Position: Development and Communications Associate; Part-Time; Based in Washington, DC or Remote

Who We Are
The Water Finance Exchange (WFX) is a partnership between federal and state stakeholders,
communities, philanthropy, and the financial sector to address the funding shortage of water infrastructure projects for thousands of American communities. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WFX is comprised of a team of water and finance professionals devoted to supporting communities across the U.S. reach sustainable water infrastructure solutions, encompassing economic, public health, and environmental needs.

Our model is to provide neutral, third-party expertise to develop water solutions for small and
underserved communities from the ground up, rather than top-down. We work at a local level together with communities to provide support to reach sustainable water solutions while providing accessible financing opportunities to remove roadblocks that prevent projects from launching.

WFX believes it can support the efforts of small, rural, and disadvantaged communities to access funding by assembling the best expertise, building trusted relationships with communities, completing projects, and disseminating information about recurring issues and solutions that allow for scaling-up funding of similarly situated communities and regional initiatives. WFX aims to serve as a national platform to accelerate the adoption of best practices, increase the ability of smaller communities to access financing, and close the water infrastructure equity gap across the country.

Launched in 2020, WFX has created a pipeline of community water infrastructure project opportunities. WFX is excited about the opportunities to expand and scale its efforts to better meet the needs of communities around the country. To do so, WFX is seeking to add a part-time Development and Communications Associate to its core team.

Job Summary

WFX is seeking a Development and Communications Associate to support the organization’s internal
operations and external communications, as well as lead event management efforts. The new position will work closely with the WFX leadership and organization management team to build the organization’s capacity to communicate its message to funders and other stakeholders.

This position is responsible for developing and maintaining communications documents, which include case studies, spotlights of partner organizations, organizational documents, and website materials. This position will be responsible for developing and maintaining WFX’s social media presence. This position will also lead WFX’s workshops in targeted states, which include planning and managing two to four annual stakeholder convenings of approximately 40-60 water sector leaders. The Development and Communications Associate will also provide support to WFX’s fundraising efforts.

The work performed by this position involves distilling and synthesizing complex information into a coherent and compelling message, while managing logistical and operational deadlines for support tasks. This position will require working directly with community leaders, organizational partners, and institutional stakeholders. Projects may require working both independently or collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have completed a BA or BS degree and should be self-determined, motivated, and enthusiastic about learning and advancing his/her career. We are a small team; therefore, the Development and Communications Associate should be capable of taking on a high degree of responsibility.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include the following:

• Draft regular updates to WFX’s organizational materials, providing input on the language and design of communications documents.
• Assist with leading website and content updates, including design of written materials.
• Lead key communication initiatives, including spotlight interviews of relevant partners and case studies of WFX success stories.
• Manage and lead the WFX stakeholder convenings, of which WFX anticipates hosting two-four annual events in targeted states and/or Washington D.C.
• Assist with the development of fundraising materials and other fundraising tasks, such as identifying funding prospects and drafting grant applications and reports.
• Develop and manage WFX’s social media platform, posting regular updates and materials.
• Assist with project support as needed, which is inclusive of research tasks, policy development, initial project review, and project management tasks.
• Assist in the development, maintenance, and enhancement of community screening processes and decision-making procedures and tools.
• Ad hoc reports, as necessary.
• Assist staff with administrative or organizational tasks.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• Must have an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree.
• Proficiency in MS office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to design compelling visual materials; experience with design software.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including comfort working with fundraising materials and policy documents.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail and an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Intellectual flexibility and adaptability for working a wide range of industries and assignments.
  
  

Preferred

• At least 2-4 years of non-profit experience and/or writing or design experience.
• Knowledge of U.S. water policy and environmental policy.
• Events management experience.
  
  

Remuneration

This is a part-time contractor position based at our office in Washington, DC or remote. Compensation commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following to info@waterfx.org: