Primary responsibilities involve the following:

• Write, review and/or edit reports, press releases, op-eds, congressional testimony, fact sheets, policy briefs, feature articles, talking points, briefings, and other publications by developing materials that promote USCIRF's policy and legislative priorities;
• Serve as primary editor/copyeditor of all USCIRF publications;
• Work with the Executive Director to develop compelling and persuasive messaging on the Commission's various projects;
• Provide work quality, creativity and service in support of the USCIRF team;
• Enhance internal and external communication to be more efficient and effective;
• Manage media relations and maximize media opportunities, which also includes analyzing inquiries from the media and developing responses under deadline pressure through correspondence and scheduling of interviews and briefings;
• Develop strong relationships with media representatives;
• Identify and cultivate audiences in government, academia and NGOs around the world as well as constituencies that benefit from or support USCIRF's mission and form collaborative connections with them;
• Manage USCIRF's publication schedule, including overseeing the production and design of publications;
• Work closely and in a collaborative manner to ensure USCIRF's products reach a wide audience;
• Manage and update USCIRF's web content; and
• Provide such other assistance, as requested by the Executive Director.

Conditions of employment

Key Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen;
• Meet education and/or experience requirements;
• Resume and supporting documents (see How to Apply);
• Completion of a satisfactory background investigation;
• Completion of a probationary period may be required; and
• Selectee must be able to meet/maintain suitability and security requirements.

Qualifications

This position requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Minimum 7 years' progressively responsible experience commensurate with duties outlined above, and including:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills;
• Ability to communicate in writing and review and edit the writing of others;
• Strong editorial capabilities;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources;
• Knowledge of communication and public affairs principles, methods, and techniques;
• Deep understanding of the mechanics of the social web including proficiency in social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Vimeo, blog platforms, etc.), social media measurement and analytics software (such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, etc.);
• Proven ability to develop and execute communication strategies;
• Ability to think creatively about how to pitch and position stories with major and other media;
• Track record of developing relationships with reporters and producers;
• High-level critical thinking skills and sound judgment;
• Ability to work with limited direct supervision, while proactively seeking executive and colleague input when the situation warrants it;
• Knowledge of religious freedom, human rights or foreign policy issues;
• Knowledge of AP Style, MS Office (including Microsoft Publisher), Adobe Creative Suite, web platforms, HTML, email clients, Google Analytics (and/or other metrics tools), and other web related skills, including digital graphic design creation helpful, but not required.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This job is excepted from the competitive civil service. Applicants will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the relevance and quality of their experience and education and on the desired qualifications described above.

Pursuant to section 204(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, USCIRF staff members are hired "on the basis of professional and nonpartisan qualifications."