Associate Director, Federal and State Communications

Organization Overview

Results for America (RFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization helping policymakers at all levels of government harness the power of evidence and data to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that, one day, all government leaders use rigorous evidence and quality data to inform important policy and funding decisions. We believe that data-driven and evidence-based policy decisions could significantly increase the impact of the over $2 trillion that governments spend annually to advance economic mobility and racial equity.

Position Overview

Results for America seeks a skilled communicator and creative storyteller with deep knowledge of how federal and state policy is shaped to join our team. The Associate Director of Federal and State Communications will develop and lead marketing, communications, and event strategies related to RFA’s federal and state policy work. The goal is to mobilize government leaders to invest in evidence-based solutions that advance economic mobility and help close racial gaps.

This role may require travel up to 10% annually to plan, staff, and execute events and attend organization-wide meetings and partner events.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in a home office anywhere in the U.S., with a preferred location in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area due to frequent in-person events.

Reporting Relationship

The Associate Director, Federal and State Communications will report to the Vice President, Strategic Communications, and work closely with the Federal and State teams and other teams across RFA.

Position Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Develop Communications Strategies (40%)

• Build and execute a communications plan to release the annual Federal Standard of Excellence;
• Build and execute a communications plan for the release of the annual State Standard of Excellence;
• Promote RFA tools and resources, including our Evidence Definitions, reports, and evidence-based spending guides;
• Promote efforts to provide training, individual coaching, and other technical assistance to government leaders;
• Partner with the Director of Events and Federal and State teams to develop events;
• Track communications analytics and shift tactics based on what is most effective.

Use Storytelling to Mobilize Action (40%)

• Develop and execute effective social media campaigns highlighting RFA’s Federal and State policy work;
• Pitch national, state, and trade media outlets;
• Content creation activities include, but are not limited to:
  • Write and edit press releases, op-eds, blogs, and case studies;
  • Write and edit talking points, Congressional testimony, and video scripts;
  • Develop targeted email campaigns;
  • Develop one-pagers, policy memos, and other materials;
  • Serve as the project manager to take content projects from drafting, editing, copyediting, and design to production, promotion, and distribution, with support from other RFA staff and external consultants.

Build Communications Partnerships (20%)

• Work closely with the Vice Presidents and Practice Leads of the Federal and State teams to develop high-impact communications and events partnerships;
• Partner with White House/OMB, Federal agencies, Congressional offices, Governors’ offices, state agencies, state legislators, and other bipartisan leaders;
• Develop partnerships with allied organizations and joint communications campaigns;
• Develop media partnerships with national, state, or trade media.

All RFA employees are expected to participate in the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Experience and Competencies 

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, as well as an alignment with Results for America’s mission and organizational values:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 10+ years of relevant work experience in communications and/or public relations (experience working in federal and state government, political campaigns, and/or policy/advocacy organizations strongly preferred) and a college degree;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to communicate complex policy topics clearly, succinctly, and powerfully to move hearts and minds.
• Demonstrated ability to use communications strategies – including social media, email marketing, events, owned media, and earned media – to mobilize policy action and build coalitions;
• Willingness and ability to work with government leaders of both parties to achieve RFA’s goals;
• Experience supervising at least one full-time employee;
• Ability to effectively assign tasks, responsibility, and authority to others;
• Track record of making critical decisions successfully;
• Experience setting and driving toward the accomplishment of multiple team goals;
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-team/cross-department initiatives;
• Experience successfully managing relationships with key stakeholders.

Skills/Qualifications 

• Demonstrated ability to use social media platforms (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads) required;
• Experience planning and hosting Zoom meetings and webinars strongly preferred;
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce/Pardot), Asana, Slack, Cision, design tools (Adobe Illustrator/InDesign), G-Suite (Docs, Sheets) preferred;

Salary and benefits  

Results for America offers a compensation package that includes:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with relevant work experience; and
• A benefits package that includes choice in medical plans, dental/vision coverage, paid time off, and a 403b retirement plan with employer contribution.

The salary range for this position is $111,034 - $142,758.

New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.   

To apply for this position, please complete and submit all information using the application link below. In addition to your cover letter and resume, please submit at least 5-10 writing samples of different types and any examples of policy-related events you helped organize (links to videos, attachments, etc.). 

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to include their pronouns in their cover letter.

RFA is an equal opportunity employer that values/celebrates diversity, and that follows a policy of making all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, partnership status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses or stalking, military status, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state or local law.

Applicants for employment with RFA must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.