Employment and Internship Opportunities

The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) is seeking a Communications Manager to work with the Executive Director and other senior staff towards implementing the organization’s communications goals. The candidate will also provide general staff assistance in a variety of areas including some office management responsibilities. 

The Communications Manager will be responsible for creating engaging, on-trend social media content about relevant issues on PAAIA’s various social media channels, website, and public relations messaging. This role plans, curates, and manages content that will optimize our platforms and increase engagement. The ideal candidate will be skilled in communication planning, storytelling, and writing with commitment to editorial excellence, and innovation.  

This is a full-time position of 40.0 hours per week and can be a hybrid position with some days in office and some day remote.

• In consultation with the Executive Director, develop and implement an integrated, organization-­wide communications plan to broaden awareness of our work and brand identity across key stakeholder audiences (members, key influencers, public officials, the media), in alignment with the organization’s strategy 
• Work with PAAIA staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities, and define and execute appropriate strategies to support our overall mission 
• Execute all copy intended for public consumption to ensure its alignment with the strategic communications plan: bi-weekly electronic newsletter, policy statements, all social media platforms, research reports, letters to the editor, reports, op-eds, press releases, fact sheets, media advisories, talking points, etc. 
• Develop and execute all print and branded materials 
• Curate content and increase audience engagement on PAAIA’s website and social media channels 
• Maintain and regularly update websites, ensuring the sitemap and posts are optimized 
• Plan and implement a social media calendar with daily content and specific campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as other platforms including YouTube and LinkedIn as appropriate 
• Regularly review reports on social media performance and use the data to make recommendations on social media strategy to optimize content 
• Stay up to date with latest social media and digital best practices and digital marketing trends, capturing and sharing learning 
• Conduct research and analysis and write reports, policy briefs, and other publications for dissemination 
• Manage databases used for policy priorities and tracking legislative meetings 
• Follow relevant policy developments, identify important issues, and provide analysis to internal staff 
• Oversee aspects of office management and planning in alignment with our overall operating calendar 
• Other duties as assigned 

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in public relations, communications, public relations, international affairs, political science, or a related field
• 2-4+ years’ experience in a communications role 
• Excellent writing, communication, and research skills 
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Mailchimp, Wix, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, and other digital communications tools 
• Experience managing projects and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment 
• Must be a reliable and resourceful self-starter with superb organizational skills 
• Be able to work independently and within a team setting with positive attitude and professional demeanor 
• Exceptional storytelling and writing skills for social media, with ability to express complex ideas creatively and succinctly 
• Some knowledge of Iran and the Iranian American community is preferred 

The Director of Civic Engagement and Democracy (DCED) plays a key role in educating and mentoring the next generation of Iranian Americans by managing the Civic Leadership Program (CLP). The DCED will also work with the Leadership Committee and Advisory Board to further the strategic direction of the CLP. With vision and leadership, this position aims to refine PAAIA’s highly commended and effective initiatives and programs that provide youth mentorship, leadership skills, and advocacy training by growing external support.

The DCED will work with PAAIA staff, CLP sponsors, and its Advisors to further CLP programs including the Civic Leadership Credential, Farokhzad Civic Leaders Summit, Pezeshkan Capitol Hill Internship Program, Ansari Public Service Fellowship, and Sarram Service Initiative. Maximizing the priorities, resources, and effectiveness of the CLP and its work, the DCED will build support for democracy education, civic engagement, narrative change, partnerships, and public engagement.

This role is responsible for working across teams to execute goals, strategies, and initiatives, and ensure integration across programs. Additionally, the DCED will prioritize developing external partnerships by playing a pivotal role in grant applications. The ideal candidate will be committed to bringing a welcoming lens on gender, ethnicity, class, and sexuality to the work and will ensure that the diversity of Iranian Americans is centered in the work.

This is a full-time position of 40.0 hours per week and can be a hybrid position with some days in office and some day remote.

• Create and manage independently run program budget.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts including draft grant proposals.
• Recruit, maintain, and manage Donors and Sponsors.
• Maintain Civic Leadership Program initiatives from start to completion involving deadlines, milestones, processes, and evaluation. Collaborate with and include the target demographic in program development.
• Provide a monthly report on program outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
• Meet organizational and fundraising objectives.
• Manage mass emailing and online communications including social media content (primarily Instagram), including data analytics.
• Maintain and update Civic Leadership Program website (built on Wix).
• Manage relationships with program advisors and PAAIA Board.
• Develop and maintain community relations including student groups, community organizations, and individuals across the country. This includes managing inbound requests.
• Recruit and manage volunteers and interns on an as-needed basis.
• Represent Civic Leadership Program interests and serve as a spokesperson in the community and with stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in business, public relations, political science, or event management.
• 2+ years experience in a donor management/fundraising role, event planning position, organizing role, or other relevant position.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment and independently with little direction.
• Experience managing projects and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Extremely organized with an eye for detail.
• Some knowledge of Iran and the Iranian American community is preferred.
• An understanding of Persian is a plus.