Communications Strategist
Remote
Economy Security Project
Date Posted: 10/8/2024
Position Summary
The Communications Strategist for the Economic Security Project (ESP) will serve as a key executor of the organization’s communication efforts, directly supporting the Deputy Communications Director in implementing day-to-day tasks that drive ESP’s messaging and brand presence. This role involves hands-on involvement in media materials, web copy, social media posts, and op-eds. There will be an emphasis on writing in this role, with a significant responsibility for drafting the first versions of various communication materials. The Communications Strategist is a great opportunity for candidates experienced in media relations, stakeholder engagement, issues management, and communications strategy.
About Us
We believe in an America where everyone has the freedom and stability required to thrive.
We are strongest when people are the authors of their own lives. But the inequalities in wealth and power created by bad actors, structural racism, and outdated ideas on how the economy should work have left us all more insecure and less resilient. We can make a different set of choices.
The Economic Security Project advocates for ideas that build economic power for all Americans. We legitimize bold ideas by supporting cutting-edge research and elevating champions, win concrete policy victories for the communities that need to see change now, and provoke the conventional wisdom to shift what’s considered possible. Our team of academics, organizers, practitioners and culture makers disburse grants, run issue campaigns, develop creative interventions and research products, and convene to encourage investment and action from others.
We pick our fights based on our analysis of where strategic mobilization of people and resources could turn emerging trends into concrete policies. Our current efforts include putting cash into people’s pockets with a guaranteed income and policies like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit; and keeping corporations out of them by checking the unprecedented concentration of economic power with antimonopoly action. We believe these fights will get us closer to a world where families can pay the heating bills and make the rent, where consumers have choices and small businesses, a fighting chance. A future where we all have a chance not to just survive, but thrive with dignity.
Our Track Record
We’ve convened thousands in briefings, workshops, and marquee events to strategize and set the agenda for a more just political economy. We passed policies in over seven states to modernize the tax code, won over $1 trillion in checks for families in response to the pandemic, and spearheaded the federal fight for a guaranteed income for kids in the form of the expanded Child Tax Credit. These cash-based policies reduced poverty in the middle of a recession, in the words of one observer, “defying gravity”.
And we’ve built the field by investing over $25 million directly into groundbreaking research; pilots and task forces; coalitions and campaigns; new initiatives and organizations; and trend-setting narrative and cultural interventions to advance racial and economic justice and reset the conversation. As a result, ideas that were once considered impossible are now at the center of a vision for an economy where people are the authors of their own lives.
We’ve worked alongside thousands across the country exercising political muscle, moral imagination, and on-the-ground experimentation. It’ll take this and so much more in the years ahead; we are in a broader fight for a multiracial democracy and an economy that works for all. Our task is to deliver and we’re looking for talent to join us in the fight.
Our Team and Culture
Our successes are due in large part to the diverse team we’ve assembled from a wide range of fields – from campaigners to policymakers to activists to academics. We’re building an organization that supports and resources our staff to drive forward work that is critical to our mission.
We are committed to creating a best-in-class staff experience that promotes growth and performance, which requires a culture of active problem-solving, feedback, communication, and accountability. As a fully remote organization, ESP staff can work from anywhere in the country. We actively support and encourage people taking time away from work, including two weeks of full office closures and a six-week sabbatical at 5 years of service, in addition to our standard PTO. You can find more information on our full benefits offerings below.
Our internal work is deeply rooted in our values around diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that our policies and processes are equitable and informed by a wide range of lived experiences. We invest in our people’s professional development and promote regular conversations about career goals and growth opportunities. We provide opportunities to come together in person for both strategic planning and relationship-building, and we’re always up to take a game of trivia a little too seriously.
Responsibilities
Media Relations
Work with the Deputy Communications Director and the Communications Director to develop and implement media outreach strategies to pitch stories regularly, ensuring alignment with the organization's messaging and campaign goals.
Provide support for federal and state campaign and coalition efforts, including drafting press releases, statements, and social media content to amplify key messages and initiatives.
Support Economic Security Project Action’s political program by playing a role in public affairs, including the creation, dissemination, and promotion of events, polling, ads, and other campaign materials with political implications.
Engage journalists and media outlets by identifying appropriate contacts, and drafting compelling pitches and press releases.
Maintain and update media contact lists to be current and comprehensive, monitor media coverage, and prepare press clippings emphasizing building and nurturing relationships with key reporters and media outlets.
Assist in media engagement at ESP events, including inviting and hosting media, under the guidance of the Deputy Communications Director.
Coordinate media interviews, manage logistical details, and ensure spokespeople are provided with key messages and prepared to deliver consistent and clear communication.
Editorial
Draft and revise consistent, high-quality content for various communication channels and stakeholders, including press releases, media materials, web copy, social media posts, blog posts, political advocacy content, newsletters, and op-eds, often serving as the initial creators of these documents.
Simplify complex concepts for broader audiences by creating and polishing key messages, fact sheets, explainers, social media posts, and other digital materials.
Repurpose reports and publications into accessible formats such as one-pagers, social media content, and infographics to broaden reach and impact.
Collaborate with the Deputy Communications Director and other team members to refine and finalize content, ensuring alignment with ESP’s strategic goals and maintaining a cohesive narrative across all platforms.
Assist in the creation of speeches, talking points, and materials for ESP leaders’ public appearances and thought leadership initiatives, contributing to the development of messaging from scratch when necessary.
Support the development and execution of communication plans for state affiliate-related campaigns, including content creation and coordination with external consultants.
Provide logistical support for press opportunities at ESP events, including coordination of media engagement and follow-up activities.
Assist in developing and editing training materials for ESP grantees and partners, contributing to the preparation and execution of training sessions.
Administrative Support
Track and report communications and media deliverables for grant reports and brainstorm ideas for fundraising pitches in collaboration with the Development team.
Manage and prioritize incoming requests for communications support across the organization, particularly from the Build the Field and Campaigns teams, and work with teams to deliver requested materials within given timelines.
Assist in the management of external vendors and consultants, ensuring that project timelines and deliverables are met.
Manage and process invoices, ensuring timely submission, tracking, and reconciliation of payments in coordination with the finance team.
Experience and Qualifications
4+ years of experience in communications, public relations, digital media, or a related field, with a strong focus on writing and content creation.
Familiarity with media relations processes, including drafting press materials, coordinating interviews, and managing relationships with reporters.
Proficiency in using digital tools such as G Suite, Slack, Canva, content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics tools.
Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience elevating the voice and expertise of high-level influencers by polishing opinion pieces at key moments, prepping them for interviews, and drafting speeches and talking points for events.
Interest in and commitment to ESP’s mission and values, particularly in the areas of economic justice and policy advocacy.
Desired Skills
Superb writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, compelling first drafts across various formats.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
Strong organizational skills, with a strong ability to think analytically and creatively.
Attention to detail and dedication to producing high-quality work, especially during the drafting phase.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and think creatively to enhance communication efforts while multitasking.
Enthusiasm for learning and professional growth, with a willingness to take on new challenges.
Ability to track trends in media coverage, key announcements, and high-level conversations relevant to ESP’s priorities.
Interest in political advocacy around economic issues, particularly those in line with ESP’s mission.
Work Environment
The Economic Security Project is a virtual office with staff across the country.
Salary
The salary range for this position is $75,000-$95,000. The final salary will depend on experience and location. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits
ESP provides a robust benefits package which includes the following:
Medical, vision, dental insurance with premiums fully covered for employees and their dependents
Worker’s Compensation
Long and short-term disability insurance
Basic Life Insurance with a 50K maximum
401K with up to a 4% match
Full office closures for Summer & Winter breaks
PTO: 136 vacation hours, 80 sick leave hours, 9 standard holidays, 2 floating holidays, and 20 hours of volunteer leave
6-week paid sabbatical after 5 years of full-time service
Connectivity and home office stipends, and wellness use bonuses (taxable)
Annual professional development budget
Organization-provided computer or $50/month bonus for employees who choose to use their own
Access to commuter and flexible spending accounts
Because the Economic Security Project values a diverse and representative workplace, people who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and people of all gender identities are strongly encouraged to apply. ESP is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
