Strategist

Company Overview West End Strategy Team is a premier, full-service strategic communications firm focused on expanding social justice, racial and gender equity and human rights. We partner with clients to drive meaningful change through strategic communications, including earned media strategy, messaging, digital strategy and crisis communications. Through our work with clients, we’re promoting human and civil rights, advocating for reproductive rights, fighting against attacks on democracy, opposing book bans, cutting back on unconstitutional restrictions on voting access, and championing cutting‑edge issues with leading organizations. We work closely with clients to define goals, identify key audiences, and implement customized communications strategies. We manage media relations, lead trainings, develop messaging and content, mitigate risks and respond to crises, conceptualize and execute newsworthy events, and leverage media placements to reach key audiences. We are a team of close to 15 passionate, engaged, talented colleagues committed to creating social change. Every day we drive meaningful change through our strategic communications work. Position Overview West End Strategy Team seeks communications professionals ready to advance their careers. Candidates should have 3–5 years of communications experience in an agency, non‑profit, government, media organization, think tank or similarly fast‑paced environment. The right candidate will understand the modern media landscape and have a passion for supporting meaningful work on social issues. The Strategist will work on teams to support various clients in achieving their strategic communications objectives. Responsibilities include creating and updating project plans, researching, drafting content, developing and pitching stories to the press, and planning and participating in client meetings, among others. The ideal candidate brings a background in strategic communications or public/media relations, is an active consumer of the news, an excellent project manager, and thrives supporting and solving problems for clients. Roles and Responsibilities Project Management and Support (60%) Create, manage and update project plans/timelines for client deliverables. Draft internal‑facing documents such as meeting agendas and notes to support client coordination. Monitor media and other relevant platforms for coverage of client issue area news and developments, actively consuming news relevant to the assigned clients. Conduct research on reporters, issue areas and potential stories and angles, vetting media and other communication opportunities on behalf of clients. Manage media inquiries and interview requests. Maintain a thorough understanding of industry trends and make appropriate recommendations. Schedule internal meetings, client meetings and media engagements as needed. Strategic Communications (40%) Work as a team member on assigned accounts. Contribute to the development of strategy and recommendations for traditional and digital media platforms in accordance with client objectives. Draft compelling written materials across formats, including press releases, media advisories, pitch notes, op‑eds, LTEs, talking points and social media content. Create and implement media outreach strategies, researching target media, building press lists, cultivating media relationships and communicating directly with reporters. Support rapid response efforts, including opportunity identification, drafting, cross‑team coordination and direct pitching. Identify trends for potential opportunities to cultivate and maintain strong media relationships. Act as a liaison between clients and the media, pitching daily under the supervision of account leads. Contribute to building campaigns using social media and paid media tactics to advance clients’ goals. Provide recommendations for social media engagement around media hits, including suggested hashtags, influencer mentions or amplification partners. Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned by a supervisor. Key Competencies and Qualifications The ideal candidate brings a track record of success in public relations, agency or issue advocacy work, with strong writing skills, media fluency, and project coordination experience. They are mission‑driven, detail‑oriented, and skilled at collaborating across teams to deliver high‑quality communications materials and media placements. Prior experience managing rapid‑response communications, drafting client‑ready products and engaging with media contacts is essential. To succeed in this job, you will excel in five areas: Mission and Values : You are motivated by creating change through excellent and creative communications strategies, working alongside peers to deliver bold, effective strategies that drive support for clients’ missions and create impact. Relationship Building : You develop and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, are trustworthy and an effective collaborator, and can both disagree and commit. Project Management : You manage projects, deliverables and deadlines, anticipate roadblocks, find creative solutions, and thrive handling multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. You are comfortable with Microsoft and Google Suite and familiar with Cision, Meltwater or other media databases. Communications and Public Relations : You understand the media landscape and have a track record of exceptional communications work, writing clearly and compellingly, tracking industry trends, and maintaining relationships with media. Curiosity and Resourcefulness : You do not let obstacles slow you down, get up to speed quickly, ask questions, seek support when needed, and are excited by challenges. Compensation, Benefits and Location This position is in Washington, D.C. WEST employees are currently working a hybrid schedule with three days in the office and two days working remotely. The base salary range is $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience. WEST provides a generous bonus structure. Benefits include health, dental, long‑term disability, short‑term disability, paid parental leave and a 401k plan. Equal Opportunity Statement West End Strategy Team is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr West End Strategy Team