Media and Advocacy Coordinator

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) seeks an individual to manage our policy-related communications and media activities, as well as to inform and engage members in grassroots advocacy. Key responsibilities include managing ACTE’s direct media activities, including making strong contacts with reporters representing education, workforce and business media, and communications professionals from advocacy/policy organizations; developing social media content to support our policy and advocacy goals; overseeing website and blog content related to policy and research; sharing information on federal policy activities with members; producing written materials, providing technical support and giving presentations to assist members in connecting with policymakers to promote the organization’s policy agenda and CTE more broadly; and coordinating events, briefings or other activities to support the association's policy and public affairs goals.

About ACTE  

ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals, and others at all levels of education.  

Responsibilities  

The Media and Advocacy Manager will serve as an integral part of the association's Policy, Research and Content Department and will be responsible for:  

1. Drafting and distributing media materials, including press releases, quotes of support, op eds and letters to the editor.
2. Responding to inquiries from members of the media and other external stakeholders regarding CTE or ACTE activities.
3. Drafting alerts, statements, letters, blog posts, articles, fact sheets and other materials related to ACTE’s policy and public affairs agendas to drive grassroots member engagement.
4. Preparing content for ACTE’s policy-related social media account.
5. Managing ACTE's CTE Policy Watch blog and developing and maintaining advocacy-related content on the ACTE website.
6. Coordinating events, briefings and other activities to support the association's policy and public affairs goals, including annual Capitol Hill reception, CTE Month School Visit and CTE Caucus activities.
7. Working closely with state associations and the membership to engage members in grassroots advocacy.
8. Providing training, presentations, technical assistance and support on media, legislative and advocacy issues to ACTE membership and leadership.
9. Attending legislative hearings, briefings, meetings or other events related to federal education and workforce policy and advocacy as needed.
10. Tracking policy developments and follow relevant news sources to inform policy and media activities.
11. Preparing materials and presentations for attendees at the association's annual National Policy Seminar and other policy-related events.  
12. Preparing and maintain project management plans to guide work.
13. Providing quality customer service in accordance with the ACTE Customer Service Standards.

Qualifications  

The ideal candidate for this position will have:  

1. Minimum of one to three years of experience in communications, media, advocacy, or public relations work.
2. Strong written and verbal communications skills.
3. Experience preparing content for a variety of publication or media types.
4. Knowledge and understanding of the federal legislative and regulatory process, as well as public relations knowledge and skills.
5. Knowledge and understanding of grassroots or member engagement strategies.
6. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple work tasks effectively with minimal supervision.
7. Knowledge of education or workforce issues preferred.
8. Ability to occasionally work irregular hours and engage in some travel.

Compensation  

Salary depends on relevant experience but will range between $55,000 and $60,000. Benefits include, but are not limited to, a flexible, business-casual work environment; health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage; 401(k) matching; paid sick leave; 15 days of paid time off, with more time available after three years of employment; most federal holidays off; and the week off between Christmas and New Year.   

Location  

This position can be an in-office position, a partially remote position or a fully remote position, but employee must be located in the Washington, DC, metro area and able to attend in-person events and meetings on and around Capitol Hill on a regular basis. 

How to apply  

Send cover letter, resume and writing sample to ACTE Chief Policy, Research and Content Officer Alisha Hyslop at ahyslop@acteonline.org. Applications missing any of these components will not be considered.