Director of Communications and Membership

Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) is the national public policy organization advocating for a modern, well-maintained inland waterways system. WCI represents shippers, carriers, port authorities, and other stakeholders who rely on the 12,000-mile inland waterways network to move goods efficiently and affordably across the country. Based in Washington, DC, WCI works closely with Congress, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Executive Branch to advance investment in locks, dams, and channel infrastructure.

WCI seeks a skilled communicator and relationship‑builder to serve as Director of Communications and Membership. This person will lead the organization's external and internal communications, manage media relationships and social media presence, and drive membership growth and retention. The role sits at the intersection of advocacy, journalism, and member engagement, and requires someone who is comfortable working across a small, collaborative team on a wide range of projects.

The ideal candidate writes clearly under deadline, understands the basics of federal policy and the media landscape, and brings genuine enthusiasm for the inland waterways industry.

• Draft and distribute news releases, Breaking News updates, the biweekly ebrief, and the President's Recap
• Serve as WCI's primary media contact; field press inquiries and help coordinate interviews with the President/CEO or appropriate WCI members
• Write commentaries and op-eds for trade publications
• Draft Board of Directors and Executive Committee meeting Minutes
• Manage WCI's social media accounts, including developing and scheduling content, monitoring engagement, and growing WCI's presence across platforms
• Use AI tools to support content creation, research, and communications workflows, with an understanding of where AI adds value and where human judgment is required

• Manage the WCI Annual Report from content development through final design and distribution
• Plan and execute WCI's annual media tour at an active lock project site, typically held in August
• Prepare and present a communications report to the Board of Directors at WCI's February and November meetings, and at Executive Committee retreats

• Pursue new WCI members and help retain existing ones, including outreach visits to member offices and facilities
• Serve as the first point of contact for prospective members, explaining WCI's mission, programs, and dues structure

• Serve as a Team Lead for a state delegation during WCI's annual February fly-in, securing and attending meetings with Members of Congress and their staff
• Brief team members on talking points, coordinate meeting logistics, and follow up with Congressional offices after the event

• Attend and speak at industry events as requested and approved by the President/CEO

• Five or more years of experience in communications, public affairs, journalism, or a related field
• Strong writing and editing skills across multiple formats, including media releases, newsletters, and policy documents
• Familiarity with federal legislative and regulatory processes
• Experience managing media relationships and responding to press inquiries
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple deadlines in a small‑team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with email marketing platforms (Hub Spot experience a plus)
• Hands‑on experience managing organizational social media accounts
• Working knowledge of AI tools and a practical sense of how to apply them in a communications context
• Willingness to travel to lock/dam sites for meetings and events

• Background in transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, or maritime policy
• Experience in association or nonprofit communications
• Familiarity with the inland waterways industry or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs

• A mission‑driven role with direct impact on national infrastructure policy
• A small, close‑knit team where your work is visible and valued
• Regular engagement with Congress, the media, and industry leaders across the country
• Salary range: $140,000 to $180,000, commensurate with experience
• Opportunities for professional growth and industry involvement

Interested candidates should send a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the role to Tracy Zea, President and CEO, Waterways Council, Inc., at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). sure “Director of Communications and Membership” is in the subject line.

WCI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, personal appearance, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by the DC Human Rights Act or applicable law.