Issue One

Communications Director

Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)
Reports to: Deputy Chief of Strategy and Program 

Salary Grade: Director 

Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000

Location: Washington, DC (hybrid schedule)

Organization Overview

Issue One is committed to winning game-changing federal reforms to fix our broken political system and create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. 

Since 2014, Issue One has worked to educate the public and Congress to pass legislation to increase transparency, strengthen government ethics and accountability, reduce the influence of big money in politics, protect the freedom to vote, and strengthen U.S. elections.

Issue One is helping lead the fight to protect U.S. elections and election workers in 2022, ensure a peaceful transfer of power in 2025, and win comprehensive reforms to combat disinformation on technology platforms. Issue One built the National Council on Election Integrity and led its $15 million Count Every Vote Campaigns to defend the integrity of the 2020 elections and push back against attempts to undermine faith in our democratic process. 

 

Since its founding, Issue One has had an outsized impact on Washington. For example, our Don’t Mess With US and election administration campaigns helped win $825 million in federal funding for states to improve their cybersecurity and manage their elections in 2020 amid the pandemic.

  

Issue One helped lead the congressional push to establish a 9/11-style commission to investigate the attack on the U.S. Capitol, which passed the House, won bipartisan support in the Senate, and helped drive the national conversation about election disinformation, political accountability, and national security.

  

Issue One is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization that unites Republicans, Democrats, and independents to win game-changing federal reforms; our ReFormers Caucus of more than 200 former members of Congress, governors, and Cabinet secretaries allows us to form unique relationships with current decision-makers and brings heft to our legislative and communications work. In addition, our legislative work is backed by a strong research arm, a savvy and innovative communications team, and a strong development program enabling us to have the resources necessary to win.

Position Overview 

The Communications Director will develop and lead comprehensive communications strategies to build and amplify Issue One’s organizational brand, campaigns, and legislative priorities. Working with the Deputy Chief of Strategy and Program, the Director will set the strategic vision around messaging and serve as a thought partner across the organization.

The Director will manage a growing team of three and lead the expansion of Issue One’s innovative multimedia efforts and social media presence. The Director will oversee the continued development and growth of media relationships and direct rapid response efforts.

The Director will partner with the legislative and research teams to advance Issue One’s campaigns and work closely with staff across the organization to ensure robust and consistent messaging, voice, and branding. 

This role is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, innovative, and experienced communications professional to work on some of the most pressing issues of our time and help create an inclusive democracy that works for everyone.  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead external communication strategies to grow Issue One’s brand and advance its mission.
• Lead messaging strategy and campaign communications and collaborate with senior staff and legislative staff.
• Expand the organization’s creative and multimedia content, social media and website reach, and marketing across platforms. 
• Lead the organization’s rapid response program and inject Issue One and its issues into the news cycle. 
• Oversee media relations and cultivate relationships with key reporters, editors, and producers. 
• Oversee the production and promotion of Issue One’s podcast, Swamp Stories.
• Supervise and manage members of the communications team and consultants and oversee the department's day-to-day activities.
• Work closely with the research and legislative teams to reach target audiences and tailor messaging accordingly.
• Work with the development staff to keep stakeholders informed and engaged in the organization.
• Ensure senior staff, board members, and other Issue One stakeholders are prepared for media appearances and public events. 
• Review external documents to ensure messaging consistency. 
• Work with the COO, Chief of Strategy and Program, and Deputy Chief of Strategy and Program to manage the organization’s internal communications.
• Provide oversight of all communications-related consultants and ensure all deliverables are on-time and high-quality. 

Key Attributes and Qualifications 

• At least five years of experience in communications, broadcast journalism, or digital/print media.
• At least five years of experience leading high-performing teams with the ability to motivate others.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience with multimedia and successful social media campaigns. 
• Strong media instincts and judgment on deciphering which campaign messaging and tactics will attract positive media attention. 
• Experience centering gender equity and racial justice in issue organizing and communications.
• Willingness and ability to respond to breaking news, often outside the workday.
• Superb interpersonal skills with media, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Highly organized with the capacity to work under pressure, under deadlines, and think quickly on your feet. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Structure and Location

This full-time role is based in Washington, DC, or the surrounding area. This job requires travel throughout the United States occasionally. The Communications Director must also work on-site in our DC office twice weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday).

The Communications Director reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Strategy and Program.

 

Benefits

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance. 

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan with 100% of the premium paid by Issue One. In addition, the organization covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff. 
• Staff receives more than 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures. 
• Issue One provides reimbursements for internet and commuting and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home but establishes regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One also offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. In addition, all staff are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization hosts several opportunities for fun and fellowship. 

How to Apply:

All interested applicants can apply by clicking "apply for this job" on the top right corner of this page. Issue One encourages all interested applicants to complete this self-identification questionnaire as a part of their candidacy.

Due to the volume of applications, we will unfortunately not be able to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please. 

Issue One is an equal opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment. Issue One places a high value on fostering an inclusive workplace, and we are committed to building a team as diverse as the American people. We do not make hiring or advancement or other employment decisions based on race, religion, gender, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, political affiliation, pregnancy, disability, or any other status protected by law. Individuals from across the political spectrum who are passionate about fixing our broken political system are strongly encouraged to apply.