Communications Specialist Job Posting

Communications Specialist

About Us

Orion Policy Institute (OPI) is an independent non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to promote good governance, advance human rights, and improve policy through high-quality research. OPI seeks to generate practical and sustainable solutions based on multidisciplinary, diverse, and in-depth scientific research and analysis. We address a broad range of issues, including national and global security, democracy, human rights, political and economic development, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and various other issues at the local, national, and global levels.

Position Description

OPI is seeking a creative, detail-oriented, and highly motivated Part-Time Communications Specialist to support the organization's external communications, digital outreach, and public engagement efforts. The Communications Specialist will play a key role in strengthening OPI's digital presence, promoting its research and publications, and communicating complex policy issues to diverse audiences. Working closely with OPI's leadership, the Communications Specialist will support OPI’s outreach and networking efforts with the relevant actors and industry, including policymakers, media, and other relevant institutions and organizations. The communications specialist will develop and implement communications strategies across social media, newsletters, the organization's website, and other digital platforms.

Position Details

• Location: The preferred candidate is based in the DMV area and will work remotely.
• Position Type: Part-Time (up to 10 hours/week)
• Compensation: Paid ($25/hr)
• Start Date: Immediately

Key Responsibilities

• Digital Communications: Support the development and distribution of newsletters, email campaigns, partnership/project announcements, and other digital outreach materials.
• Visual Content Creation: Design professional graphics, infographics, promotional materials, and other digital assets to support OPI's research dissemination and public engagement efforts.
• Communications Strategy: Assist in developing and implementing communications plans to increase OPI's visibility, expand audience engagement, and strengthen its institutional presence.
• Editorial Support: Review, edit, and proofread communications materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with OPI's editorial standards.
• Research and Event Promotion: Coordinate promotional communications for OPI's research initiatives, webinars, podcasts, seminars, and other institutional activities.
• Performance Monitoring: Track social media engagement, website traffic, newsletter performance, and other relevant communications metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or a recent graduate) in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, international relations, political science, or a related field.
• Previous experience in communications, social media management, digital marketing, public relations, or content development, preferably within a nonprofit, think tank, academic, or policy-oriented organization.
• Proficiency with graphic design and content creation tools, such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms.
• Understanding of social media analytics, audience engagement strategies, and digital communications best practices.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy topics clearly and effectively.
• Ability to handle time-sensitive communications and respond promptly to emerging organizational priorities.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to careers@orionpolicy.org.

• A cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications for the position.
• A writing sample, social media content examples, or a portfolio demonstrating relevant communications experience.
• A current resume or CV.