Director of Communications and Membership

## About Waterways Council, Inc.

Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI) is the national public policy organization advocating for a modern, well‑maintained inland waterways system. WCI represents shippers, carriers, port authorities, and other stakeholders who rely on the 12,000‑mile inland waterways network to move goods efficiently and affordably across the country. Based in Washington, DC, WCI works closely with Congress, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Executive Branch to advance investment in locks, dams, and channel infrastructure.

## Position Summary

WCI seeks a skilled communicator and relationship‑builder to serve as Director of Communications and Membership. This person will lead the organization’s external and internal communications, manage media relationships and social media presence, and drive membership growth and retention. The role sits at the intersection of advocacy, journalism, and member engagement, and requires someone who is comfortable working across a small, collaborative team on a wide range of projects.

The ideal candidate writes clearly under deadline, understands the basics of federal policy and the media landscape, and brings genuine enthusiasm for the inland waterways industry.

## Key Responsibilities

### Communications and Media

– **Draft news releases**, Breaking News updates, the biweekly ebrief, and the President’s Recap
– **Serve as primary media contact**; field press inquiries and coordinate interviews with the President/CEO or appropriate WCI members
– **Write commentaries** and op‑eds for trade publications
– **Draft meeting minutes** for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee
– **Manage social media**, including content development, scheduling, engagement monitoring, and audience growth
– **Use AI tools** to support content creation, research, and workflows, with sound judgment on when human oversight is required

### Annual Publications and Events

– **Manage the WCI Annual Report** from content development through design and distribution
– **Plan and execute the annual media tour** at an active lock project site (typically August)
– **Prepare communications reports** for the Board of Directors at February and November meetings and Executive Committee retreats

### Membership

– **Pursue new members** and retain existing ones, including outreach visits to member offices and facilities
– **Serve as first point of contact** for prospective members, explaining WCI’s mission, programs, and dues structure

### Capitol Hill Fly‑In

– **Serve as a Team Lead** for a state delegation during WCI’s annual February fly‑in, securing and attending meetings with Members of Congress and staff
– **Brief team members** on talking points, coordinate logistics, and follow up with Congressional offices

### Industry Engagement

– **Attend and speak at industry events** as requested and approved by the President/CEO

## What We Offer

– A mission‑driven role with direct impact on national infrastructure policy
– A small, close‑knit team where your work is visible and valued
– Regular engagement with Congress, the media, and industry leaders across the country
– Salary range: $140,000 to $180,000, commensurate with experience
– Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
– Opportunities for professional growth and industry involvement

## How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the role to:

**Tracy Zea, President and CEO**
Waterways Council, Inc.
[email protected]

Make sure **“Director of Communications and Membership”** is in the subject line.

WCI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, personal appearance, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by the DC Human Rights Act or applicable law.

## Qualifications

### Required

– **Five+ years experience** in communications, public affairs, journalism, or a related field
– **Strong writing and editing skills** across media releases, newsletters, and policy documents
– **Familiarity with federal processes** (legislative and regulatory)
– **Experience managing media relationships** and responding to press inquiries
– **Ability to work independently** and manage multiple deadlines in a small‑team environment
– **Proficiency with Microsoft Office** and email marketing platforms (HubSpot a plus)
– **Hands‑on social media management**
– **Working knowledge of AI tools**
– **Willingness to travel** to lock/dam sites for meetings and events

### Preferred

– **Background in transportation or infrastructure** (transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, maritime policy)
– **Association or nonprofit communications experience**
– **Familiarity with inland waterways** or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers programs

Learn more here