Senior Communications Officer

Position description

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) is seeking a Senior Communications Officer to join the Communications team. This position reports to the Deputy Vice President for Communications and will work closely with NTI’s newly established Government Relations program and the Communications program’s Critical Mass project. This is a full-time, hybrid position, working a minimum of three days a week in our Washington, DC office.

NTI is a non-profit, nonpartisan global security organization focused on reducing nuclear, biological and emerging technology threats imperiling humanity. We envision a world safe from preventable global catastrophe.

The Communications team is responsible for managing NTI’s brand and enhancing program impact. Communications’ Critical Mass project runs innovative campaigns and cultural initiatives to build public engagement and political will to drive policy change in support of nuclear risk reduction and the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons. The Government Relations program will oversee the organization’s legislative and executive branch strategy and advocacy efforts, shaping and driving NTI’s policy agenda in the U.S. government.

In this position, you will:

• Provide communications support to the Government Relations program and facilitate collaboration between Government Relations and Communications.
• Develop messaging and internal and external materials to support outreach with staffers on Capitol Hill, Members of Congress, and administration officials, including background on NTI and policy issues related to nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats.
• Follow relevant developments and trends in the news media and on social media and work closely with members of the Communications team to develop strategies for each related to program priorities.
• As part of the Critical Mass project, help design and implement campaigns that drive policy change, working across internal programs, external consultants and vendors, external stakeholders, and the media. 
• Engage and coordinate with the nuclear policy field, joining regular calls and strategy sessions as NTI’s representative.

What are the requirements for the position? 

• 6+ years’ experience in strategic communications, public or media relations, legislative outreach, advocacy, or similar arenas
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Excellent communication, writing, and editing skills and ability to translate complex, technical issues for non-expert audiences
• Experience with multi-channel advocacy campaigns, high-impact print and digital content, and stakeholder engagement across various sectors 
• Understanding of U.S. legislative and policymaking processes, policy analysis, and the non-profit sector
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment, prioritize competing deadlines, and work effectively on your own and in a team setting
• Excellent people skills and ability to engage a variety of stakeholders with savvy, respect, sensitivity, and a sense of humor
• Sound judgment and integrity.

What would make you stand out?

• You have supported organizations that perform legislative advocacy or have experience working on or with Capitol Hill.
• You have experience working on nuclear weapons issues and have existing relationships with members of the nuclear advocacy field. 

Hiring pay range: $90,000-$107,000 annual, dependent on prior experience and education.  This position is eligible for health insurance benefits as well as other generous benefits that are part of the NTI compensation package.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.

Application instructions

How do I apply? 

For consideration, please send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. 

Use email subject line:  Sr COMMS Officer.  The position will remain open until filled.  Early application is encouraged. 

NTI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of all backgrounds and identities to apply. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, credit information, homeless status, status as a victim or family member of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, or any other quality or circumstance protected by Federal or D.C. law.