Overview

Under minimal supervision, the External Communications/Government Affairs Analyst plays a critical role in assessing developments that may impact IDA at various levels of local and federal government. Responsible for evaluating and disseminating information and updates across the organization’s networks, monitoring news releases, and posting content on the digital media platforms. The individual supports colleagues and teams across IDA in communicating about corporate strategy, business plans, policies, research accomplishments and capabilities to external and internal audiences. 

Responsibilities

• Monitors legislative activities and government regulations relevant to the organization and proactively provides assessments and strategic recommendations to leadership 
• Researches and analyzes policy issues to inform communications activities. 
• Develops and implements strategies. 
• Provide legislative and congressional support, including drafting, reviewing, and editing responses to congressional inquiries, reports, and testimony requests.
• Uses creative thinking and a business-oriented mindset to craft compelling messages for IDA, including executive comms, workforce messages, short videos, podcast content, web copy, spotlight and other articles. 
• Researches, drafts, coordinates, edits and distributes news releases and other externally-focused materials for local, regional and/or national distribution.
• Creates, edits and improves images, graphics, briefings and other visual materials (e.g., charts, maps, graphs, photo selections, PowerPoint decks and informational graphics).
• Drafts, updates and refines content on IDA’s external website while monitoring and managing IDA’s social media presence. 
• Co-produces video series intended to highlight IDA staff and high-visibility research efforts. 
• Provides social media support to employees and groups across the organization by developing and amplifying content and creating social media plans for events, workshops and initiatives. 
• Creates monthly reports of metrics detailing communication efforts and effectiveness across internal and external mediums. Tracks trends, measures the effectiveness of campaigns and provides actionable insights based on their findings.
• Advances IDA’s agenda through strategic outreach and communication efforts.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance brand awareness. 
• Implements strategies and programs that promote thought leadership, profile organizational accomplishments and highlight corporate announcements. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.
   

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field, with an additional 3-5 years of federal-level governmental affairs experience at a think tank, association, state or local government, or the non-profit sector.
• Expertise in legislative analysis and strategic communication. 
• Comprehensive understanding of congressional rules, procedures and operations.
• Experience with critical thinking, research, and quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform program insights and actions.
• Proven track record of fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders to achieve impactful outcomes.
• Superior writing and editing skills, as displayed across varied forms and formats. 
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and “Associated Press (AP) Stylebook.”
• Proficiency with current technologies and trends in social media, design tools and applications.
• Ability to analyze challenging situations, often under tight deadlines, to develop and execute communications plans with a range of tactics.
• Experience using editorial judgment, self-direction, critical thinking and independence on multiple projects at the same time. 
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with all levels of personnel.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Demonstrated superior skills analyzing and interpreting metrics with media monitoring and analysis tools preferred.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, Meltwater and project management principles or tools preferred.
   

Why Work at IDA?

• Competitive salary and benefits, including diverse health insurance options, generous 11% contribution to retirement, 6 weeks 100% paid parental leave, 20 days paid time off, and relocation reimbursement.
• Mission-oriented work at a non-profit that supports and protects our nation’s warfighters.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) due to IDA’s non-profit status.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement, internal and external trainings, and funding for researcher-pitched projects and publications.
• A strong employee and corporate culture of work-life balance, including commitment to average 40- hour work weeks through flex time, telework options, and expectation of communication only during core business hours.
• Easy access to local dining and shopping. Employer contributes $300/month (the IRS maximum) to commuter benefits.