Alliance Seeks Communications Fellow

Position Description

Alliance for Biking & Walking, a coalition of more than 200 grassroots bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations across North America, is seeking a Communications Fellow to help with our work to create, strengthen and unite state and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations. To find out more, please visit http://www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org.

Position Overview: Alliance for Biking & Walking is seeking a Communications Fellow to raise the profile of our work and the work of our member organizations. Specifically we are looking for a go-getter to help get the word out about important progress being made by local and state bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations across North America. Based out of the Alliance’s office in downtown DC, the job will involve working closely with our coalition of more than 200 grassroots organizations and several national partners. Under the supervision of the Alliance President, the fellow will coordinate multiple components of the Alliance’s communications.

 This is a tremendous opportunity for someone with a lot of initiative to take on significant responsibility while learning about transportation reform issues and working directly with a variety of well-known leaders and organizations both nationally and in communities across the North America.

 Responsibilities will include:

Promote Alliance programs, events, and accomplishments to members, partners, and funders
Promote Alliance member accomplishments
Write, edit, layout, and manage Alliance communications including e-news Streetside, press releases, blog, and other materials
Manage various aspects of the website and develop content
Monitor listserv and blog, and contribute feedback as appropriate
Manage media contacts, follow up with media inquiries, and track Alliance press
Manage and maintain the Alliance’s social media and Internet presence including our Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr accounts
Manage and maintain the Alliance’s Online Resource Library and Online Photo Library
Coordinate all aspects of bi-weekly Mutual Aid calls, including recruiting panelists and creating follow-up materials
Assist in development of materials for trainings, coaching, and presentations
Assist with sponsorship and development work
Coordinate outreach with key national and local partners

In addition, the Communications Fellow will get great exposure to and the ability to participate in an Alliance national training, Leadership Retreat, and conferences. The fellow will assist member advocacy organization leaders as possible, and will work closely with other staff on the Alliance’s programs and outreach. As a team member, the fellow will also help perform other administrative duties as needed including mailing, event planning, database entry, etc.

Timeframe: Full-time, forty hours a week, for six months (through September 2012).

Position Requirements

Requirements: To be qualified for this position:
Applicants must have excellent writing, communications, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Applicants must demonstrate strong verbal and writing skills, superb listening and assessment skills, and be both self-motivated and a good team player.
 Applicant should be highly computer literate with specific experience using the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe CS (particularly InDesign and Photoshop).
Knowledge of html, css, SalesForce, and open source web interfaces are a definite plus.

Further qualifications include:
Strong writing and editing skills
Passion for bicycle and pedestrian advocacy and organizational development
Bachelor’s degree and experience in communications
Experience with health, transportation, or land use policy a plus
Good communication, facilitation, and motivational skills
Detail-oriented with excellent organization skills
Ability to balance multiple priorities and deadlines with a positive attitude
Database experience or expertise a plus

Salary Information

Stipend of $2,500/month + some paid leave and health allowance
Instructions for applying for this job

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, professional writing sample (letter, press release, or article - no college papers please), design/layout sample, and three references to applications@PeoplePoweredMovement.org with “Communications Fellow Application” in the subject line. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so it’s best to get your application in early. The anticipated start date is late March / early April 2012.

 The Alliance for Biking & Walking is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.