Writer/Policy Analyst

Full-Time

Reports to: Senior Director of Communications and Strategy

Position Description

Issue One seeks a full-time Writer/Policy Analyst to lead the organization’s original research and further our mission to reduce the power of money in U.S. elections and policymaking. We believe that putting the people back in control of their government is the core civic issue of our time, and we’re looking for someone with the energy and enthusiasm to help us shatter Washington’s do-nothing status quo. We prioritize working with Republicans, Democrats and independents to find common-sense solutions that transcend partisan divides. As our lead writer, you’ll have access to pre-eminent leaders on our advisory board and ReFormers Caucus (a first-of-its-kind group of former members of Congress and governors committed to fixing our money in politics system), including Sen. Bill Bradley, Sen. Alan Simpson, Sec. Chuck Hagel, Sen. Tom Daschle, renowned historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough and many more. Our ideal candidate is a motivated self-starter who is not afraid to run with new ideas and see them through to completion. If you are a creative thinker who likes to dig into data to transform it into a persuasive and accessible story, have a flair for writing and desire to see change, we can’t wait to have you on our team.

Organization

Issue One is putting the American people back in control of our democracy by reducing the power of money in politics and policymaking. To do that, we are building the bipartisan coalition we need to win game-changing reform, and educating lawmakers and the public about pragmatic, bipartisan solutions. In only a few short years we’ve launched several projects including our ReFormers Caucus (a first-of-its-kind group of former members of Congress and governors committed to fixing our money in politics system) and Blueprints for Democracy (a Zagat guide to the best solutions already in place and working all across the country). Our work has been cited in the New York Times, USA TODAY, the Washington Post, NPR, MSNBC and Mic.com. We are a young, startup-minded organization that embraces initiative and collective ownership of our strategy and path forward.

What you’ll do

  • Identify news hooks for our work and conduct timely and attention-grabbing research
  • Analyze complex data, crunch numbers and conduct interviews
  • Write and edit blog posts, web copy, op-eds, white papers, short written analyses, policy briefs and editorial memos about political influence and ethics
  • Provide research, background, talking points and quotes to assist Issue One spokespeople
    • Work with our ReFormers Caucus of 150 former governors and members of Congress on storytelling projects and earned media
    • Collaborate with our Communications team to create data-rich infographics
    • Develop Issue One materials that clearly communicate our suite of solutions
    • Help execute rapid response to key political moments
    • Develop marketing and advertising collateral in collaboration with Issue One’s communications team
  • Oversee copy editing of web and print collateral
  • Keep up-to-date with all issues that affect Issue One and the campaign finance reform sector

Position Requirements:

  • 5-7 years proven writing and work experience in journalism, public policy or communications
  • Excellent content strategy, writing and editing skills for diverse audiences: the media; the public; policy professionals
  • A track record of producing content and reports that have received media coverage
  • Superior quantitative and analytic skills, including crunching data through Excel, Access, R, SPSS and/or similar software with a penchant for accuracy
  • Demonstrated skill/experience in analyzing public policy and/or political issues and explaining them in clear writing to broader audiences
  • Excellent organizational, planning and project management skills
  • Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills are essential, including ability to present concepts verbally
  • Superior time management skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • High capacity to work under pressure, under deadline, and think quickly on your feet
  • Strong judgment on what kinds of tactics and messaging will attract positive media attention
  • Self motivated with a positive and professional approach to management

Issue One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People of color, LGBT and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location:
This will be a full-time position based in Washington, D.C.

Salary & Benefits:
Issue One offers competitive salaries, including benefits for all full-time employees. Salary commensurate with experience.

How to Apply:
Email a resume, cover letter and writing sample in a single document, labeled with your name and “Writer/Policy Analyst” in the subject line, to jobs@issueone.org.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of all applications. No phone calls please.

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