[Hiring] Communications Director @JUSTICE ACTION CENTER

Role Description

The Communications Director role is a vital element of the mission of Justice Action Center (JAC) that emphasizes storytelling of our clients in collaboration with our litigation work. The Communications Director is responsible for leading and setting the vision for our Communications department and our communications and storytelling work overall. As the leader of this critical component of our work, this role is responsible for managing all communications plan activities and building external relationships with the organization's constituencies, including funders and the media. The Communications Director is a key member of the senior leadership team and jointly is responsible with other senior leaders for a variety of strategic initiatives and setting policy for the organization. This position holds primary responsibility for external engagement for the organization.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall vision of JAC’s communications and storytelling work.
• Provide overall strategic guidance to the organization as a part of the senior leadership team.
• Develop, oversee implementation of, evaluate and modify a comprehensive communications plan in collaboration with the senior leadership team, the communications team and external partners as needed.
• Create new campaigns to help advance JAC’s narrative goals.
• Determine appropriate communications tactics to disseminate JAC news, publicize activities, and broaden audiences.
• Oversee research for, and implementation of, non-traditional media narrative change strategies that advance JAC’s mission.
• Manage staff charged with day-to-day communications activities such as the JAC website, social media, newsletters, announcements, press releases and our litigation tracker.
• Oversee staff responsible for media strategies for JAC and clients, including writing press releases, op-eds, and talking points. This includes working with East and West Coast media outlets.
• Pitch and place stories of strategic interest for JAC, and train JAC spokespeople and plaintiffs for interviews.
• Work with external partners and media while maintaining a positive relationship.
• Oversee JAC’s plaintiff engagement and, when applicable, oversee JAC’s class communications efforts.
• Support and facilitate JAC attorneys' efforts to provide legal services to clients.
• Oversee all functions of the communications department, including budget and staff development.
• Responsible for all aspects of building, growing, and developing the staff within the communications department.
• Manage the communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities and conduct annual performance appraisals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field.
• At least 10 years of previous experience in communications.
• At least 3 years of campaign or project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience creating engaging digital content and website copy.
• Demonstrated experience successfully pitching and placing stories and op-eds in major media publications.

Requirements

• A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• A demonstrated ability to distill complicated issues into clear, persuasive messaging.
• Comfort working with diverse coalitions in a fast-paced environment.
• An ability to conceptualize and execute communications plans, including plans with heavy digital components.
• A high degree of responsiveness and availability during nontraditional work hours.
• Ability to travel to key court and other events as needed.
• Exceptional communications and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build trusting, productive relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• An ability to navigate high-stress or fast-paced environments calmly.
• Commitment to JAC’s mission and values.
• Experience with delegation and management of work.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence".
• Strong relationships with key members of the media.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Home office stipend
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance