News director Jobs in Alexandria, VA

Deputy Director, Digital Communications, Unmoderated News

Third Way is a national think tank and advocacy organization that champions moderate policy and political ideas. Since our founding in 2005, we have served as a critical bulwark against political extremism by advancing values-driven, reform-oriented solutions on the defining issues of our time. Our work is grounded in the mainstream American values of opportunity, freedom, security, and democratic capitalism, and we advocate for the vital center across seven major areas: climate and energy, economy, education, health care, national security, politics, and social policy.

The Deputy Director, Digital Communications, Unmoderated News (DDUN) will lead strategy and implementation for Unmoderated News, an online media venture that amplifies center-left perspectives to influence the national debate, including candidates, elected officials, thought leaders, influencers, and other prominent Democratic voices. The Deputy Director is deeply knowledgeable about the digital landscape and focused on finding creative ways to grow the center-left ecosystem online and defeat right-wing extremism.

The DDUN will be responsible for overseeing a team of media researchers, digital strategists, and creative professionals who track and identify the next generation of leaders for the American center-left. They will oversee the creation of persuasive content, build a network to deploy it across digital platforms and channels, identify and secure opportunities to collaborate with like-minded leaders and influencers, and partner with the press team to maximize our reach through earned media hits. This role is highly collaborative, capitalizing on ideas and opportunities across Third Way and integrating them into a comprehensive new media plan.

We are looking for a politically savvy, creative, and entrepreneurial professional with deep knowledge of the Democratic ecosystem and excellent political judgment.

As the Deputy Director, Digital Communications, Unmoderated News, a typical day might include

• Creating and overseeing a strategy and content plan to identify, curate, and disseminate center-left ideas and people in influential digital spaces and platforms, including seeding new accounts, building relationships with leaders and creators, and leveraging creative ideas to spotlight the moderate movement;
• Reviewing, approving, and providing editorial feedback on content from the digital team, including providing actionable feedback on substance and style, and assessing political salience across all content;
• Guiding media monitoring staff to track and capture timely ideas and commentary from prominent moderates from national media, television appearances, events, podcasts, official proceedings, and digital and new media content to amplify;
• Working with digital staffers to create content that is timely, accurate, eye-catching, on brand, and appropriate for the audience and platform;
• Leading marketing for Unmoderated News's flagship podcast, Unmoderated with Sarah McCammon, including identifying and producing clips for social and identifying other promotional opportunities;
• Collaborating with in-house design professionals to create and implement coherent visual branding for online assets and guide subsequent design decision-making as needed;
• Staying abreast of the dynamic political landscape to advise and oversee the creation of rapid response content, collaborating with political and communications staff as appropriate;
• Tracking evolving trends in digital communications, data on media consumption, and changes in the information landscape where elite audiences consume news.

Salary Range: $105,000 - $125,000, annually

At Third Way, we are committed to non-discrimination and fair pay practices. The final starting salary offer will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.

Job Requirements

The DDUN will be a creative thinker and have the ability to design, interpret, and analyze policies, processes, and procedures. They must think both strategically and tactically; manage change/ambiguity, and effectively advance organizational goals.

Competencies:

• Digital communication and marketing
• Team Building
• Design
• Political and policy issues
• Strategic Agility
• Performance Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Emotional Intelligence
• Accountability
• Respectfulness

This might be the job for you, if you

• Have a bachelor's in digital communications, marketing, or related field or equivalent experience;
• Have 5-7 years in digital communications with significant political experience;
• Are passionate about uplifting and strengthening the American center left;
• Have experience working closely with senior management and elite outside leaders;
• Know best practices in digital communication, email marketing, and visual communications and graphic design;
• Have a track record of managing a team of employees and prioritizing work effort with multiple priorities and multiple deadlines;
• Have a deep knowledge of the issues, key players, and political landscape, including Capitol Hill and the Democratic political ecosystem;
• Have a hands-on/entrepreneurial work style, strong attention to detail, able to manage and develop teams, and adept at internal communication and coordination;
• Have confidence and assertiveness to enforce processes and address cross-department needs and issues in a team-oriented manner, while maintaining good relationships with diverse groups.

In the Third Way Culture, we are looking for:

• Self-starters: People who see and seize opportunities, take risks, learn from failure, and will bring a sustained passion for our mission.
• Collaborators: People who work in teamssharing ideas, brainstorming, co-authoring products, and advancing our shared priorities.
• Creators: People who foster divergent thinking; who aren't afraid to take on the orthodoxies of the left or the right. Team members come up with original insights, find unique ways to look at data, and challenge their preconceptions.
• Results-oriented: People who function with an organizational commitment to clear objectives, ambitious timelines, accountability for results, and a focus on impact.
• Respectful: People who embrace the diverse perspectives of everyone and foster the values of non-discrimination and inclusivity at all times.

Within 1 month, you'll

• Participate in Third Way's comprehensive onboarding program. You'll learn about all aspects of Business Operations, which includes HR, Benefits, IT, Finance, and office operations.
• Meet your Third Way Buddy, be introduced to the entire staff, and start to learn the TW's culture.
• Learn our current processes for payroll, compliance, and labor tracking, and how you will partner with Finance and the rest of the Business Operations team on these processes.
• Participate in weekly one-on-ones with your manager to ensure you fully understand the expectations of the job.
• Attend weekly team meetings. You'll learn about the key goals of each member of your program, their progress toward these goals, what challenges they face, and how you will contribute.
• Get to know our talented team of communications staffers

Within 2 months, you'll

• Gain an understanding of each employee's role and their contribution to the organization.
• Attend program overview sessions to learn more about each team's contribution to TW's mission.
• Incorporate TW's Style Guide and Production process into your work products.
• Participate in, at least, one of our internal Professional Development trainings or a Center for Fun activity.
• Have familiarized yourself with the Unmoderated brand and accounts.
• Have begun crafting best practices for Unmoderated 'voice' and tone.

Within 3 months, you'll

• Feel a sense of comfort and familiarity with the staff, your team, and your work.
• Continue to attend weekly departmental meetings with a stronger understanding of your team's strategic goal.
• Bring new ideas and suggestions to your weekly one-on-ones with your manager.
• Attend and participate in external functions with other members of your team.
• Complete your 90-day self-evaluation and performance review with your manager.
• Partner with your manager to establish your long-term goals for the remainder of the year.
• Create and oversee the creation of topical rapid response and editorial content.

In addition to competitive salaries, your health and wellness is our priority. We offer a comprehensive