Senior Communications Associate

American Flood Coalition; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k plan with 4% employer match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The American Flood Coalition (AFC) seeks a Senior Communications Associate who can translate flood policy into clear, compelling content across policy explainers, op-eds, newsletters, and social campaigns. You will grow AFC's reach among policymakers, partners, and the public while collaborating with a small, driven team.

This full-time role reports to the Marketing and Communications Director and is located at AFC's Washington, DC headquarters, with a hybrid work schedule and opportunities to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in policy communications, public relations, editorial strategy, or journalism.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a track record of translating complex policy into clear, compelling language.
• Significant experience taking scientific or technically complex topics and communicating them to a variety of audiences.
• Sound judgment and comfort operating in fast-moving environments.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Responsibilities

• Translate technical, scientific, and policy information into clear content for elected officials, residents, partners, and the public. Write and edit policy explainers, web pages, newsletters, reports, press releases, op-eds, and executive communications.
• Track state and federal legislative developments, summarize their impact, and prepare talking points and briefing materials for leadership.
• Develop messaging toolkits and narrative frameworks that equip members and local elected leaders to communicate about flood resilience.

Skills

Policy communications

Exceptional writing

Editing

Project management

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative

Job description

The American Flood Coalition (AFC) is a nonpartisan group that drives transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. AFC comprises more than 500 elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses that work together to advance resilient and equitable flood solutions at the local, state, and federal levels. As the only organization that focuses on flooding and sea level rise across all levels of government, AFC is uniquely positioned to help advance solutions that keep communities safe.

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven problem-solver Senior Communications Associate who can turn complex flood policy into clear, compelling content. The Senior Communications Associate will assist with writing and editing across channels, ranging from policy explainers and op-eds to social campaigns. This position will also help grow AFC's reach on social media among members, policymakers, partners, and the public.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer who understands flood policy and the broader resilience space, thinks strategically about digital audiences, and keeps multiple projects on track in a fast-paced environment. The Senior Communications Associate will join a small, collaborative team. If you want to work alongside immensely passionate and talented people who are intent on helping flood-affected communities adapt and thrive, we want to talk to you. This is a full-time position reporting to our Marketing and Communications Director, and will be located in our headquarters in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Policy writing and content: Translate technical, scientific, and policy information into clear content for elected officials, residents, partners, and the public. Write and edit policy explainers, web pages, newsletters, reports, press releases, op-eds, and executive communications. Track state and federal legislative developments, summarize their impact, and prepare talking points and briefing materials for leadership. Develop messaging toolkits and narrative frameworks that equip members and local elected leaders to communicate about flood resilience.
• Campaigns and collaboration: Partner with the policy, government relations, and state teams to implement communications campaigns that advance legislative and policy goals. Support media relations by drafting statements and pitching stories. Craft compelling narratives for members, partners, and donors in coordination with the Programs team. Help refine editorial processes and standard operating procedures.
• Social media strategy and content: Collaborate on platform-specific content that makes flood policy and resilience relevant and shareable. Assist in implementing AFC's social media strategy across its channels, including LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. As a part of the communications team, monitor the flood resilience policy and media landscape and identify moments for AFC to engage quickly with timely commentary. Track social and digital analytics, report on performance, and use the findings to refine strategy.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience in policy communications, public relations, editorial strategy, or journalism
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a track record of translating complex policy into clear, compelling language
• Significant experience taking scientific or technically complex topics and communicating them to a variety of audiences
• Sound judgment and comfort operating in fast-moving environments
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Bachelor's degree required

Preferred

• Experience in flood resilience, infrastructure, disaster recovery, or related public policy areas
• Demonstrated success developing and executing social media strategies to grow audience engagement
• Experience creating social content and using analytics tools to measure and improve performance
• Skills in visual content and short-form video, using tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative

Location

Washington, DC

• Base salary range: $77,000–$92,000
• Generous and flexible paid time off.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including a $0 monthly premium health insurance option for employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, as well as basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits.
• Up to $4,000 in relocation assistance for new employees living outside of the D.C. metropolitan area.

We also offer:

• A hybrid work schedule: All D.C.-based employees are in-person in our D.C. office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the option to work from home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Company-sponsored outings, such as happy hours, after-work activities, a holiday party, an annual retreat, and more.
• Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• A modern office with amenities, including gym access, snacks and drinks, a business casual dress code, and a collaborative floor plan with options to suit every workstyle.

We encourage you to apply for this position even if you do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed here. The American Flood Coalition is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We invite applications from candidates with unique backgrounds and strive to create and maintain an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.