The Publications Associate is responsible for elevating RFF’s research content by preparing technical publications for digital distribution and coordinated promotion. The Publications Associate deploys an effective mix of project management, layout design, and editing to communicate content in compelling ways with high accuracy and attention to detail. This position is located in the heart of dynamic Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.
Position Responsibilities:
- Oversee project management for communications activities related to RFF research projects, technical publications, and related communications collateral
- Act as main liaison with researchers on the technical publication of their work, including assisting with brainstorming strategies for marketing, web content management, and other communications collateral related to research product
- Oversee the production of reports, working papers, issue briefs, journal articles, explainers, and other publication types for digital distribution on the RFF website, with high accuracy and attention to branding and style guidelines
- Lead RFF publication design and oversee proofreading, copyediting, report layout, and photo selection, coordinating with copy editors and other vendors as appropriate
- Assist in the production of figures, tables, explainers, infographics, and data tools
- Coordinate innovative, meticulous dissemination of RFF research projects that identify target audiences, outreach lists, engagement tactics, messaging, and other collateral as needed
- Support media relations, editorial, marketing, and social media staff with communication coordination and relevant materials as needed
- Track data and metrics to gauge the success of publications promotion and contribute to data-driven decisions
Other duties assigned as necessary and may depend on an individual’s skill set and interests
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Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, environmental/energy policy, public policy, political science, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position
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Experience and Qualifications :
- 1+ year of relevant communications or research experience
- Project management experience strongly preferred
- Graphic design experience strongly preferred
- Interest in and skills with Adobe Creative Cloud software, graphic design, video production, photography, or illustration
- Experience proofreading, copyediting, delivering timely/newsworthy content
- Experience collaborating with researchers
- Public relations experience is a plus
- Relevant academic, research, and/or professional experience in one or more of the following: economics, energy policy, environmental science, public policy, political science, journalism, writing, communications, or related topics
- Interest in economics and/or energy and environment issues and policy
- Independent worker, comfortable with taking initiative and asking for help alike
Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and a desire to work as part of a collaborative team
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Technical Requirements:
- Strong skills in project management and related software
- Strong skills related to editing technical publications
- Design skills: Laying out technical papers attentive to templates, branding, and style guidelines; crafting figures, tables, and infographics; adept with related software
- Proficiency in the following software programs is necessary for this role:
- Graphic design software and Adobe Creative Cloud platform, including InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop
- Project management systems such as Asana
Microsoft 365, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
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Job Competencies:
Universal Competencies for All Staff:
Details key behaviors necessary for each employee to perform effectively across whole organization. Target behaviors guide the goal setting and performance evaluation process. As each employee ascends in their career journey, they cultivate and utilize the new skills they acquire at each level.
- Collaboration : Builds constructive working relationships with clients/customers, other work units, community organizations and/or others to meet mutual goals and objectives. Behaves professionally and supportively when working with individuals from a variety of ethnic, social, and educational backgrounds.
- Communication : Clearly conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message, and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed as appropriate. Good overall command of written communication. Clear writing without frequent mistakes or typos. Good organization of written products. Produces drafts requiring few revisions. Clear, verbal expression of ideas, concerns, and other information. Good overall command of verbal communication.
- Decision Making/Problem Solving: Breaks down problems into components and recognizes interrelationships. Uses judgement to make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions. Compares data, information, and input from a variety of sources to draw conclusions. Takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
- Initiative : Takes action without being asked or required to. Achieves goals beyond job requirements. Acts proactively. Takes prompt action to accomplish objectives. Takes ownership of each project and drives it to completion, often by finding creative solutions to any challenges that appear.
- Planning and Organizing: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements. Determines necessary sequence of activities needed to achieve goals in a complete and timely manner.
- Professional Knowledge/Skills: Utilizes the skills, knowledge, or other unique capabilities required for success in individual roles.
Competencies for Professional Staff:
Details key behaviors necessary for each employee to perform effectively in their specific role. Target behaviors guide the goal setting and performance evaluation process. As each employee ascends in their career journey, they cultivate and utilize the new skills they acquire at each level.
- Applied Learning: Able to learn and properly apply new job-related information in a timely manner. Has the ability to absorb and comprehend job-related information from formal training and other formal and informal learning experiences.
- Adaptability : Adapts well to changes in assignments and priorities. Adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, unexpected obstacles, or organizational initiatives. Takes instruction well and is willing to work on new tasks with short notice. Approaches change with a positive attitude and adjusts behaviors accordingly.
- Teamwork: Participates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals. Builds strong work relationships and adjusts to how individuals and organizations function and react. Responds positively to feedback and incorporates it into work. Works cooperatively with other team members, involves others, shares information as appropriate, and shares credit for team accomplishments.
- Work Standards: Sets high standards and well-defined, realistic goals for oneself. Is motivated to achieve. Works with minimal supervision and displays a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner. Sustains long working hours when necessary to complete goals. Consistently maintains high levels of activity or productivity.
Application Process:
Interested applicants should please submit a current resume and a cover letter that tells us why you’re interested in working at RFF. Applications without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. If you have graphic design or technical writing/editing experience, please also submit samples of your work.
Due to the anticipated volume of interest, we are unable to respond to telephone or email inquiries regarding this position. RFF is an equal opportunity employer. People are RFF’s greatest asset, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We value the unique contributions of each member of our community and foster an environment that empowers everyone at RFF to thrive. Applicants of all kinds, who represent diversity that includes but is not limited to age, race, ethnicity, national origin, color, socioeconomic status, gender, physical ability, cognitive diversity, religion, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and personal background, are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor a work-related visa for this position.
