Communications Associate, Media Engagement

Protect Democracy seeks a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Communications Associate focused on media engagement and strategy.

Protect Democracy was formed in late 2016 with an urgent and explicit mission: to prevent American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. We are a cross-partisan team that defend our institutions and work to make real the full promise of our democracy by using the courts, legislatures, media, and every other tool available at the state and federal level.

If you recognize that the way we get our information is fragmented, that this new reality is here to stay, and you are excited about finding ways to systematically engage with and earn impactful media coverage in this evolving landscape, this role is for you. By joining Protect Democracy, you will play a key role in evolving and scaling our media engagement team, working with and alongside the news media to inform Americans about the authoritarian threat.

We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and from across the political and ideological spectrum to apply. A commitment to our mission and cross-ideological strategy for defending our democracy is essential. You can work remotely from any location in the United States. We are accepting applications for this position until December 15, 2024.

The Communications Associate, Media Engagement will:

• Maintain and improve upon our existing media engagement strategy, including by systematically monitoring organizational outreach and identifying opportunities for scaling and improving engagement;
• Conduct research to stay ahead of the latest trends in the media landscape and identify opportunities to expand and diversify our earned-media impact;
• Support staff by preparing them for media appearances, including by developing and leading staff trainings, sharpening messages, and facilitating prep sessions;
• Craft and edit compelling media-facing content, including pitches, blog posts, digital copy, scripts, and more;
• Strategize with other team members and actively contribute ideas during project brainstorming sessions;
• Propose new impact projects to advance Protect Democracy’s mission;
• Contribute to culture-building initiatives across the organization.

About Protect Democracy

• Flexible location. You can work from any location in the United States as long as your location allows you to complete the demands of the position and mission. All staff are required to travel at least two times per year to internal team retreats. (Accommodations to this requirement will be made only in exceptional circumstances.) We currently have staff in Washington, DC, New York, Massachusetts, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Washington, Illinois, Arizona, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, Maryland, Wisconsin, Louisiana, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas. We offer shared workspaces in many of these locations for staff members who enjoy working in an office environment.
• Commitment to a diverse workplace. Protect Democracy is an equal opportunity employer by choice. Our culture principles emphasize that there is strength in diversity as we believe diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and productive. Protect Democracy encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.
• Phenomenal benefits. Our benefits package includes unlimited sick leave and a flexible vacation policy where we encourage team members to take 4-5 weeks every year, along with 12 paid holidays, 4 weeks of paid family medical leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave. We also offer a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match that vests immediately, full coverage for an excellent health care plan that includes both dental and vision insurance, long-term disability and life insurance for all employees, a home office stipend, and as budget allows, discretionary bonuses.
• Ample opportunities for personal & professional development. Candidates who do not meet all listed criteria should still apply, as our organizational structure focuses on providing mentorship and opportunities for professional growth.

The ideal candidate brings:

• At least 2 years of experience with media strategy and engagement – for example directly working with reporters, editors, booking producers, and influencers;
• An eagerness to develop our media work and the way we do it, and a strong desire for engaging with and understanding the evolving information landscape;
• A passion and rigorous attention to detail for crafting effective interpersonal communications with a casual but professional tone;
• Ability to build strong working relationships with internal and external partners from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives;
• Ability to track, prioritize, and drive forward a diverse set of projects and responsibilities;
• Growth mindset and enthusiasm for giving and receiving feedback up, down and sideways;
• A passionate commitment to the preservation of democratic norms and institutions, and to improving those institutions to ensure they fully represent communities of color.

Pluses, but not requirements:

• Experience with writing and/or editing for diverse audiences on a tight timeline.