Program Assistant, Communications and Policy

Program Assistant, Communications and Policy

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC), a nonprofit trade association and membership organization, serves as the national voice for regions by advocating for regional cooperation as the most effective way to address a variety of community planning and development opportunities and issues. NARC members work collaboratively with their cities and counties to meet their residents' needs and promote a regional approach to planning for the future. For more information on NARC, visit our website at www.narc.org.

NARC members include regional councils, councils of governments (COGs), regional planning and development agencies, metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), economic development organizations (EDDs), rural transportation planning organizations (RTPOs), and other regional organizations.

Summary

NARC seeks a full-time Program Assistant to support the writing and communications functions of the organization which include writing and producing: two newsletters per week, professional webinars and events, blogs, policy-related content, and additional writing tasks as assigned; connecting members to NARC staff, services, and resources; and assisting with three conferences per year

This position requires exceptional writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly, concisely, and tailored to appropriate audiences. Candidates should also have an interest in topics related to regional governments, including issues such as economic development, housing, public safety, energy and environment, and transportation.

As a membership organization, all staff members have a role in increasing the value of the organization's offerings for the benefit of our members.

Writing Responsibilities (60%)

• Collate relevant news, write material for, and format and distribute NARC's two weekly newsletters, eRegions and Transportation Thursdays, which contain critical updates for members, including legislative issues and federal agency actions.
• Craft and deliver narrative written content on issues relevant to regional organizations through various means including topic pages on the website, social media posts, blog posts, one-page policy summaries, reports, informational emails, press releases, and other means as appropriate.
• Track federal appropriations and other legislation relevant to NARC members; attend or view policy meetings and Congressional hearings as assigned and provide summaries to membership.
• Post information on the membership collaboration platform to share information and encourage engagement.
• Provide content and strategic support for NARC's grant portfolio which currently spans clean energy, economic development, and electric vehicle charging.

Communications Responsibilities (25%)

• Communicate with members to coordinate and support membership group meetings and related activities, including collaborating with NARC leadership to develop the agenda for some of these meetings.
• Utilize Mailchimp to set up and send ad hoc emails and perform monthly maintenance routines.
• Compose, construct, and provide analysis of occasional surveys in SurveyMonkey.
• Develop regular Board communications, and support preparation and distribution of conference program materials, Board and Executive Directors Council materials, staff-produced reports, and other communications, including overseeing projects to final print or digital product
• Serve as the point of contact for communications vendors, including NARC's member collaboration platform.
• Utilize the website, social media, and electronic communities to communicate NARC programs and content.

Other (15%)

• Assist as needed in the execution of NARC's three annual conferences including assisting in developing conference marketing materials and writing speaker scripts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Extremely strong writing skills, including demonstrated ability to write for multiple audiences in various formats.
• Strong research, organizational, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, manage time, implement competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Professional verbal communication skills.
• Work experience in the non-profit sector or another professional environment a plus
• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in Communications, Marketing, Political Science, or English related discipline preferred.
• Knowledge and interest in federal policy; general knowledge of the federal grant process and/or regional issues a plus.
• Expert use of Microsoft Office Suite required; experience with one or more of the following a plus: Adobe InDesign, email campaign software, WordPress, HTML, website maintenance.

Position Attributes

• Pay: $50,000-$62,000 per year, depending on experience
• Status & Classification: Regular, full-time, and exempt
• Benefits: Retirement plan, health insurance, life insurance, LTD/STD, paid time off
• Supervisor: Director of Policy

• Location: Washington, DC. Employees are required to live within commuting distance of the Union Station-adjacent office.
• Work Schedule: Hybrid, including required time in the office.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in an office environment; requires long periods of sitting and ability to occasionally lift 20 pounds.
• Travel: Less than 5%, occasional weekend travel.
• Applications considered on a rolling basis and position will remain open until filled.
• EOE employer.

Qualified applicants should include a cover letter, resume, and a brief (1-2 page) writing sample with their submission. Applicants may be considered on a rolling basis.