Rapid Response Director

America First Works, Inc; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A national advocacy organization is seeking a Rapid Response Director to lead real-time issue advocacy efforts in response to breaking news and policy shifts. The ideal candidate will have 5-8 years of experience in communications and a strong background in crisis communication, with excellent writing skills. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in communications, public affairs, political campaigns, or policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated success in executing rapid response strategies.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills under tight deadlines.
• Strong news judgment and deep understanding of media cycles and political narratives.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and lead collaborative, time-sensitive projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead AFW’s rapid response operations and develop immediate communication strategies.
• Coordinate with the communication team for unified messaging.
• Draft and approve rapid-response materials like press statements and issue briefs.
• Monitor legislative activities and political developments for response opportunities.
• Serve as a point of contact with media during crisis situations.
• Manage and update rapid response protocols for cross-team agility.
• Work with the digital team to amplify content on social, email, and web channels.
• Coordinate with field and coalition partners to activate grassroots or graspsotls support as needed.
• Provide briefing materials and real-time updates to senior leadership and spokespeople.
• Track and report on rapid response efforts and engagement metrics.

Skills

Strategic communication

Media relations

Crisis communications

Digital coordination

Collaborative project management

Writing and editing

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, political science, or related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools

CRM systems

Digital publishing platforms

Job description

**Location:** Washington, DC **Type of Employment:** Full-Time**Overall Responsibility:** America First Works (AFW) is seeking a Rapid Response Director to lead and coordinate the organization’s real-time issue advocacy and communications efforts in response to breaking news, legislative developments, and emerging opportunities. The ideal candidate is a fast-moving, highly strategic communicator with a deep understanding of the media cycle, policy landscape, and political environment—all in service of advancing the America First Agenda. Responsibilities and Duties: • Lead AFW’s rapid response operations, including the development and deployment of immediate communications and advocacy strategies tied to breaking news or policy shifts. • Coordinate with the AFW Executive Director and the communication team to ensure unified messaging across platforms and audiences. • Draft and approve rapid-response materials such as press statements, digital content, op-eds, talking points, and issue briefs. • Monitor federal and state legislative activity, media coverage, and political developments for timely response opportunities. • Serve as a key point of contact with media and strategic partners during high-profile moments or crisis communications scenarios. • Manage and update rapid response protocols to ensure cross-team agility and readiness. • Work closely with the digital team to amplify rapid response content through social, email, and web channels. • Coordinate with field and coalition partners to activate grassroots or grasstops support as needed. • Provide briefing materials and real-time updates to senior leadership and spokespeople during priority developments. • Track and report on rapid response efforts, media hits, and engagement metrics to inform strategy and future planning. **Qualifications:** • Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, public relations, journalism, or a related field; advanced degree a plus. • 5–8 years of experience in communications, public affairs, political campaigns, or policy advocacy—preferably within a fast-paced, issue-driven environment. • Demonstrated success in executing rapid response strategies with measurable impact. • Exceptional writing and editing skills, especially under tight deadlines. • Strong news judgment and deep understanding of media cycles and political narratives. • Proven ability to work cross-functionally and lead collaborative, time-sensitive projects. • Experience managing media relations, messaging strategy, and digital coordination. • Comfortable representing the organization in high-pressure situations or during crisis moments. • Ability to work extended hours or respond after hours during high-priority developments. • Familiarity with media monitoring tools, CRM systems, and digital publishing platforms. **Compensation:** Salaries for positions will be commensurate with the experience, expertise, and skills of the individual.