About the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)
Based in Washington, DC, the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) is a nonpartisan nonprofit membership organization that supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of 90 nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities’ global perspective through speaker programs, discussion groups, and educational experiences.
WACA connects and equips World Affairs Councils across the country by providing programs, resources, convenings, and opportunities that help communities engage thoughtfully with global issues. Through its national network, WACA brings together leaders, educators, students, experts, and citizens committed to informed dialogue and greater understanding of the world.
Learn more at www.worldaffairscouncils.org.
Role Description
WACA’s marketing and communications coordinator supports the organization’s communications, digital engagement, and program promotion efforts. The coordinator supports WACA’s day-to-day communications activities, including the weekly newsletter, website, social media platforms, and other digital communications, ensuring that WACA’s programs, network activities, and organizational priorities are shared clearly and consistently with stakeholders.
The coordinator serves as a key steward of WACA’s public-facing presence by developing and organizing content, supporting marketing campaigns, creating communications materials, and maintaining a consistent organizational voice and visual identity. The role works collaboratively with colleagues across programs, membership, events, and external relations to tell WACA’s story, highlight the impact of the World Affairs Councils network, and strengthen engagement with WACA audiences.
This full-time, primarily in-person position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the chief executive officer. It is well-suited for an early-career communications professional with two or more years of experience who is eager to broaden their skills across nonprofit communications, digital engagement, and marketing. This position offers meaningful responsibility from the outset and opportunities to take on additional leadership and project ownership as the individual grows within the organization.
As WACA continues to strengthen its communications capacity, there is opportunity for this role to grow in responsibility over time, including expanded ownership of campaigns, digital engagement strategies, communications projects, and organizational storytelling.
Job Functions
Editorial, Digital Communications, and Content Development (40%)
· Maintain WACA’s editorial calendar and coordinate communications across organizational priorities
· Produce and distribute WACA’s weekly newsletter and other recurring and one-time communications
· Draft, edit, and format website content, announcements, program updates, and organizational news
· Maintain consistent organizational voice, style, and messaging across communications channels
· Identify and develop stories highlighting Council activities, program outcomes, partners, and organizational milestones
· Gather content from WACA staff, Councils, partners, and program participants
· Support preparation of annual reports, organizational updates, and other publications
· Maintain communications templates, resources, and processes that support organizational consistency
Website, Social Media, and Digital Engagement (25%)
· Maintain WACA’s website, including content updates, page revisions, and basic search engine optimization (SEO) improvements
· Support day-to-day social media posting and engagement across organizational platforms
· Create and schedule digital content aligned with organizational priorities
· Support email communication systems and audience lists
· Track basic communications metrics and provide regular updates on engagement trends
· Identify opportunities to improve digital communications processes and workflows
Marketing and Program Promotion (20%)
· Support the development and coordination of promotional communications for WACA programs and events, including the National Conference, Council Leadership Meeting, Academic WorldQuest, Engage America, and other initiatives
· Collaborate with program, membership, and events staff to create communications timelines, promotional materials, and participant communications
· Support membership, fundraising, and engagement campaigns through email, web, and social media content
· Support sponsor recognition communications in coordination with staff colleagues
· Create and maintain communications resources and templates that support Councils’ ability to promote WACA programs
Creative Design and Brand Support (5%)
· Create basic graphics and visual materials for digital and print communications using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools
· Support development of event materials, social media graphics, newsletters, reports, presentations, and other organizational materials
· Maintain consistency with WACA’s visual identity and communications standards
· Coordinate with external graphic design vendors for larger projects as needed
Additional Responsibilities (10%)
· Support the work of university interns, volunteers, or temporary staff as needed
· Support event execution, including communications needs during WACA programs and conferences
· Provide general customer service to Councils, members, partners, and other stakeholders
· Support Board and committee communications as requested
· Participate in organizational events and programs, including occasional evening or weekend activities
· Seek out and participate in ongoing professional development related to communications, marketing, or nonprofit management
· Other related duties as assigned; special projects as required
Qualifications
Required:
· Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, graphic design, nonprofit management, international studies, or related field
· Two years of related professional experience in communications, marketing, nonprofit, association, education, or related environments
· Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English
· Experience supporting digital communications channels, including email newsletters, websites, and social media
· Experience creating basic visual communications materials using tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms
· Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a small team
· Demonstrated attention to detail, openness to learning new things, creativity, professionalism, and good judgment
· Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of world affairs, global current events, and the mission of the World Affairs Councils network
· Desire to grow as a communications professional and take increasing ownership of projects over time
Preferred:
· Professional experience in the nonprofit or association sector
· Experience with WordPress or similar website platforms; basic familiarity with HTML
· Experience with Mailchimp or similar email marketing platforms
· Experience analyzing communications metrics and engagement data
· Experience with photography, video, or multimedia content creation
· Fluency in languages other than English
Environment and Other Expectations
The WACA office is located in downtown Washington, DC, with easy access to Metro and bus lines. WACA staff work in a fast-paced environment and should be prepared to balance multiple priorities and deadlines, take ownership of their projects, and work independently, as part of a team, and with a variety of interns, volunteers, board members, and other organizations. While this position will be primarily onsite, limited remote work on a consistent weekly schedule to be identified with the individual is permitted after an initial onboarding and team-building period. Applicants should reside in the greater Washington, DC, metropolitan area or be willing to relocate. This position involves primarily daytime, weekday hours on a consistent schedule to be identified with the individual.
WACA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable law. WACA is committed to building and fostering a culture where all employees, members, volunteers, and interns have an opportunity to contribute to the mission and success of the organization and are valued for their unique perspectives and the experiences they bring to the table.
Compensation
The salary range identified for this position is $28.87/hour to $33.17/hour ($60,050 to $68,994 per year), commensurate with education and experience and with potential for growth based on performance and organizational development. Additional benefits include paid health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, employer contribution to a 401(k) retirement plan, opportunities for professional development, and paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
To Apply
Please email a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than 500 words, examples of communications or design work, and a list of three professional references to Matthew Hughes at [email protected] with “Marketing & Communications Coordinator Application” as the subject. Please send all attachments as a single, combined PDF file. For priority consideration, applications should be received by Friday, July 24, 2026.
World Affairs Councils of America
1000 Vermont Ave. NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005
www.worldaffairscouncils.org
Pay: $60,050.00 - $68,994.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
