Vice President Communications - Washington - Issue One

Description

Position: Vice President, Communications

Status: Full-Time (40 hours per week, full benefits)

Reports to: CEO/COO

Salary Grade: Vice President

Salary Range: $130,000-$150,000

Location: Washington, DC (in-office Tuesdays and Wednesdays required)

Position Overview

Issue One is seeking a high-energy, platform-fluent communications leader to serve as Vice President, Communications. This role requires someone who can operate at the speed of the news cycle, build relationships with reporters, and understand how content spreads through online communities, not just traditional outlets. We need someone who understands how creators and voices shape conversation in digital spaces, how algorithms drive amplification, and how authenticity builds credibility with audiences skeptical of institutional messaging.

The VP will lead Issue One's earned media strategy, rapid response program, and media relations. Working directly with the CEO, the VP will ensure Issue One is injected into breaking news conversations, quoted in major outlets, and amplified by key voices across traditional and digital media. While this role will oversee a content creation team member, the VP's primary focus is earned media and rapid response—we need someone who lives in reporters' inboxes, monitors the news obsessively, and knows how to make our spokespeople the first call when democracy stories break.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead earned media strategy and rapid response to inject Issue One into the news cycle
• Cultivate and maintain deep relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and the creators and voices who shape conversation in online communities
• Work proactively and reactively to get Issue One spokespeople quoted, interviewed, and featured in top-tier outlets
• Lead messaging strategy that translates democracy reform into accessible, newsworthy narratives
• Direct content strategy that prioritizes authenticity and reach over polish—understanding that scrappier, more human content often spreads further than institutional messaging
• Manage a small, high-performing team
• Partner with Citizen Engagement team to ensure communications supports digital organizing goals
• Prepare CEO and senior staff for media appearances, congressional testimony, and high-stakes public moments
• Track media coverage and measure impact of earned media efforts
• Lead rapid response operations
• Work with advancement team to translate our work into compelling donor communications

Required Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in fast-paced communications environments—campaigns, advocacy organizations, newsrooms, or Hill press offices
• Demonstrated understanding of how content spreads through networked communities—including how algorithms work, why certain content gets amplified, and how to build trust with online audiences
• Track record of securing high-impact media placements in top-tier outlets (NYT, WaPo, Politico, major networks, etc.)
• Deep, active relationships with reporters who cover democracy, politics, and policy
• Experience operating in rapid-response environments
• Exceptional news judgment—knows what's newsworthy, what's not, and how to position Issue One accordingly
• Strong writing skills with the ability to help draft and polish pieces under tight deadlines
• Willingness to work outside traditional hours when breaking news demands it
• Comfort with experimentation and iteration—this role requires trying new approaches, learning from failure, and being willing to produce content that's authentic over polished.

Location

This role is a full-time, fully benefited position requiring 40 hours per week. It's required that the candidate reside in the Washington, DC area and participate in IO's hybrid work environment. This arrangement allows staff to come to the office two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and work remotely on the other three days.

Issue One has developed a comprehensive benefits package that invests in our staff to improve their health and promote a solid work-life balance.

• All full-time employees are eligible for a platinum health plan, with Issue One paying 100% of the premium. The organization also covers 75% of the premium for all spouses and dependents of IO staff.
• Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office-wide closures.
• Issue One provides reimbursements and stipends for internet and commuting, and promotes a hybrid work environment that allows for working from home while establishing regular in-person office opportunities twice a week.
• Issue One offers wellness reimbursements and student loan assistance. Additionally, all staff members are encouraged to participate in professional development throughout the year, and the organization offers several opportunities for fun and fellowship.

Physical Demands

• Most work is carried out in an office-like environment, where projects are completed at a desk for extended periods and tasks are performed using a computer.
• During special events or donor meetings, the VP may be required to stand for extended periods and travel occasionally.
• The VP may need to lift, push, and/or carry items in excess of ten (10) pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job as described.

DEI Philosophy and Self-ID Questionnaire

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) drive everything we do. We celebrate each individual's unique perspectives and experiences to our team. Your voice matters to us, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As part of our ongoing DEI efforts, we invite all applicants to complete our self-identification questionnaire at the bottom of their voluntarily. Rest assured, your responses are confidential and have no impact on your job application. This survey helps us better understand our diverse community, ensuring everyone has equal success opportunities.

Due to the volume of applications, we will, unfortunately, be unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls, please.

Issue One is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities and all other employment laws and regulations. We intend to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation (including transgender status, gender identity or expression), pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decisions, marital status, personal appearance, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, employment status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, homeless status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Issue One is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, fringe benefits, and other compensation, the application of disability and/or temporary disability policies, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

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