[Hiring] Communications Associate @Committee to Protect Journalists

Role Description

The Communications Associate develops and implements communications strategies to maximize the impact of CPJ’s work in defense of press freedom worldwide. This position is an integral part of the Communications Department and collaborates with programmatic teams across the organization to ensure that CPJ’s reporting, expertise and advocacy goals achieve maximum reach. Media relations and social media experience, excellent news judgment, the ability to work independently and proactively, and a commitment to press freedom are essential to succeed in this role. This position reports to the Communications Director and will be based in Europe with a preference for the UK; other locations will be considered.

• Support the implementation of CPJ’s media and outreach strategy.
• Handle CPJ’s press inbox, cultivate relationships with journalists, pitch op-eds, field media queries, and support media interviews.
• Draft, proofread, format, and distribute press materials; produce promotional materials and web content, and contribute to social media messaging.
• Monitor daily news and opinion to identify key opportunities for rapid response and detect potential reputational risks.
• Operate as the communications team's first responder amid breaking news occurring in the Europe time zone.
• Support the media component of report launches, missions, campaigns.
• Manage and maintain CPJ’s global media database, coordinating with regional teams.
• Deliver communications guidance to regional programs and support the digital communications team.
• Enhance and maintain a framework for tracking requests, pitches, and media interactions.
• Analyze data and make recommendations for project-specific communications strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A deep interest in and commitment to press freedom.
• At least 3-5 years experience working directly with journalists, including global media.
• A clear understanding of media relations, campaigning, and strategic communications.
• Impeccable writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex issues into accessible language.
• Strong project management skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Comfortable working on tight deadlines with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
• Independent yet collaborative approach; reliable team player.
• Experience with platforms like Mailchimp and WordPress.
• Able to travel to the United States, typically 1 trip per year.

Requirements

• A bachelor or master’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Non-profit experience with global scope working on policy-relevant issues.
• International experience and at least one additional language.

Physical Requirements

This position’s physical demands reflect work in a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Location

This position is located in Europe, with a preference for candidates based in the UK, and is classified as fully remote. Availability to work and attend meetings on the US Eastern time zone as needed is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CPJ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.