Smart Growth America cultivates vibrant, sustainable communities with diverse living and transportation options, enhancing quality of life for all.
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Smart growth is an approach to community design that connects housing, transportation, and land use to create healthy, prosperous, and resilient neighborhoods.
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Smart Growth America cultivates vibrant, sustainable communities with diverse living and transportation options, enhancing quality of life for all.
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Traverse City Michigan

Smart Growth America (SGA) seeks a talented and driven communications professional with experience in writing, editing, and strategic communications. This role is central to SGA’s external communications, supporting our mission to create healthier, more equitable, and connected communities. The title for this position—Associate or Senior Associate—will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications. The position reports to the Director of Communications and offers opportunities for growth, collaboration, and creativity.
To apply, please send a resume, a cover letter that describes your interest in smart growth and what you would bring to the position, references, and two writing samples (1,000 words or less) to <a href="mailto:jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org">jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org</a> with “Communications Associate” in the subject line.

<ul>
<li>Support SGA’s overall communications strategy and brand voice.</li>
<li>Contribute to the development and execution of strategic communications campaigns that elevate SGA’s programs and advocacy priorities.​​</li>
<li>Identify and craft compelling stories that highlight SGA’s impact, partners, and the communities we serve.</li>
<li>Create and manage content across multiple social media platforms, developing creative campaigns for notable days, milestones, and anniversaries.</li>
<li>Draft, edit, and publish blog posts, email blasts, advocacy alerts, and reports to amplify SGA’s mission and focus areas.</li>
<li>Manage and update SGA’s website via WordPress, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging.</li>
<li>Serve as a communications liaison to program teams, providing strategic input on messaging, framing, and engagement.</li>
<li>Support media outreach and partner amplification efforts, including drafting press materials and coordinating with partner organizations as needed.</li>
<li>Track and analyze communications metrics (email, web, and social) to inform strategy and identify opportunities for improvement.</li>
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SGA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran or active military status, citizenship status, arrest or conviction record, credit history, salary history, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, unemployment status, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Key Responsibilities

Required Knowledge and Skills:
<ul>
<li>Commitment to SGA’s North Star and a demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity.</li>
<li>Familiarity with smart growth, including SGA’s focus areas: land use, transportation and transit, urban planning, climate resilience, economic development, and equitable real estate development.</li>
<li>Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field preferred.</li>
<li>1 to 4 years of experience in communications, ideally in a nonprofit organization or smart-growth-related field.</li>
<li>Excellent writing and editing skills, with an ability to produce compelling content about SGA’s focus areas.</li>
<li>Proficiency in WordPress and social media platforms.</li>
<li>Collaborative working style with strong attention to detail and organizational skills.</li>
</ul>
Preferred Knowledge and Skills:
<ul>
<li>Experience with issue-based advocacy.</li>
<li>Experience with Canva, Adobe, or other design software</li>
</ul>

Knowledge & Skills

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience, ranging from $55,000-$65,000 annually. SGA offers a generous benefits package, including fully paid medical insurance, optional dental and vision coverage, 401k contributions, life and disability insurance, three weeks of vacation in the first year, and 12 paid holidays.

Compensation

This position is based in Washington, DC. SGA staff work in the office at 1350 Eye St. NW, Tuesdays-Thursdays. No relocation assistance is offered at this time. SGA requires employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and boosted.

Office Schedule

Please send a resume, cover letter detailing your interest in smart growth and qualifications, and two writing samples (1,000 words or less) to <a href="mailto:jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org">jobs@smartgrowthamerica.org</a> with “Communications Associate” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.

How to Apply

Communications Associate

Communications Associate

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Key Responsibilities

Knowledge & Skills

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