Senior Public Affairs Writer

DDC Advocacy is seeking an experienced public affairs writer for the position of Senior Writer. 

The Senior Public Affairs Writer performs and project manages a variety of creative, writing, and analytical responsibilities, including the development of all written materials (electronic and print) needed to support client advocacy campaigns.  The successful candidate must be able to support creation of written communications for a wide range of vehicles, such as websites, social media, online advertising, direct mail, earned media (op-eds and LTEs), issue fact sheets and white papers, issue marketing collateral, and so on.  The Senior Public Affairs Writer also works with the Director of Communications Programs to deploy internal and external writing resources as needed and collaborates extensively with design resources and other departments to ensure high-quality, timely execution.

The Senior Public Affairs Writer’s responsibilities include:
1. Serve as lead writer on assigned client programs and/or internal projects—involves participating as a key member of cross-functional teams dealing with both isolated projects and long-term campaigns; contributing to development of messaging and communications strategy at a high level; conceptualizing all written deliverables needed to support a program or project and deploying messaging effectively through those deliverables; overseeing the creation and delivery of written elements, including working with multiple writers when necessary; and facilitating the successful transition from text to final print or online formats.
2. Assist Director of Communications Programs in deploying style standards and creative processes across multiple projects.
3. Assist in efforts to apply general communications best practices to the advocacy environment in innovative ways to continually enhance the quality and impact of our communications products.
4. Engage members of external Freelance Network and other internal writers to support projects, as needed or as directed.
5. Participate in the departmental proofing queue.
6. Assume other responsibilities as directed by the Director of Communications Programs.

EDUCATION REQUIRED
A bachelor’s degree in English, Writing, Communications, or related field.  At the company’s discretion, experience writing for public affairs and grassroots advocacy may be substituted for the degree on a year-for-year basis.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Writing/Editing Skills:

 Minimum 2 - 5 years professional writing experience, with at least one year spent in the public affairs/advocacy field
 Experience working in a variety of styles and formats, including web content, issue advertising, brochures and direct mail, newsletters, earned media ghostwriting, presentations, and white papers/issue backgrounders
 Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in written communications for both online and print formats
 Demonstrated ability to execute messaging strategy in a variety of online and print communication vehicles
 Expertise in editing the work of other writers to achieve a cohesive voice

General Knowledge/Skills:

 Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal/written communication skills, with the ability to prioritize, multi-task, maintain quality, meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment, and effectively present and communicate messaging strategy and execution approach
 Ability to manage multiple, often-conflicting deadlines; establish and negotiate timelines; and ensure timely delivery of high-quality work
 Ability to bring new ideas and innovations to the Communications Team and work to expand standards and best practices as the team/company evolves
 Ability to work efficiently and assist other team members as needed
 Expertise in and knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required
 Basic knowledge of HTML, desktop publishing applications, social networking tools, and online communications platforms beneficial
 Willingness to adapt to the cyclical nature of public affairs work

Please submit resume, salary requirements, and two writing samples to jobs@ddcadvocacy.com and reference 'Senior PA Writer' in the subject line.  No calls please.