Job Opening: Strategic Writer – Government Relations and Public Affairs
Job Opening: Strategic Writer – Government Relations and Public Affairs
The International Franchise Association seeks a professional with strategic writing and communications experience related to government relations and public affairs.
The Strategic Writer – Government Relations and Public Affairs will join IFA’s government relations and public affairs department, with a focus on writing and content creation supporting advocacy efforts and the organization’s mission to protect, enhance, and promote franchising.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs, the individual will work across government relations teams to support advocacy priorities primarily through written materials and broad communications support. In particular, the writer will be charged with producing government relations-related materials, opinion and explainer pieces, copyediting, and storytelling in support of initiatives such as the Open for Opportunity campaign.
Ideal candidates will exhibit a keen understanding of public policy issues, specifically related to small business, labor and regulatory issues. The candidate will possess a fastidious attention to detail and the ability to develop and deliver high-quality, easily understood content while on deadline.
Key responsibilities:
- Content development spanning the range of written external communications including but not limited to op-eds, letters to the editor, blog posts, speeches, talking points, narrative storytelling, campaign support materials and backgrounders.
- Strategic writing and editing for deliverables ranging from reports and policy documents, such as regulatory comments and communications to Capitol Hill, and member communications regarding government relations.
- Contribution to Franchising World Magazine, Entrepreneur, and various other media partnerships on government relations-related topics.
- Storytelling in support of Open for Opportunity highlighting the promise of the American Dream achieved through local franchise ownership and community investment.
- Development and execution of social media content and member communications related to government relations and policy initiatives.
Ideal experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or similar.
- Five years of experience in government relations-related communications, written content development and execution, and/or Capitol Hill or similar government experience; or a combination of education and experience.
- Thorough knowledge of legislative and policy issues and ability to distill complex themes for consumption by general market audiences.
- Prior experience working with legislators and business owners to promote public policy issues.
- Excellent attention to detail and writing skills with a proven track record of successful content placement across various mediums – editorial, tabloid/magazine, and digital (blog/social).
- Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task; ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of association and membership organization operations and member engagement.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office platform (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).