Job Description

Communications Associate, Public Interest Network:

Serve on our communications team. Work with a large network of non-profit organizations to deliver compelling stories to targeted online audiences. Help to build their base of support, raise critical funds, and mobilize a vast network of online activists to make a different on environmental and public interest issues.

Organization:

The Public Interest Network includes U.S. PIRG, Environment America, Green Corps and other organizations that engage in research, advocacy, grassroots organizing and litigation to win positive changes for our environment and our society. We are tackling some of the key issues facing the country right now including health care, global warming and alternative energy.

Public Interest GRFX is the in-house communications team for the Public Interest Network. We write and edit text, design publications and online content, build websites, and produce video content in order to enlarge our base, build public support and generate grassroots action for our network.

Job Description: Communications Associate

Serve as the primary creative point person on communications for six to eight of our partner groups, working with the staff of these organizations to recruit new members, build deeper affinity, raise funds and spur thousands more people to action.

Craft campaign packages, online appeals, newsletters, political posters & brochures, annual reports, websites and more. In the process, help our team of advocates and organizers hone the messages and stories they use to communicate their work.

Help shape and maintain online content and ensure that we keep our websites up to date. Work with issue advocates, field organizers and other staff to get news stories, reports, campaigns and organizing tools online. Train field staff to manage the day-to-day updating of their websites.

We're looking for someone who wants to make an impact on the big issues of the day and understands that it takes hard work and real dedication to make positive social change. We need people with a dynamic skill set that includes technical savvy, people skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

LOCATION
Boston, MA (downtown) or Philadelphia

REQUIREMENTS
You can get your head around complex issues, write clearly and persuasively, and manage multiple projects.
You have at least a year’s experience writing for publication – at the campus newspaper, writing newsletters and emails for a group you volunteer with, or similar relevant experience.
You have experience volunteering or working for an issue or cause you feel passionate about.

BASIC SKILLS
Writing and editing: Able to write to an audience with a strong command of grammar, logic and narrative.
Efficiency.
Computer aptitude: Must be able to learn technical skills quickly. Experience with InDesign, Photoshop, Excel, Flash and Dreamweaver a plus.

PROBLEM-SOLVING
Project management: Able to plan and juggle multiple projects, tasks and deadlines.
Creative: Able to anticipate or define a problem, brainstorm solutions, propose or decide on a course of action, and follow through.
Thinking on your feet: Able to respond to unexpected challenges with confidence.

PEOPLE SKILLS
Good listener, collaborative worker.
Articulate: Able to make a persuasive case.

RESPONSIBILITY
Self-directed: Can take the ball and run with it.
Accountable: Respects goals, budgets and deadlines.
Result-oriented: Evaluates own work and expects to be evaluated by others on the basis of concrete results.

COMMITMENT
Enthusiasm: This is more than a 9 to 5 job. We deliver what we promise and take the time to do it right.
Leadership-track: We want people who are eager to take on more so they can expand the scope and impact of their work.

TRAINING
A 2-day orientation when you start.
A 3-day team-wide training twice a year.
Opportunities throughout the year to cross-train with the rest of our network’s staff.
Ongoing training through interaction and feedback from your staff director and others.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary for this position ranges from $23,750 up. Salary for this position is commensurate with relevant professional experience. A competitive benefits package includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, a retirement plan and paid vacation and sick days. Opportunities for advancement, travel and additional training are available.