Communications Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Associate

🔹 Company: Groundwork Collaborative

🔹 Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (On-site with some remote work)

🔹 Category: 📣 Marketing Communications (MarCom)

🔹 Date Posted: April 1, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting the communications team to enhance media and digital engagement efforts.
• Drafting media relations materials and assisting with press event management.
• Tracking and compiling media coverage, and assisting with content creation.
• Promoting Groundwork’s progressive economic policy agenda.

ASSUMPTION: The role likely involves coordinating with various team members to ensure effective media coverage. The hybrid nature suggests flexibility in work arrangements, reflecting modern workplace trends in communication roles.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maintain task lists and track project progress.

✅ Draft and manage press-related materials and events.

✅ Monitor news cycles to identify publication opportunities.

✅ Provide research and administrative support.

✅ Draft content for social media and website updates.

✅ Assist the Communications Director with digital strategies.

✅ Manage internal communications resources (calendars, directories).

✅ Perform other duties as assigned.

ASSUMPTION: In addition to listed tasks, the role may require ad-hoc reporting and rapid response to evolving communications needs, common in non-profit advocacy environments.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Not specified, but likely requires relevant degree or equivalent experience.

Experience: Background in communications, media, or related fields.

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing and content creation abilities.
• Proficiency in media relations and digital engagement strategies.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with progressive economic policy communications.
• Experience using media monitoring tools (e.g., Cision).
• Basic graphic design capabilities.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with hands-on experience in political communications or advocacy organizations will have an advantage due to the organization's focus on policy narrative change.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $57,000 - $67,000 annually

Benefits:

• Five weeks of vacation and personal leave
• Zero-premium health insurance
• Generous retirement match and parental leave
• Health club and cell-phone reimbursements

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is competitive for the non-profit sector in Washington, D.C., and the benefits package suggests a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Civic and Social Organizations, focusing on progressive economic policy and advocacy

Company Size: 27 employees—suggesting a close-knit environment with potential for individual impact

Founded: 2018, with a mission to reshape economic narratives

Company Description:

• Focuses on strategic communications, research, and policy engagement.
• Advocates for a broadly inclusive economic vision.
• Operates with a blend of think tank and advocacy roles.

Company Specialties:

• Progressive Economic Policy
• Strategic Communications
• Digital Strategy

Company Website: https://www.groundworkcollaborative.org/

ASSUMPTION: The company’s small size and progressive mission likely mean a willingness to innovate in policy advocacy, appreciating dynamic and adaptable team members.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level to early-career professionals

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Communications Director

Work Arrangement: Combination of office presence and remote flexibility

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill development in media relations and policy advocacy.
• Potential to take on greater responsibility in strategic communications.
• Opportunities to engage with media and policy experts.

ASSUMPTION: Progression may involve taking on larger campaigns within the communications team with potential shifts towards strategic planning roles.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Likely a collaborative office environment reflecting its advocacy focus.

Office Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Geographic Context:

• Central location in D.C., a hub for policy and advocacy.
• Access to numerous media outlets and policy organizations.
• Proximity to key governmental and non-profit sectors.

Work Schedule: Standard weekday hours with potential for varying schedules due to external events.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid designation suggests flexible arrangements to optimize both collaborative and independent work efficiency.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial resume and cover letter submission.
• Review of writing samples (such as press releases or op-eds).
• Interview stages, potentially involving skills assessments.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communications proficiency
• Understanding of progressive economic policies
• Capability in media relationship management

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience in media or communications roles.
• Showcase adaptability and teamwork through past projects.
• Provide strong, diverse writing samples demonstrating versatility.

ATS Keywords: Communications, Media Relations, Social Media, Content Creation, Progressive Policy, Press Events

ASSUMPTION: The application process emphasizes clarity of thought and alignment with organizational goals. Tailoring communication skills to align with Groundwork’s values will be essential.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media Monitoring Software (e.g., Cision)
• Content Management Systems
• Social Media Platforms and Analysis Tools

ASSUMPTION: The role requires familiarity with digital and traditional communication tools, reflecting the integrated nature of modern media strategies within non-profits.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Commitment to inclusivity and economic justice
• Collaboration and open communication
• Innovation in advocacy and policy change

Work Style:

• Proactive and collaborative approach to team tasks
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Willingness to engage in creative problem-solving

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a strong understanding of the media landscape?
• Can I effectively advocate for progressive economic policies?
• Am I comfortable working in a rapidly evolving work environment?

ASSUMPTION: The role's impact may be greatest for candidates who align with the collaborative and mission-driven culture of Groundwork, thriving in dynamic communication settings.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of media trends and narratives.
• Balancing diverse priorities within a fast-paced advocacy setting.
• Navigating a landscape of varied stakeholder interests.
• Handling rapid shifts in communication strategies and technologies.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates will need resilience and agility to handle frequent changes and demands typical in communication roles within advocacy organizations.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications roles in non-profit advocacy organizations often involve similarly dynamic media tasks.
• Comparable roles may offer varied levels of interaction with policymakers and media personnel.
• Competition for these roles may be higher in concentrated policy hubs like Washington, D.C.

ASSUMPTION: The outlined role is similar to other entry-level communications roles but may offer distinct learning opportunities specific to economic policy advocacy.

📝 Sample Projects

• Assisting with the launch of a media campaign advocating for a new economic policy.
• Compiling a detailed report on media coverage of progressive economic narratives.
• Coordinating an event to discuss recent economic research with key policy leaders.

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects reflect typical tasks at Groundwork Collaborative, showcasing skills vital for communication professionals.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Groundwork measure the success of its communication campaigns?
• What opportunities exist for professional development within the team?
• How does the organization prioritize work-life balance in this role?
• Can you describe a recent successful media engagement project?
• What are the biggest challenges currently faced by the communications team?

ASSUMPTION: Interviews will likely assess candidate's compatibility with both organizational and team goals, as well as capability in driving media narratives effectively.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link.
• Include a cover letter detailing your interest and experience related to the role.
• Attach your resume with relevant experiences highlighted.
• Provide a 1-2 page writing sample showcasing your communication approach.
• Indicate flexibility and creativity in managing media campaigns.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.