Position: Director of Strategic Communications

Location: Washington, D.C. or New York, NY

Status: Exempt; Full Time

Reports to: VP of Communications

About Accountable.US

Accountable.US is a nonpartisan watchdog organization that shines a light on the corrupting influence of powerful corporations and special interests on public policymaking. Our work helps pave the way for policies that advance the interests of all Americans, not just the rich and powerful. If you're looking for a growing, fast-paced organization that invests in its people and strives to create more equitable and inclusive communities, then Accountable.US could be the place for you. We offer competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, and we encourage a healthy work/life balance for our staff.

Position Summary

Do you have experience developing nuanced messaging for political or advocacy campaigns? Do you love weaving together facts to tell a compelling story? Accountable.US seeks a Director of Strategic Communications to help translate our hard-hitting investigative research into effective messages for reporters, the general public, and partner organizations. The ideal candidate must be a seasoned storyteller, communicator, manager, and team player with experience developing integrated communications and campaigns and managing teams.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks

• Assist the VP and the communications team in developing the communications vision and strategy for the department.
• Work with the communications team to develop messaging, communications, and media plans.
• Create and oversee the execution of integrated high-impact communications that leverage media relations, research, digital and social, rapid response, marketing, branding and thought leadership.
• Work cross-functionally with digital and research counterparts on campaigns and projects to ensure efforts are strategic, collaborative and effective.
• Partner with the research team to take investigative research and turn it into high-impact communications and campaigns that resonate in the marketplace.
• Collaborate with digital team to ensure a strong digital footprint and reach in the organization’s high-impact communications.
• Manage a portfolio of issues including but not limited to energy, conservation and the environment and other areas.
• Work with the media to build and maintain relationships at the national, state and local levels as well as pitch and land stories.
• Develop pitch angles and media materials as well as approve them for other communications staff.
• Manage and mentor a talented group of communications and media relations professionals that will include deputy press secretaries.
• Identify opportunities to help the organization integrate diversity, equity, inclusion and justice into our communications plans and work.

Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Ability

• Minimum of eight or more years of communications experience required.
• Strong storyteller, communicator, manager and team player.
• Good written and oral communications skills and experience doing strategic planning and creating integrated communications.
• Track record of using research to develop innovative, high-impact communications and campaigns.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with the media, creating pitch angles, developing and approving press materials, pitching and landing stories and mentoring non-management staff to help them become stronger media relations professionals.
• On the record spokesperson experience is required.
• Ability to successfully work cross-functionally across teams, demonstrating strong collaboration and relationship building skills.
• Minimum of three years of management experience.
• Self-starter that is innovative, flexible, nimble, focused and not afraid to try out new ideas and fail.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity inclusion and justice.

Compensation & Benefits

Minimum salary for this position is $105,000. Exact compensation package is commensurate with experience. Our excellent benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, a 401(k) match, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and more. During the pandemic, all Accountable.US employees are working remotely. Some weekend work may be required.

Accountable.US Careers

Accountable.US 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.

A Note to BIPOC Candidates: Studies have shown that women, nonbinary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.