Vice President Communications

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)

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.

• 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.

• 10+ years of experience in fast‑paced communications environments—campaigns, advocacy organizations, newsrooms, or Hill press office.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

• 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.
• Staff receive over 50 paid days off annually, including holidays, vacation, personal time, and office‑wide closures.
• Issue One provides…