively use communication as a tool to meet our goals. The Communications and Marketing Associate will work to: help build the VOICES brand through Marketing and Communications; position VOICES as the “go-to� organization for the media policy and opinion makers, and the general public for credible and insightful information on children’s issues; strengthen the capacity of the entire VOICES network to speak out strongly and effectively on children's issues with clear and consistent messages; and support internal communication to staff. 

 

The successful candidate will assist the Vice President for Communications in carrying out the team’s work. Specific responsibilities may include:

 

·         Assist in media relations activities – writing news releases, pitching stories, building relationships with journalists, compiling media kits and materials, tracking news and monitoring impact

·         Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of reporters, editors, and columnists

·         Contribute to development and execution of a plan to integrate print, publication and web branding to reflect a cohesive creative suite

·         Assist in creating an organizational branding map to leverage members’ reach via co-branding

·         Develop online communications tailored to target audiences, blogosphere penetration (to support grassroots outreach, specific advocacy drives, cull thought-leaders), and interactive new media features (videos, podcasts, etc).

·         Help to build the network of communicators within our membership network and provide technical assistance

·         Edit and proof documents, publications, and communications

·         Assist in improving and managing online communications vehicles, including the website

·         Search engine optimization: for example, through Google AdWords (general and targeted), Google Grant Program, and Google Analytics measurement tools

·         Help write and produce publications, including newsletters, brochures, and annual report

·         Manage daily e-newsletter to member communications staff

·         Create a marketing and brand-building training session for the VOICES member regional meetings

·         Create/layout engaging visuals for proposals, publications, meetings, etc.

·         Analyze news coverage, current events, reports, and public-opinion polling to help derive messages

·         Project management to maintain editorial calendar, track assignments, ensure deadlines are met

·         Assist in writing communications plans into grant proposals

·         Supervise interns

·         Act as back-up to Vice President in responding to media requests, working in coalition efforts, etc.

 Desired Qualifications



·         Bachelors degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, English, or related fields

·         Familiarity with strategic advocacy communications for public interest issues

·         Experience in and understanding of both organizational brand building and internal education and adoption

·         Demonstrated skills as a strategic and tactical thinker

·         Outstanding skills in writing and editing

·         Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures in web design and e-communications

·         Ability to multi-task and work independently, as well as in team settings

·         Proficiency with various computer applications

·         Ability to comfortably communicate with a range of key stakeholders and network members, including senior staff, journalists, and coalition partners

·         Commitment to creating a brighter future for all children and a passion for communications and marketing as vehicles for positive social change.

 

 

Status:             Full-time; exempt