Communications Associate The Education Trust

Communications Associate
The Education Trust-Midwest seeks a full-time Communications Associate.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The Education Trust–Midwest (ETM), a nonpartisan, data-driven nonprofit education research,
policy, advocacy and technical assistance organization located in Southeast Michigan, seeks a
full-time senior leader to play a major role in our growing work in Michigan.
The Education Trust-Midwest promotes high academic achievement for all Michigan students
at all levels—pre-kindergarten through college. We serve as a nonpartisan center for honest,
reliable research-based expertise, information and data on how to raise achievement for all
Michigan students. Our goal is to close the gaps in opportunity and achievement that consign
far too many young people—especially those who are African American, Latino, American
Indian, or from low-income families—to lives on the margin of the American mainstream.
Serving as an important source of expertise and data to inform Michigan education
policymaking, ETM also has a new West Michigan office made up of seasoned practitioners who
are working alongside educators and parents to support their efforts to ensure their schools
serve all students at high levels of learning.
ETM serves as the Midwest division of the national Education Trust network, which is
headquartered in Washington D.C. Founded in 1996, the Education Trust speaks up for
students, especially those whose needs and potential are often overlooked. The Education
Trust is widely recognized as an unrivaled source of effective advocacy, expert analysis and
testimony, concise written and spoken presentations, research, and technical assistance to
districts, colleges, and community-based organizations. Ed Trust’s California division, Ed TrustWest, has worked to close achievement gaps for more than 13 years in the state of California.
Regardless of location or context, Ed Trust, Ed Trust-Midwest and Ed Trust-West maintain a
relentless focus on improving the education of all students, particularly those the system
traditionally has left behind.
To learn more, visit www.edtrustmidwest.org and www.edtrust.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The communications associate, a new position at ETM, will be responsible for implementing
strategic communications efforts, assisting in the development and updating of
communications plans and working to elevate community voices through grassroots
engagement strategies.
Key responsibilities of the role:
 Collaborate across teams — including policy and research, government affairs and
public engagement teams — to effectively develop and execute public education
campaigns, including social media and other strategies, to help Michiganders
understand and be part of important state and other decisions that impact Michigan
students;
 Explore new and promising ways to communicate effectively and influence change.
 Research and identify opportunities for outreach to key local and statewide
constituencies;
 Coordinate outreach activities with ETM’s staff to maximize organizational strategic
goals and priorities;
 Assist in the crafting and implementing short- and long-term media and public outreach
strategies, and tracking their results;
 Draft, edit and distribute informational and advocacy materials, including press releases,
position statements, newsletters and other communications tools;
 Day-to-day maintenance of websites and web-based communication tools;
 Keep staff informed of significant media activities through the timely distribution of a
daily press log and tracking media coverage and engagement;
 Coordinate news conferences, web-based trainings, and other related work;
 Collaborate closely with staff to ensure of team coordination, alignment and
integration;
 And other duties as needed.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
 Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience. Demonstrated
skills and professional experience strongly preferred. An ideal candidate will have the
potential and desire to move up in the organization and take on greater responsibilities;
 Excellent organizing, writing, editing, and communication skills, both externally and
internally among team members;
 Strong computer skills, including MS Office and WordPress. Experience with InDesign
preferred;
 A strong collaborator who genuinely enjoys working in teams;
 A deadline-driven professional who enjoys fast-paced, ever-changing, externally-driven
work;
 Proficiency using multiple social networking platforms is required, use in an
organizational or corporate setting preferred;
 Willingness and ability to travel, particularly in state;
 Demonstrated experience in communicating complex topics to a broad audience;
experience and knowledge of Michigan policy or political landscape or public education
is ideal though not required;

A sense of humor, and a commitment to high journalistic ethics and professional
integrity, are important. A dedication to accuracy and detail; and a sincere curiosity and
interest to learn about Michigan education is strongly preferred.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Education Trust-Midwest is a
competitive employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package – including medical, dental,
vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending account options, a 403(b) plan with employer
match, and generous vacation time. Paid holidays include the week between Christmas and
New Year’s and all federal holidays, with the exception of either Columbus or Veteran’s Day.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Email your cover letter, resume and 2-3 brief writing samples to jobs@edtrustmidwest.org.
Cumulative writing samples should not exceed 10 pages. Please use “Communications
Associate” as the subject line for your email. We review applications on a rolling basis. Priority
will be given to applications received by: May 8, 2015.
The Education Trust-Midwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity in all
facets of the organization’s work.