Smart Growth America seeks a Communications and Policy Fellow to support LOCUS, a national network of smart growth real estate developers and investors. The Fellow will be a core member of the LOCUS team and provide direct support to the LOCUS network of real estate developers and investors advocating for smart growth policies at the federal and regional levels.

Responsibilities
The Communications and Policy Fellow’s primary responsibilities include:

• Aggregating news about smart growth and real estate issues;
• Assist in planning, writing and managing monthly Newsletter;
• Update the LOCUS website, as needed;
• Contributing to LOCUS’ social media presence;
• Tracking social media and web analytics;
• Writing original content for our blog;
• Drafting legislative summaries for network members, drafting advocacy materials on core network issues;
• Design flyers, graphics, e-vites and other marketing material for major events hosted by LOCUS;
• Assisting with outreach to reporters and bloggers; and
• Providing communications support for our LOCUS members

The LOCUS Fellowship requires a self-motivated, detail-oriented person with exceptional writing, oral communication, and organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Candidates should have a strong interest in real estate, smart growth, economic development, transportation, community growth or related areas. Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree and either educational background or work experience in real estate, housing policy, transportation policy, urban planning, finance, public policy, business, or a related field.

In addition, the Communications Fellow should have a basic understanding of HTML; proficiency using content management systems; solid understanding of social media for organizations; and interest in contributing to communications strategy. Knowledge of Photoshop and leading new media strategies are a definite plus.

Candidates should be highly computer literate with experience in web content, and the Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

This is a paid position.

Timeframe:

Fellowship is full-time, 40 hours a week. Minimum commitment of six months required. Potential to extend fellowship to 12 months is possible pending performance. Applications will be accepted immediately on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employment:

Equal opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Smart Growth America. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

How to Apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter, and a short writing sample to mpierce [at] locusdevelopers [dot] org with “LOCUS Comms Fellow” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted immediately, on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.