Associate, Campaigns & Public Affairs

Job Description

Associate, Campaigns & Public Affairs, Tusk Ventures 

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Location: Flexible (New York, Washington, D.C., or Chicago)

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The Role

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Tusk Ventures is seeking an Associate, Campaigns & Public Affairs to help design and execute high-impact communications and advocacy campaigns in support of portfolio companies operating in regulated and politically complex industries.

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This role is best suited for a communications professional with a strong background in issue advocacy, public affairs, or political campaigns. The ideal candidate understands how to shape public opinion, build momentum around policy debates, and influence stakeholders through a combination of earned media,  grassroots engagement, coalition building and strategic stakeholder activation. 

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We are looking for someone who understands that influence today extends far beyond traditional media and possesses deep fluency across the modern right-of-center media ecosystem. They should be equally comfortable working with Fox News producers, local television reporters, talk radio hosts, digital influencers, podcasters, newsletter writers, and emerging platforms such as Truth Social, Rumble, and Gettr. They understand how narratives originate, migrate, and gain traction across national, local, and digital channels — and how to leverage those dynamics to drive momentum around issues and campaigns.

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The ideal candidate combines campaign instincts with strong media judgment. They can think strategically, move quickly, and navigate high-pressure situations with confidence. They are equally comfortable advising founders and executives, engaging reporters and producers, and translating complex issues into compelling narratives.

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This role reports directly to the Head of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs and works closely with firm leadership and portfolio company CEOs.

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Why This Role Is Different

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This is not a traditional PR role. You will:

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• Work directly with venture-backed CEOs
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• Engage with national reporters covering some of the most consequential debates in tech
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• Support policy-facing narratives that influence regulatory outcomes
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• Gain rare exposure to high-level convenings of founders, investors, and policymakers
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Key Responsibilities

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• Develop and execute integrated public affairs and advocacy campaigns aligned with client objectives.
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• Build earned media, grassroots, coalition, and third-party validation programs to influence stakeholders and policymakers.
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• Drive rapid response and issue-based communications efforts.
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• Lead national, regional, and local media engagement efforts.
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• Cultivate relationships across traditional and emerging media channels.
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• Develop messaging frameworks, talking points, op-eds, and strategic communications materials.
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• Identify opportunities to shape public narratives and influence broader debates.
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• Maintain deep familiarity with the modern right-of-center media environment, including Fox News, Newsmax, talk radio, podcasts, newsletters, digital publishers, influencers, online communities, and platforms such as Truth Social.
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• Understand how stories travel between national media, local media markets, grassroots communities, and online ecosystems.
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• Leverage both established and nontraditional channels to drive awareness, pressure campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.
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• Recognize the growing importance of creators, personalities, and digital communities in shaping public opinion.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• 3-5 years of experience in political communications, public affairs, issue advocacy, campaigns, or agency environments.
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• Demonstrated success leading earned media and integrated advocacy campaigns.
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• Existing relationships across national and local media are strongly preferred.
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• Strong understanding of conservative media ecosystems and right-of-center opinion leaders.
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• Experience executing grassroots or issue-based campaigns.
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• Exceptional writing, messaging, and strategic thinking skills.
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• Ability to navigate high-pressure situations and advise senior principals.
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Who You Are

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• Intellectually curious 
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• Energized by emerging tech and regulatory strategy
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• Calm under pressure when dealing with reporters or sensitive issues
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• Comfortable engaging with founders, investors, and policy stakeholders
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• Proactive, accountable, and solutions-oriented
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• Able to toggle between strategic thinking and tactical execution
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What You’ll Gain

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• Exposure to cutting-edge companies shaping the future
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• Firsthand experience at the intersection of venture capital and regulatory strategy
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• Mentorship from senior communications leadership
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• A front-row seat to high-profile media campaigns and policy conversations
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Benefits include:

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• 401(k) with employer contribution of 3% of compensation starting after the first year of employment
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• 100% covered employee premiums for medical, dental, vision (dependents and spouses 80% covered)
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• Generous vacation policy
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• Fully paid four months of parental leave
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• Covered cell phone service
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• Hybrid work environment
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The pay range for this position is expected to be between $100,000 and $150,000/year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, market factors, and network.

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Tusk Ventures is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. 

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If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in this hiring process, please direct your inquiries to Evanie Peters, HR Generalist at View email address on ziprecruiter.com. Please include the job title you are applying to in the subject line. Only requests related to accommodations will be responded to. 

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