Government Relations and Communications Specialist

About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government.  Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team! 

About the Role

This position is responsible for supporting the Institute’s strategic communications and congressional outreach under the direction of the Chief Government Relations and Communications (GRC) Officer and the Director of Digital Communications. This position’s incumbent serves as the point of contact for NDI teams who seek GRC support; facilitates and/or executes the development and dissemination of success stories to targeted audiences; organizes and participates in Congressional and Executive outreach meetings; and provides general communications and database support to the GRC team. 

Your Purpose and Impact:

Serve as the GRC point of contact for NDI regional and functional teams, developing and/or facilitating the creation of success stories from initial concept to final published product to ensure their content leverages and is responsive to donor interests. Create systems to capture existing program information that can then be turned into success stories for external communications purposes.

• Manage the drafting of NDI newsletters for a worldwide audience, and provide team support for marquee events that highlight NDI leadership, experts, program success stories, and which promote local partners in countries where the Institute has programming.
• Manage and respond to requests for support and guidance on communications initiatives and government relations outreach, including developing and providing training to teams on how to engage audiences and maximize impact with compelling information and communications.
• Assist in writing projects, including drafts of op eds, thought leadership and external communications products. 
• Develop and execute processes for the management and curation of content used for long-term projects, such as informational brochures, reports, publications, etc.
• Manage the scheduling of, and as required, participate in government relations outreach meetings to the U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch and other key stakeholders. 
• Assist with annual appropriations requests and completion of forms and other required processes that demonstrate Congressional support of democracy assistance. 
• Maintain up-to-date information and tracking of all Congressional meetings, external outreach, and other GRC-focused efforts in order to capture key areas of interest associated with NDI programming, as well as allow for targeted messaging and story-telling with critical partners, donors and the U.S. Congress.
• Prepare and deliver regular and ad hoc reports that capture GRC activities and impact, covering topics such as the results and content of Congressional hearings, legislation and major press stories that impact and have relevance for NDI’s work, including a weekly GRC communications report for dissemination to the NDI President, the Executive Management Team, NDI general management and country directors.
• Assist in the development and delivery of communications campaigns that promote NDI, as well as internal staff and experts, to the press, traditional media, donors, think tanks and democracy thought leaders.  
• Assist with the GRC team’s administrative functions, including managing the contracting process.
• Assist with special projects and other tasks as assigned.
• Participates in cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, communications, journalism or other related field, or equivalent experience. 
• Three years of relevant work experience, preferably in communications, public affairs and/or government relations. Previous experience in an international-focused organization is a plus as is prior work in a complex organization within a politically sensitive and dynamic environment.
• Previous writing experience in delivering understandable and impactful communications content is highly desired, preferably demonstrated through a portfolio of written articles and published content reflecting audience relevance and interests.
• Some exposure to or experience in performing advocacy-related work, ideally with the U.S. Congress.
• Strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to translate complex information into understandable terms and messaging through various communications media. Demonstrated proofreading and editing skills, as well the utilization and application of AP Style, proper grammar, punctuation and formatting.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally as part of outreach and external stakeholder relationships.
• Initiative, the ability to multitask and prioritize; good time management, administrative and organizational skills; and the flexibility to adapt and respond to shifting priorities, while meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, and analytical skills, with the ability to draw conclusions, determine options and recommend next steps. 
• A strong attention-to-detail, with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team required.
• Basic proficiency and knowledge of Google Suite tools preferred. Some worksheet preparation and database skills are desired, particularly experience with capturing information and preparing reports.
• Proficiency in speaking one or more languages is a plus.

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated salary range of approximately $30.20 - $37.41.

Additional Information: 

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI. 

This is a union position to be represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2. 

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EEO). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Salary : $30 - $37