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Communications Director
Position Description
We Build Progress, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and the Progressive Caucus Action Fund (PCAF), a distinct 501(c)(4) organization, are seeking a Communications Director to lead communications and audience engagement strategies for both organizations. The Director will strengthen the organizations’ distinct brands, increase their reach and influence, and clearly communicate their work and unique value to partners, funders, policymakers, advocates, and other key audiences.
The Communications Director will oversee digital communications, content and channel strategy, messaging, executive communications, selective media engagement, and communications planning for major organizational initiatives and events. Working closely with communications, leadership, program, and development staff, the Director will guide the organizations’ communications strategies, shape the organizations’ external voice, identify opportunities to advance their policy and organizational priorities, and advise on reputational and communication risks.
This position requires a strategic leader who is comfortable operating in a hands-on communications environment. The Director will advise leadership and partner with program staff to integrate communications strategy into the development of program initiatives, publications, partnerships, and events. The ideal candidate has excellent judgment and political acumen, can translate complex policy issues into compelling content, and can build the systems and cross-functional relationships necessary to execute high-quality communications across two distinct organizations. The candidate will understand the rapidly changing communications environment and be familiar with progressive narratives and emerging methods used to reach key organizational audiences.
The Communications Director will be employed by We Build Progress and will support the work of both We Build Progress and PCAF pursuant to the organizations’ cost-sharing agreement. The Communications Director will supervise the Digital & Content Communications Specialist and report to the Chief Development Officer as part of the Development and External Affairs function.
Organizational Context and Near-Term Priorities
In 2025, the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center became We Build Progress, introducing a new organizational name and brand intended to better reflect the organization’s mission, work, and broader community. The incoming Communications Director will play a central role in continuing to establish the We Build Progress brand, increasing awareness and understanding of the organization, and clearly distinguishing and positioning both We Build Progress and PCAF for their respective audiences.
Primary Responsibilities
The Communications Director is responsible for the following areas:
Communications Strategy, Brand, and Content
Develop and oversee an integrated communications strategy, editorial calendar, channel strategy, and cross-functional processes for planning, producing, reviewing, and distributing content.
Maintain clear and distinct communications strategies, voices, and identities for We Build Progress and PCAF while identifying appropriate opportunities for alignment and shared storytelling.
Lead the organizations’ external messaging and brand strategy, ensuring consistency of messaging and voice across all channels.
Develop communications plans for major organizational initiatives, campaigns, policy priorities, and key announcements.
Develop and implement strategies to expand the reach and impact of organizational communications assets, including the Unrig the Rules newsletter, DC Download, briefings, publications, toolkits, events, and other current or future products and channels.
Partner with program and organizational leaders to incorporate a communications lens into the development of program and policy initiatives, product development, event design, and other organizational priorities, ensuring communications strategies are embedded throughout planning and execution.
Provide guidance and oversight for priority written, visual, and multimedia content to ensure accuracy, quality, accessibility, and alignment with organizational voice and priorities.
Development and Audience Engagement
Partner closely with Development staff to produce donor and funder communications, grassroots fundraising campaigns, sponsorship materials, annual reports, and other collateral that advances fundraising and engagement goals.
Develop and implement strategies to grow, segment, and meaningfully engage the organizations’ audiences across email, social media, events, and other communications channels.
Develop engagement strategies and opportunities that deepen relationships with partners, funders, advocates, policy makers, and other priority audiences.
Coordinate with staff and external partners to produce timely, strategic, and engaging content for email subscribers and other organizational audiences.
Develop and implement strategies to grow the organizations’ small dollar donor base via our email campaigns.
Manage the production of annual reports and other flagship communications products for We Build Progress and PCAF.
Executive and Event Communications
Support the development of messaging, talking points, briefing materials, speeches, presentations, and other communications materials for organizational leadership.
Lead communications planning for organization-hosted events, advising on programming, messaging, promotional and conference materials, media engagement, and audience experience.
Develop timely communications resources and promotional materials that enable speakers, partners, and staff to amplify organizational messages before, during, and after events.
Coordinate content capture at conferences and events to maximize storytelling and audience engagement opportunities across communications channels.
Media Relations and External Partnerships
Develop and execute proactive media strategies that elevate the organizations’ work, policy priorities, experts, and events.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcasters, content creators, messaging experts, and other external communicators.
Draft and distribute press materials, pitch stories and organizational experts, manage incoming media inquiries, and prepare staff and organizational leaders for interviews.
Identify and pursue opportunities to elevate the organizations’ profiles through podcasts, conferences, speaking engagements, earned media, partnerships, and other external platforms.
Monitor relevant media coverage and public conversations to identify emerging communications opportunities, reputational risks, and rapid-response needs.
Develop and maintain crisis communications plans, protocols, and messaging to ensure the organizations are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to reputational, operational, or policy-related issues.
Team and Vendor Management
Supervise the Digital & Content Communications Specialist, providing clear expectations, ongoing coaching, professional development, and effective performance management.
Establish workflows, roles, and decision-making processes for communications work across teams.
Manage communications vendors and consultants, including scopes of work, contracts, budgets, deliverables, and project oversight.
Measurement and Learning
Establish communications goals and performance indicators and regularly assess audience growth, engagement, media reach, content performance, and other relevant measures.
Use quantitative and qualitative insights to refine communications strategies, channels, content, and audience-engagement efforts.
Stay informed about evolving communications practices, tools, digital platforms, and audience engagement strategies, and recommend improvements that strengthen organizational communications.
Provide regular reporting to leadership and staff on communications performance, emerging opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Performs other duties as assigned; the omission of specific duties does not preclude the assignment of duties logically related to this position.
Core Competencies
Demonstrated commitment to centering racial equity and anti-racist principles in organizational work.
Excellent strategic judgment and political acumen.
Ability to build meaningful relationships and collaborate effectively with staff, partners, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to manage multiple communications initiatives while maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and advancing organizational priorities.
Flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities, emerging opportunities, and rapid-response needs.
Proactive, creative, and solutions-oriented approach to challenges.
Exceptional project- and time-management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication and active-listening skills.
Consistent attention to detail and commitment to producing timely, high-quality work.
Ability to remain effective, organized, and composed in a small, fast-paced organization with multiple competing priorities.
Key Relationships
This position will report to the Chief Development Officer as part of the Development and External Affairs function and supervise the Digital & Content Communications Specialist. The Director will serve as the lead communications strategist for both We Build Progress and PCAF and work closely with organizational leadership, program and development staff, external partners, vendors, and consultants.
Qualifications
Required:
At least eight years of progressively responsible communications experience, including significant experience leading an organization-wide communications strategy, advising senior executives, managing staff and external partners, and overseeing multiple communications functions.
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated communications strategies that advance organizational goals and strengthen brand visibility, positioning, and audience engagement.
Experience serving as a senior communications adviser to executives or organizational leaders, including advising on sensitive issues, reputational risks, rapid-response needs, and high-profile opportunities.
Excellent strategic judgment and political acumen, including the ability to identify communications opportunities, navigate complex or sensitive issues, and make sound decisions in a rapidly evolving environment.
Strong understanding of policymaking and legislative processes and the ability to quickly synthesize complex policy issues and translate them into clear, compelling communications for varied audiences.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with experience producing high-quality content across audiences, formats, and channels.
Experience developing and executing media-relations strategies, responding to press inquiries, pitching stories and organizational experts, and preparing leaders or subject-matter experts for media opportunities.
Experience overseeing digital communications strategies and channels, including email, websites, and social media.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, time-sensitive communications initiatives involving multiple departments, external partners, competing priorities, and firm deadlines.
At least two years of experience supervising staff and leading a communications function or team.
Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to lead initiatives from concept through execution, manage multiple priorities, and maintain high standards of quality and accuracy.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of events, organizational priorities, and rapid-response communications needs.
Preferred:
Established relationships with reporters, editors, producers, podcasters, content creators, and other media professionals covering Congress, public policy, progressive advocacy, or related issues.
Experience partnering with fundraising or development teams on donor and funder communications, grassroots fundraising campaigns, sponsorship materials, and other development collateral.
Experience leading communications for major conferences, convenings, campaigns, or public events.
Experience developing and managing crisis or rapid-response communications.
Experience supporting communications across distinct 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations and understanding the legal and strategic considerations applicable to each.
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $150,000–$160,000. The final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications and will be consistent with We Build Progress’s compensation framework and internal equity considerations.
We Build Progress offers excellent benefits, including 20 days of paid vacation annually, 10 paid sick days, one personal day per month, additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1, a 5% employer match on 401(k) contributions, 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees, generous paid parental leave, and other benefits consistent with the Employee Handbook.
FLSA Classification
Exempt, full-time.
Location
This is a remote position based in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, with regular in-person responsibilities related to meetings, events, media opportunities, and other organizational activities. Candidates must currently live in or be willing to relocate to the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
Commitment to Diversity
We Build Progress is an equal opportunity and fair-chance employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, family responsibilities, personal appearance, political affiliation, military or veteran status, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people from other communities historically underrepresented in nonprofit, policy, and advocacy leadership.
About We Build Progress
We Build Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that puts power in the hands of the people. We equip frontline communities with analysis and tools, amplify their voices, strengthen coalitions, demystify Congress, and advance policies that dismantle oppression and deliver real, lasting progress.
This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a preferred deadline of 10/5/26. Reach out to jobs@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.
Policy Associate (or Senior Policy Associate)
Employment Type: Full time. This is a 2-year position with possibility of extending. Part of the NPEU bargaining unit.
Location: Hybrid · District of Columbia, USA. Based in Washington, DC.
Salary: $77,514 - $84,647 (USD). This salary is for Senior Policy Associate. Excellent benefits, including 20 annual paid days off.
Team: Climate and Clean Energy (Livable Futures)
Seniority: Mid-level
Closing: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Position Description
The Policy Associate will support the development and execution of the organization’s policy priorities through policy development, research and writing, project management, stakeholder engagement, and coordination. The position combines substantive policy work with responsibility for moving policy initiatives from strategy through implementation, including coordinating partners and internal contributors, managing workplans and timelines, and tracking program and grant deliverables across a cross-cutting portfolio of progressive policy priorities.
The position will focus on advancing equitable climate and clean energy policy priorities, including helping communities understand and leverage public funding, financing tools, tax credits, and governmental authorities at the federal, state, and local levels. Relevant policy areas include climate policy, climate and energy infrastructure, public budgeting and finance, tax policy, economic opportunity, housing, and community investment. The position will support the Livable Futures team’s priorities by coordinating policy initiatives, conducting research, developing written materials, engaging coalition partners and other stakeholders, managing project plans and deliverables, and translating policy goals into concrete plans and activities. The position will also contribute to additional program areas and organizational priorities, as needed.
This position may be filled at the Policy Associate or Senior Policy Associate level based on the candidate’s experience, scope of responsibility, and organizational needs. Candidates hired at the Senior Policy Associate level will bring deeper experience and take greater ownership of complex policy initiatives, external partnerships, and cross-organizational projects.
Primary Responsibilities
In collaboration with program staff and organizational leadership, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Policy Research and Resource Development
Conduct policy research and develop timely, accessible public education materials, including explainers, reports, fact sheets, and other resources, on topics such as:
federal climate and energy legislation, executive actions, and implementation, including their effectiveness and implications for communities and racial and socioeconomic equity;
public funding, financing, and implementation strategies that advance equitable climate and community development goals, including grants, appropriations, bonding authorities, tax and revenue policy, public-private partnerships, community benefit frameworks, and other governmental tools; and
innovative policy and implementation strategies that advance a just transition and center frontline communities and workers in climate, energy, infrastructure, and housing policy.
Develop resources and engagement strategies that help frontline communities understand and influence federal climate policy and its implementation.
A Senior Policy Associate will also:
lead assigned policy initiatives and research projects with a high degree of independence and provide strategic recommendations to program leadership; and
identify emerging policy developments, implementation challenges, opportunities, and potential risks and recommend possible responses for consideration by program leadership.
Policy Initiative Coordination and Project Management
Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of multiple program initiatives, ensuring projects remain organized, on schedule, and aligned with program priorities.
Support program leadership by tracking workplans and deliverables, coordinating internal workflows, preparing meeting materials, and ensuring timely follow-up on decisions and action items.
Coordinate internal workflows and work with staff and external partners to advance shared projects and maintain alignment on responsibilities, timelines, and deliverables.
Support annual team goal-setting and work-planning processes, including documenting priorities, developing project plans, and tracking progress across initiatives.
Identify emerging opportunities, programmatic gaps, and potential areas for action and share recommendations with the Livable Futures team.
Contribute to funder proposals and reports, track grant deliverables, and participate in funder engagement.
A Senior Policy Associate will also lead assigned program workstreams or initiatives from planning through completion, including coordinating contributors, managing timelines and deliverables, identifying challenges, and recommending adjustments.
Partnerships and Coalition Engagement
Support and maintain relationships with local, state, and federal government officials and policymakers, and with nonprofit, labor, philanthropic, community, financial-sector, and coalition partners to advance shared policy initiatives and program goals.
Support external partnerships by coordinating and facilitating meetings, maintaining regular communication, documenting next steps, and ensuring timely follow-through on commitments.
Coordinate the organization’s participation in relevant coalitions, including preparing for meetings, facilitating internal and external coordination, maintaining partner communication, and tracking follow-up.
Support congressional engagement in coordination with relevant program and government affairs staff, including conducting outreach, scheduling meetings, preparing for and participating in briefings, and supporting ongoing relationship management.
A Senior Policy Associate will also:
serve as the primary relationship manager for assigned partners and represent the organization in external meetings, events, and presentations; and
contribute to the development and implementation of shared advocacy strategies in coordination with staff and coalition partners.
Briefings, Events, and Public Education
Support briefings, convenings, presentations, and other public education activities by coordinating logistics, preparing agendas and materials, developing presentations and resources, and occasionally facilitating or presenting.
A Senior Policy Associate will also:
lead the planning and execution of assigned public briefings and convenings, including developing agendas, securing speakers, and recruiting participants from across sectors; and
regularly represent the organization as a presenter, speaker, or facilitator at briefings, public events, and coalition meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned; the omission of specific responsibilities does not preclude the assignment of other duties logically related to the position.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate is an organized and collaborative policy professional with strong project management, research, writing, and relationship-building skills. They can manage multiple workstreams, support senior leadership, and translate complex policy concepts into well-executed projects and accessible public education resources. They understand that advancing policy priorities requires both substantive policy expertise and effective coordination and implementation. They demonstrate sound judgment, take a proactive and solutions-oriented approach, understand the political and policy landscape in which the organization operates, and are committed to advancing equitable, people-centered public policy.
Experience Level
Policy Associate: Typically 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government, advocacy, organizing, program or project management, government affairs, research, or a related field.
Senior Policy Associate: Typically 5 or more years of relevant professional experience in public policy, government, advocacy, organizing, program management, government affairs, research, or a related field. Candidates considered at the Senior Policy Associate level should also demonstrate substantial project management and coalition or stakeholder management experience, increasing responsibility over time, and the ability to independently lead complex initiatives.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize work, coordinate multiple workstreams, track deliverables, anticipate needs, and execute detailed projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Experience conducting policy research, synthesizing complex information, and producing clear written materials for policymakers, partner organizations, funders, or public audiences.
Strong writing, editing, verbal communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy, fiscal, and technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Experience building productive relationships across organizations and sectors, coordinating meetings and projects, managing follow-up, and working effectively with external partners.
Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build collaborative internal and external relationships, give and receive constructive feedback, foster accountability, and adapt to evolving priorities.
Deep commitment to racial equity, social justice, community-centered solutions, and progressive policy goals.
A flexible and adaptable working style, including a willingness to support evolving team and organizational priorities and engage with new policy issues.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with public finance, budgeting, appropriations, grants, tax policy, government spending, or policy implementation, and/or with climate, clean energy, environmental, infrastructure, housing, or community development policy.
Experience working at the intersection of public finance and climate justice, including an understanding of how federal, state, or local governments use funding, financing, appropriations, grants, tax policy, or other government tools and authorities to advance equitable climate and community development priorities.
Experience working with coalitions, public agencies, elected officials, community organizations, labor partners, philanthropic institutions, or other external stakeholders.
Key Relationships
This position reports to the Director of Livable Futures and works closely with staff across the organization, including the Director of Government Affairs & Access, the Director of Organizing & Capacity Building, and other program team members. The position supports the work of both We Build Progress, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the Progressive Caucus Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization.
Other Important Details
Location: The position is located in Washington, DC. Only candidates who live in or around Washington, DC, or are willing to relocate there will be considered.
Salary and Benefits: This position is part of the NPEU-represented bargaining unit. Salary and title will be determined in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the selected candidate’s years of relevant professional experience:
Policy Associate: $70,982–$74,176
Senior Policy Associate: $77,514–$84,647
We offer excellent benefits, including 20 annual paid vacation days, 10 sick days, one (1) personal day per month, and additional paid holiday leave between December 24 and January 1; a 5 percent 401(k) match; 100 percent employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee; generous paid parental leave; and other benefits consistent with the Employee Handbook and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
FLSA Classification: Exempt, full-time.
Duration of Employment: This is a two-year position with the possibility of extension.
Commitment to Diversity
We Build Progress is committed to making diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice a daily practice in how we work and lead. Rooted in justice as action, we strive to build an equitable, transparent, and accountable organization where all staff have opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully. We are an equal opportunity, fair-chance employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
About We Build Progress
We Build Progress is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that identifies and develops solutions to build a more just, equitable, and resilient nation. Our network brings together policy experts, community leaders, organizers, and advocates to build people-led, cutting-edge policy.