JOB OF THE WEEK: ITIF, Communications Director

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) seeks a communications director to increase its exposure in the press, expand its social media footprint, and enhance its reputation as America’s most influential science and technology think tank. This position reports to ITIF’s chief operating officer.

ITIF has earned its standing as one of the world’s foremost thought leaders on technology and innovation policy by nimbly producing high-caliber research reports, policy analysis, and commentary, and by staging a rich program of panel discussions and other events, which it hosts in its Washington, DC office and other locations. The communications director’s primary responsibility is to publicize all this activity. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic media-relations and strategic-communications professional with previous experience in public policy to deepen their expertise while helping to influence debates on important technology-related issues.

Duties:

• Plan and execute an ongoing communications program that enhances ITIF’s reputation as a thought leader among U.S. and international policymakers through media relations, digital media, events, and direct outreach.
• Measurably increase media coverage by cultivating new relationships and deepening existing ones with reporters, commentators, editors, and producers in the business, technology, and political press—including national newspapers, trade publications, broadcast outlets, and influential blogs.
• Drive promotion of ITIF reports, place op-eds, and build press interest in major ITIF events.
• Expand the organization’s social media footprint, including on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
• Partner with ITIF’s COO to manage editorial calendar of reports, op-eds, blog posts, and other content, and to produce ITIF’s widely disseminated weekly email newsletter.
• Partner with ITIF’s event coordinator to execute public events.
• Partner with ITIF’s design and digital media manager on collateral materials and website updates.
• Track media coverage and other communications performance metrics, and provide regular reports to staff and ITIF’s board.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of five years’ experience with increasing levels of responsibility for planning and executing robust communications programs.
• Strong track record of achieving measurable results through media outreach, including placing op-eds and generating coverage for topical research reports and events.
• Hands-on experience with media-engagement software such as Vocus, knowledge of technology issues, and existing relationships with technology, business, and economic policy reporters is preferred.
• Strong writing and editing ability is essential, including sharp press releases, blog posts, and op-eds.
• Thorough understanding of digital communications is a must, including the fundamentals of website content management.
• Practical experience and sound judgment using social media to raise the profile of an organization and engage in public issues.
• Strong understanding of public policy is essential. Previous experience on Capitol Hill or in the Washington office of a public relations or public affairs agency would be a plus.
• A personable and collaborative team player with exceptional organizational habits and a proven ability to handle multiple communications projects at once.

Salary and benefits: Competitive salary is commensurate with experience and includes a health benefits package, generous paid vacation, annual performance-based bonus, and public transportation benefit.

TO APPLY: Please send a résumé and cover letter to [email protected]. Please note in your subject line that you are applying for the “communications director” position, and please explain in your cover letter why you are interested in joining ITIF and how your experience and qualifications align with the goal of enhancing ITIF’s reputation through an ongoing strategic communications program. (PF tipster)