Communications Associate, What Works Cities

Organization: Results for America

Role: Communications Associate, What Works Cities

Location: Flexible, within the United States

Organization Overview

Results for America (RFA) is the leading national nonprofit organization helping policymakers at all levels of government harness the power of evidence and data to solve the world’s greatest challenges. Our mission is to make investing in what works the “new normal,” so that, one day, all government leaders use rigorous evidence and quality data to inform important policy and funding decisions. We believe that data-driven and evidence-based policy decisions should be used to increase the impact of the over $2 trillion that governments spend annually to open opportunities and advance economic mobility.

Team Overview

This position is housed within the What Works Cities team with strong partnership to RFA’s Strategic Communications Team.

What Works Cities

At Results for America, one of our flagship local initiatives is What Works Cities (WWC), a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded initiative that helps city governments across the Americas improve residents’ lives by using data and evidence effectively to tackle pressing challenges. To accomplish this, we work directly with city leaders and staff through coaching and implementation support, a range of online and in-person learning opportunities and a growing professional network. This support is guided by What Works Cities Certification, the first-ever international standard of excellence for data-driven, well-managed local government.

What Works Cities Certification assesses cities based on their data-driven decision-making practices, such as whether they are using data to set goals and track progress, allocate funding, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and achieve desired outcomes from contracts with outside vendors. The program also measures whether cities are publicly and transparently communicating about their use of data and evidence. By aspiring toward Certification and implementing the best practices outlined in the program’s criteria, cities are more effectively delivering results for residents. What Works Cities Certification also serves as an international recognition program, which celebrates and accelerates the use of data and evidence in local governments by rewarding achievements and providing a clear path to excellence. Since our launch in 2015, we have helped more than 300 cities make progress on their most pressing issues, from health and public safety to homelessness and blight.

With more than 100 Certified cities, the initiative is entering an exciting new phase of work. It is continuing to scale throughout North, Central and South America, while exploring other regional markets. The initiative is designing new and innovative ways for cities to engage and build capacity within the WWC network from starting their path towards Certification to deeper engagement with Certified cities. The focus will be on how to ensure the What Works Cities Standard and its corresponding criteria and best practices related to good, well-managed local government are elevated globally, embedded into key institutions, and refined based on consistent research and evaluation. The Communications Associate’s work will help the What Works Cities team accelerate the growth of the program, expand its network of cities and communicate its impact.

Strategic Communications

RFA’s Strategic Communications team supports outreach, programming, and branding for all of RFA’s federal, state and local efforts. The Communications Associate will also participate in the Strategic Communications team’s weekly and quarterly meetings to help advance RFA’s broader mission.

Position Overview

The Communications Associate will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of What Works Cities's communications and marketing efforts, helping to maintain a strong brand presence across events, media and digital channels. They will also contribute to storytelling initiatives that showcase the impact of data-driven city government. This position is ideal for someone who is creative, highly organized and detail-oriented.

Travel up to 15-20% annually may be required.

This is a full time, exempt position, based in a home office anywhere within the U.S.

Position Reporting Relationship

This position will report to the Director, Strategic Communications.

Position Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Associate, Communications will fall into three main categories. Specific details include, but are not restricted to, the following:

Operations Support (60%)

• Provide coordination and logistical support for communications campaigns and events, including managing timelines, preparing materials and assisting with execution.
• Manage media monitoring, including maintaining media lists and tracking brand awareness and engagement.
• Assist with research on data-driven resident impact in Certified cities across the Americas for talking points and interview preparation.
• Manage conference registration, travel arrangements and reimbursements for WWC staff, guest speakers and WWC ambassadors at industry events.
• Oversee logistics for communications campaigns, including scheduling, materials, and outreach.
• Manage inventory and coordinate distribution of branded materials for events, outreach, and Certification Announcements.
• Contribute to weekly and quarterly funder reports.

Digital Media Content Creation (30%)

• Bring creative and analytical insights to help guide social media strategy in an ever-changing digital landscape.
• Help develop new multimedia content including but not limited to: short videos, data visualization projects and other creative content.
• Support content drafting and editorial calendar development on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.
• Track social media metrics and analyze profile performance.
• Support updating the What Works Cities website.

Project Management (10%)

• Develop and manage project timelines for communications initiatives, including digital campaigns, events and Certification Announcements.
• Coordinate across teams to make sure team members have access to up-to-date timelines and materials.

Experience, Competencies and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, as well as an alignment with Results for America’s mission and organizational values:

Experience and Qualifications:

• 3 - 6 years of general work experience and college degree (or equivalent practical work experience)
  • Work experience within a PR agency or private sector experience valued, but not required
• Demonstrated experience providing operational support that directly contributes to program-wide goals
• Proficiency with social media platforms (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram) and content management systems
• Proficiency with project management platforms, such as Asana
• A commitment to Results for America’s mission and vision, and
• Respect for Results for America’s organizational values.

Competencies/Skills:

• Outcomes-oriented; exhibits a strong work ethic and solid organizational skills, including attention to detail, time management, and the ability to successfully prioritize among multiple tasks
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced workplace
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Prior experience contributing to projects and completing individual tasks efficiently
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively within and across teams

Salary and Benefits

Results for America offers a compensation package that includes:

• A competitive base salary commensurate with relevant work experience; and
• A benefits package that includes choice in medical plans; dental/vision coverage; paid time off; a 403b retirement plan with employer contribution.

The salary range for this position is $72,353 - $84,023.

New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role.