Transportation for America, a program of Smart Growth America, is seeking a skilled and motivated individual with knowledge, experience and interest in writing about transportation policy development and implementation at the federal, state and local level. This position reports to the Policy Director of T4America and the Communications Director of Smart Growth America.
Position overview
Are you interested in transportation, transit, bicycling, walking, passenger rail, or placemaking? Do you have communications experience for an issue-based advocacy organization? Are you eager to use your communications skills to change federal, state and local policies in order to help reform how we spend US transportation dollars in the US? The ideal communications associate is plugged into transportation news, is an exceptional writer and editor with subject matter knowledge of transportation and related issues, and has something to say and wants to write transportation advocacy-focused content on a regular basis. They will be detail-oriented project managers who can juggle multiple competing projects, deadlines, and timelines without dropping the ball. They have firsthand experience running social media. They are dependable team players who can perform regular duties, but also enterprising and creative self-starters who are eager to brainstorm new ideas to move the needle. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to work successfully with limited supervision, independently and within a team.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the T4America policy and communications teams to produce engaging topical advocacy-focused content related to our three policy principles.
- Regularly manage and post to T4America’s social media presences day-to-day.
- Work with other team members to conceive and write regular blog posts for T4america.org about current events and T4America’s policy priorities. Look over the last 3-4 pages of recent blog posts for a good sense of our regular content.
- Help write reports, briefing books, and memos; proof and edit the writing of other T4America and Smart Growth America staffers.
- Plan and support the public release of major T4America research and reports, like Driving Down Emissions, The Congestion Con, and others.
- Plan, write and send out T4America’s bi-weekly email newsletter, as well as other regular standalone email messages to our grassroots list of supporters.
- Conceive of grassroots advocacy campaigns (such as ending the 80/20 split for highways/transit funding) and draft content to support those campaigns; Participate in developing strategy and tactics for effective advocacy.
- Serve as the primary manager of content for t4america.org.
- Collaborate with the outreach team to produce members-only communications, including a separate biweekly newsletter.
- Prepare press releases, write quotes for T4America staff, develop relationships with members of the media, and help coordinate media availability and appearances from T4A staff.
Knowledge, skills, and experience
Required:
- Demonstrated interest in and knowledge about transportation issues.
- 2-3 years of related post-college experience.
- Knowledge of transportation policy and funding, awareness of how transportation funding decisions are made and by whom.
- Excellent written and verbal skills, with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability and desire to conceive of and produce original content, such as enterprising blog posts, research or policy-driven content for the website or emails, and ongoing content for advocacy purposes.
- Knowledge of federal transportation legislative/appropriations/authorization processes.
- Some proficiency using a constituent relationship management database and with issue-based, digital advocacy. (SGA uses Salsa CRM and Engage.)
- A solid understanding of how nonprofits use social media effectively with firsthand experience;
- Excellent time management and organization, research skills, and verbal and written communication skills.
- Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment with good interpersonal skills.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred:
- A background in public policy, transportation, planning or other related field.
- Experience with an issue-based advocacy nonprofit organization.
- Experience producing content exploring the intersection of racial equity issues and transportation policy and funding.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite is a definite plus, though minimal design skills are required— CSS or HTML familiarity or experience a plus.
- Previous experience in local, state, or federal policy as it relates to our subject matter.
- Experience working with diverse populations.
Details
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience and will range between $45,000-55,000. The successful candidate who would be in consideration for compensation near the top of this range will have more experience and/or at least one of the skills listed as preferred above. SGA offers a robust benefits package, including health insurance, 401k, paid vacation, and sick leave. SGA staff are currently working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic (likely through at least the summer of 2021); therefore, the successful candidate will be able to live anywhere in the United States during the remote working period. However, they should be prepared to move to DC within 60 days of notice if the office is reopened. No relocation assistance is offered at this time.
To apply
If you possess the desired qualifications, please send a cover letter, a resume, references, and 2-3 relevant writing samples (800 words or less) to jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org with “T4America Communications Associate” in the subject line. In your cover letter, please indicate how you learned of this job opportunity. Applications will be accepted immediately on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
SGA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran or active military status, alienage or citizenship status, arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or partnership status, familial status, unemployment status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or any other status protected by applicable law.
About us
Smart Growth America envisions a country where no matter where you live, or who you are, you can enjoy living in a place that is healthy, prosperous, and resilient. We empower communities through technical assistance, advocacy, and thought leadership to realize this vision of livable places, healthy people, and shared prosperity.
Transportation for America, a project of Smart Growth America, is made up of local, regional and state leaders who seek a transportation system that safely, affordably and conveniently connects people of all means and ability to jobs, services and opportunity through multiple modes of travel.
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