The Pew Center on the States (PCS) is a division of The Pew Charitable Trusts that identifies and advances effective solutions to critical issues facing states. Pew is a nonprofit organization that applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.

The goal of our work is to help build high performing states that work efficiently and effectively to deliver better results, achieve long term fiscal health and make smart investments in programs that provide the strongest returns.

We bring an in-depth, nonpartisan, 50-state approach and use evidence to determine which policies work and which do not. When the facts are clear, Pew and our partners advocate for practical reforms in areas including elections, corrections, pre-kindergarten, children’s dental health and voluntary home-based programs for new and expectant families.

PCS makes use of the basic tools required to help states explore and advance effective policies, regardless of the issue: credible, timely and user-friendly research; assessments of public support for change; strategic outreach and dissemination to ensure that good information is widely communicated to state decision-makers, media, influential stakeholders and the public; the capacity to bring together diverse perspectives and find common ground; and the ability to identify approaches that have proven successful elsewhere.

Position Overview

This position, based in Pew’s Washington, D.C., office, reports to a Project Manager, Communications, Pew Center on the States. The Senior Associate for Communications is a member of the communications staff and works to promote PCS research, issues and spokespersons in the media and with local, state and federal government officials. The position requires excellent communication and media relations skills, proven writing and editing skills. Experience in state policy and/or advocacy communications is required.

Responsibilities:

· Implement media outreach targeting policy makers and other influential leaders, with a focus on national and targeted state media.

· Develop and cultivate relationships with a comprehensive list of relevant business and political reporters, editors, producers and columnists.

· Serve as a primary back-up and assist project teams during a Project Manager’s absence.

· Write, edit and distribute organizational press releases, advisories, statements, letters to the editor, op-eds and other campaign communications materials.

· Participate in communications and organizational strategic planning to ensure communications strategy is aligned with organizational goals and regularly inform team staff of media outreach efforts and results.

· Manage rapid response process for media hits, involving relevant colleagues within PCS and PCT, as appropriate.

· Arrange media interviews for spokespersons and help with preparation for interviews and public appearances.

· Produce talking points for spokespersons and staff.

· Coordinate media tracking, selection and electronic distribution of clips to the appropriate project team members.

· Respond to general press inquiries and be available for news media and staff in the field after working hours on a reasonable basis; coordinate responses as needed with senior communications colleagues at PCS and PCT to ensure professionalism and message consistency.

· Create and maintain media lists and press kits.

· Work with Internet communications staff to add and update Web site content relevant to project work, and collaborate on email and social media outreach.

· Coordinate and work on project and campaign videos produced for web and press outreach.

· Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

· A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations and campaign communications, preferably with public policy or nonprofit advocacy organizations.

· Significant experience in earned media and considerable familiarity with paid media such as public service announcements and audio and video news releases.

· Understanding of media operations and news organizations and experience pitching both event-based press materials (announcements, bills, agreements, etc.) and product-based press materials (statements, reports, polls, etc.).

· Experience creating and maintaining media lists.

· Demonstrated track record of letter to the editor and op-ed placement in print media.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work well in a team and independently.

· Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure.

· Good project management skills and attention to detail.

· Demonstrated political skills and judgment.

· Ability to thrive in a creative, fast-paced and highly professional corporate culture that emphasizes excellence, collegiality and teamwork.

· A minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

Travel

It is anticipated that the individual in this position will travel domestically and to the Trusts’ Philadelphia offices as needed.