Associate Communications Director

Great benefits. Competitive pay. We know these are some of the things people look for in a job.  

But if you’re the kind of person who also cares about making an impact and serving our nation’s wounded warriors and their families, then you’re exactly the kind of person we’re looking for. When you join Wounded Warrior Project, you’re committing to making a difference. We make a commitment to you too – helping you to find that spark, ignite your passion to serve, and embark on a career with meaning and purpose.   At Wounded Warrior Project we recognize our mission cannot be accomplished without our talented teammates, which is why we’re proud to offer benefits such as:

• A flexible hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days work from home)
• Full medical, dental and vision coverage for both teammates AND family members
• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• A fun, mission focused and collaborative team environment

A mission that matters is just the beginning, so if you’re ready to get started, we’re ready for you.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Communications Associate Director supports the WWP Government and Community Relations team by developing communications and marketing strategies which promote WWP’s policy and advocacy priorities and functions. Responsibilities include developing and executing a comprehensive and active press strategy; identifying national and local opportunities to promote WWP’s active legislative agenda and grassroots advocacy; pitching and writing op-eds; writing talking points, newsletters; organizing WWP advocacy press events; overseeing policy and advocacy digital and social media activities; and, working closely with the Government Affairs and Grassroot and Constituent Affairs teams to communicate the impact of WWP advocacy efforts, programs, and services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Serve as the primary communications and marketing adviser to WWP’s Government and Community Relations team (GCR) to provide strategy and assist with the execution of activities that will promote the organization’s policy and advocacy priorities to key stakeholders.

GCR is inclusive of government affairs, grassroots advocacy, and constituent affairs.

Coordinate with internal teams including, but not limited to, the Government and Community Relations team, public relations and thought leadership, content marketing and social media, marketing, speakers’ bureau, and donor relations, to develop and implement marketing and communications plans that educate stakeholders about issues that further WWP’s policy and advocacy objectives.

Balance advocacy priorities with WWP’s marketing and communications strategies and processes.

Establish and maintain relationships with national, regional, and local media outlets, as well as communications counterparts in government, partner organizations, and within military and veteran service organizations.

Coordinate media relations with director of Public Relations & Thought Leadership and adhere to WWP media relations policies.

Develop and write key messages, talking points, media advisories, press releases, op-eds, articles, blogs, newsletter articles, and digital and website content, ensuring all are written in accordance with the organization’s style guide.

Distribute media advisories, statements, and press releases through direct pitching and distributing through newswire service.

Identify subject matter experts at WWP and create thought leadership content in support of WWP advocacy efforts that amplifies WWP position on policy issues and develop appropriate distribution strategies.

Manage DC advocacy agency to help drive strategy and support creation of all appropriate deliverables, including newsletters, creative, press releases, social media, event support, etc. Review contract annually.

Represent WWP in formal interviews and informal discussions with news media and in meetings with other stakeholders including Federal agencies.

Identify and leverage SMEs as appropriate.

Research media coverage, monitor trending policy and legislative topics, and identify relevant opportunities to position WWP as advocates for key warrior issues.

Assist with the planning and execution of press conferences and events. Coordinate logistics for interviews with WWP staff, leaders, and warriors.

Manage WWP DC Twitter channel. planning, writing, and publishing engaging content to inform stakeholders about WWP’s advocacy work. And coordinate with WWP social media manager on appropriate cross-promotional social opportunities.

Manage confidential information. Monitor website content performance, oversee SEO strategy, and maintain content to always ensure accuracy and appropriate messaging.

Track and report on media placements, content creation, campaigns, and DC Twitter performance.

Screen incoming media inquiries and address appropriately.

Other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong knowledge of Congress and the legislative process.

Executive presence and the ability to establish and maintain professional relationships.

Able to communicate with diverse personalities in a tactful, mature, and professional manner.

Able to juggle multiple projects at once and tactfully plan around competing priorities.

Able to handle highly sensitive matters with confidentiality, diplomacy, and professionalism.

Exceptional judgment.

Highly motivated, passionate, and creative team player with demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission.

Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize and effectively handle multiple projects with tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Resourceful, dependable, and efficient.

Fluent in AP Style.

Ability to quickly learn WWP style, voice, and brand.

Demonstrated ability to manage social media channels, particularly Twitter, and create appropriate content to maintain WWP’s presence.

Able to communicate complex information or processes in easy-to-digest format.

Able to work collaboratively with both individuals and teams across departments.

High energy level, self-starter and willing to take initiative with little guidance.

Able to able to travel, work after hours and over weekends. Able to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines.

Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of personal and business ethics and conduct.

Mission-driven, guided by core values, and a pleasure to work with.

EXPERIENCE

Requirements

Five years of experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, marketing, or related field.

Preferences

Three years of experience working on Capitol Hill or with a federal agency.

Two years of experience working in the non-profit or veteran services sector.

Two years of experience with media analytics tools, e.g., Cision or Meltwater.

Two years of experience creating engaging content for social channels.

EDUCATION

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public affairs, business, communications, or related field.

Equivalent combination of education, experience, training, or certification may be considered in lieu of degree.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

General office environment; temperature controlled. Sitting for extended periods. Up to 20% travel. *ca-sb   Wounded Warrior Project® is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.   Please note: Wounded Warrior Project is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms without a written search agreement in place. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Wounded Warrior Project via email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at Wounded Warrior Project in any form without a valid written search agreement in place will be deemed the sole property of Wounded Warrior Project, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Wounded Warrior Project as a result of the referral or through other means.”