Communications Director

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Job Overview

Location: Washington, DC preferred but open to exceptional remote candidates on the East Coast with regular in-person time in DC

The Knight-Georgetown Institute (KGI) seeks an experienced communications professional to develop and lead proactive communication strategies to reach key technology policy audiences. KGI is a new organization that connects independent research about technology and the online information environment with policy and design. Effective communication is at the heart of everything we do. Our first Communications Director will lead the creation and implementation of a communications strategy that builds relationships with key audiences and shapes how KGI appears in the world.

This role will involve conceptualizing and executing a full suite of communications and external affairs functions. These include developing brand voice and compelling narratives around KGI’s work, creatively editing and refining content for publication, driving engagement with KGI through a variety of digital communications channels, and strategically engaging with the media.

A successful candidate will have a strong commitment to quality and must thrive in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will be a superior communicator and strategist with deep knowledge of the media ecosystems influencing tech policy today. The Communications Director should have a strong track record in policy-oriented communications, experience helping organizations grow their brand, dedication to using data to guide decisions, and an ability to independently drive and execute communications strategy.

The Communications Director will report to the Executive Director and work collaboratively across the small but growing organization. A successful candidate will collaborate and align with central Georgetown University communications staff. Forming strong connections with journalists, civil society organizations, and other academic institutions shaping the technology policy landscape will be essential in this role.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a communications and public relations strategy that grows widespread understanding and impact of KGI’s work

• Lead the creation and evolution of KGI’s brand strategy and brand awareness activities

• Work with the Executive Director to define KGI’s core messages and themes, and ensure that they are communicated consistently

• Participate as a core member of KGI project teams to develop communications and outreach plans for specific deliverables and activities, including identifying and arranging briefing opportunities, press engagements, social media campaigns, op-ed placements, and partner communications

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists and media outlets, including leaders in the field of investigative and data-driven journalism focused on the tech industry and tech policy

• Build relationships and coordinate communications strategies with key KGI partners while ensuring successful cross-promotion

• Provide strategic direction for digital promotion and brand identity support for KGI’s events

• Coordinate communications activities with central university communications office

• Develop, write, curate, refine, and post content across KGI’s web, social media, email, and multimedia channels

• Oversee the day-to-day functioning of KGI’s digital properties, including WordPress updates to KGI’s website

• Manage proactive and reactive press relations, acting as primary point of contact for media inquiries

• Provide strategic marketing and communications insights and support to the KGI team, including supporting funder communications

• Ensure KGI team members and project participants are prepared for media and other external engagements via training, coaching, and provision of collateral

• Set and track quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess effectiveness of KGI’s communications

• Manage communications and public relations vendors providing services supporting web design and maintenance, public relations, graphic design, copyediting, email marketing, and CRM

Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• 10 years experience in policy-oriented communications, public relations, or public affairs

• Experience working with press and media outlets

• Experience developing communications, marketing, or brand strategy

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor technical or scientific information to a variety of audiences

• Ability to communicate effectively to diverse tech-focused audiences, including journalists, policymakers, researchers, industry, and civil society

• Proficiency using a wide variety of social media channels as part of organizational communications strategy

• Experience using WordPress, Google Suite products, Adobe products, and Canva

• Familiarity with engagement and marketing tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or Cision

• Understanding of the policymaking process at the US federal level

• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

• Proven ability to take initiative independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines

• Intellectual curiosity and a desire to learn

• Passionate about technology policy and committed to the mission of informing policy for the common good

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience communicating about the impact of social media or other tech platforms on users or society

• Experience in a communications role working with academic researchers

• Track record of growing online audiences and stakeholder engagement in a non-profit or academic setting

Salary and Benefits

The expected pay range for this position is between $103,723 and $155,000 per year. Georgetown University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position offers full benefits, including paid sick and holiday leave; comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance; and generous 401(k) and tuition assistance programs.

Application Submission

Please submit (1) your CV, (2) a cover letter describing your experience and interest in this role, and (3) a writing sample as three attachments in the Resume/CV section of your application.

EEO Statement

Georgetown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and expression, and sexual orientation), disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.