Principal Associate, Communications, U.S. Environment

Principal Associate, Communications

U.S. Environment

Communications

The Communications department supports leaders at all levels of the institution to promote project and campaign efforts, inform key audiences, and protect and advance Pew’s reputation. The department provides a comprehensive range of communications services for all programmatic and administrative units and Trusts-operated projects. Our in-house expertise includes strategy and message development; editorial support; design and creative services; media event planning; digital and video production; and social media. The unit oversees all communications policies, guidelines, and processes to ensure production of the highest quality work and effectively steward Pew's resources.

Position Overview

This position reports to the Manager, Communications (U.S. Environment), based in Pew’s Washington, DC, offices, and will participate in Pew’s hybrid work program with core days in the office and the flexibility to telework the remaining days. Staff also enjoy four telework “flex weeks” per year.

We seek a principal associate for Pew’s program communications team to support U.S. environment priorities across the U.S., including plastics. This individual helps implement communications strategies for projects to effectively communicate Pew’s work and messages.

Responsibilities

• Lead discrete communications initiatives or workstreams that advance U.S. Environment priorities, from planning through execution, in close collaboration with program and communications colleagues.
• Implement communications strategies for assigned projects, translating broader strategic direction into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Identify communications challenges within assigned work and recommend practical solutions; independently lead or support execution of those solutions.
• Implement effective media strategies that contribute to a well-defined and positive media presence for Pew projects within relevant policy, research, business, and advocacy communities.
• Generate media coverage in creative and appropriate ways, including developing pitches and supporting media engagement for assigned projects.
• Monitor, track, and circulate relevant media coverage; synthesize insights to inform ongoing communications work and recommendations.
• Write and edit high-quality communications materials, such as press releases, pitch memos, op-eds, fact sheets, articles, policy briefs, newsletters, and other public-facing products, independently or in collaboration with editorial partners.
• Work with digital, multimedia, and design colleagues to execute digital and multimedia tactics that support project goals, including short-form content and emerging formats.
• Support efforts to elevate program experts as trusted communicators by helping translate complex issues clearly for priority audiences and platforms.
• Maintain an informed awareness of relevant policy and communications trends to strengthen work quality and effectiveness; participate in special projects and broader departmental or Pew-wide initiatives as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; related graduate degree desirable.

• Generally, six years of direct experience in positions with communications responsibilities, with media relations and strategic communications experience required. Experience in public policy or campaigns preferred.

• Excellent writing and editing skills.

• Experience in environment or science communications and communications planning.

• Advocacy experience a plus. 

• Superior oral and written communications skills. Proven experience drafting media materials and other public documents including press releases, fact sheets and op-eds.

• Experience synthesizing and summarizing large amounts of information and focusing quickly on the essence of an issue, as well as identifying, understanding and addressing different policy perspectives.

• Confidence in presenting one's own ideas and diplomatically persuading others as appropriate.

• Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including experience meeting multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Experience setting priorities and identifying resources.

• Experience working independently with limited supervision. Flexible and able to routinely juggle multiple competing priorities and work in teams to meet project goals.

• Experience building and leveraging relationships within and external to an organization to assemble networks that facilitate positive outcomes.

Travel

It is anticipated that the individual in this position will occasionally travel domestically.

Work Authorization

Candidates much be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship. 

Salary Range

The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need.

Total Rewards

We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance.

Pew is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, or any other protected characteristics.