Position Title: Communications & Research ASSOCIATE
Location: Remote (proximity to Washington D.C. region is helpful but not required).
FLSA status: Exempt
About TRIP
TRIP® is a private, nonprofit organization that researches, evaluates, and communicates economic and technical data on surface transportation issues. Funded through voluntary contributions from companies and organizations in the highway construction sector, TRIP has advanced its mission for more than 50 years through a collaborative model of industry and public partners.
Through national and state-level research and strategic communications, TRIP generates significant earned media coverage to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about transportation infrastructure needs, safety, and economic impact.
Position Overview
The Communications & Research Associate plays a central role in advancing TRIP’s mission by producing quality research and driving strategic communications that elevate surface transportation infrastructure issues nationwide.
This role combines policy research, data analysis, and proactive media engagement to translate complex transportation data into clear, compelling narratives that inform the public and influence decision makers.
Working within a small, collaborative team, this position helps plan and execute national and state-level report releases, generate significant earned media coverage, and positions TRIP as a trusted voice in transportation policy and investment.
Key Responsibilities:
Research & Data Analysis
Research, write, and edit national and state-specific reports on transportation issues
Gather, maintain, and analyze transportation data from federal, state, and regional sources.
Translate technical data into clear, accessible, and media-friendly findings
Communications & Media Relations
Develop, write, and edit media materials, including news releases, media advisories, and support documents
Create targeted media lists for each report release, including local, state, and national outlets.
Distribute media materials and proactively pitch report findings and news conferences to media
Report Releases & Event Coordination
Plan and execute report rollouts, including coordinating news conferences and media briefings
Serve as TRIP’s primary liaison for organizing news events, including identifying locations, coordinating logistics, and working with local partners and speakers
Respond to inquiries from reporters, policymakers, and stakeholders
When needed, serve as a media spokesperson providing presentations and legislative testimony
Stakeholder Collaboration & Outreach
Build and maintain relationships with media, elected officials, government agencies, business organizations, and advocacy groups
Coordinate with partners—including state DOTs, chambers of commerce, and safety advocates—to support report development and media outreach
Work Environment
This role operates within a highly collaborative team structure where research, communications, and outreach responsibilities are closely coordinated. Success in this position requires teamwork, clear communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, or a relevant field
Experience in communications, media relations, policy research, or related fields
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling content
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
Experience working with public agencies, nonprofits, media, policymakers, or advocacy groups
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Willingness to travel as needed (approximately 4 times per year)
Preferred Skills
Experience using professional software platforms such as Excel, Word, and Outlook
Experience coordinating virtual meetings, briefings, or events
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $70,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience
TRIP offers a competitive benefits package, including:
Full Medical and Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
401(k) with employer Safe Harbor contribution and company match
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following to trip@tripnet.org with the subject line
“Communications & Research Associate”:
Resume
Cover letter
One writing sample of original work or a portfolio link
*TRIP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Founded in 1971, TRIP is a private nonprofit organization that researches, evaluates and distributes economic and technical data on surface transportation issues. TRIP promotes transportation policies that help relieve traffic congestion and its impact on air quality, improve road and bridge conditions, make surface travel safer, and enhance economic productivity. TRIP is sponsored by insurance companies, equipment manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers, businesses involved in highway and transit engineering and construction, labor unions, and organizations concerned with an efficient and safe surface transportation network that promotes economic development and quality of life.
Our Vision: To be the essential source of strategic messaging achieved through innovation and collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve sustainable transportation infrastructure funding.
Our Mission: TRIP is a credible source of data and information for a diverse group of transportation stakeholders; delivers news and social media coverage of transportation issues and messages; and, informs and promotes discussion of policies that improve the movement of goods and people, make surface travel safer, and enhance economic development and productivity.
