[Hiring] Director of Public Relations & Communications @Worth Rises

Role Description

Worth Rises seeks a dynamic Director of Public Relations & Communications (exempt) to work remotely to lead the strategy for and execution of all traditional and digital communications for the organization and its campaigns. The Director of Public Relations & Communications should be a seasoned public relations professional with deep media relationships in print, online, broadcast, and streaming, a strong track record of earned media placement, and exceptional pitching and storytelling skills. They should also have experience in digital communications and marketing. They should have a strong understanding of criminal justice issues and operate as both a high-level strategist and a hands-on doer. The Director of Public Relations & Communications will report to the Chief Narrative Officer and collaborate closely with the staff across the organization in strategy and content development.

Key Results (Year One)

• Land at least 12 media pitches, including at least three opinion editorials, in major national or regional outlets.
• Land a speaking appearance on a major television network or streaming platform for the organization and its work.
• Create and implement an integrated digital strategy covering owned media that grows our email subscriber and social follower base by 25% each and small donors by 15%.

Major Responsibilities

• Strategy & Management
  • Co-develop a communications strategy, including editorial direction, with the Chief Narrative Officer and Executive Director.
  • Collaborate with other directors and staff to ensure that all campaigns and projects have strategic public relations and communications support.
  • Manage the organization’s branding guide and ensure brand consistency in our public image and across all our work.
  • Manage relationships with all marketing and communications-related contractors and vendors.
  • Lead the communications department, managing a growing team of staff and consultants.
  • Develop and implement systems and processes to streamline marketing and communications workflow.
  • Set, track, and analyze clear and measurable metrics to regularly inform strategy.
• Media Relations & Public Relations
  • Develop and deepen relationships with producers, editors, and journalists.
  • Oversee traditional media functions, including drafting press releases and pitching coverage.
  • Monitor daily news cycle and relevant coverage to pitch follow-up pieces.
  • Prepare Executive Director for media appearances and speaking engagements.
• Digital Media & Creative Design
  • Oversee the organization’s digital presence, including the website and social media.
  • Develop and implement an effective marketing funnel to increase the subscriber base and engagement.
  • Oversee the production of all written and digital content.
  • Oversee the ads program, including the full spend of donated Google Ads funds.

Critical Factors for Success

• At least five years of professional experience developing and executing effective public relations and communications strategies.
• At least two years of professional experience driving social strategies and content development for various platforms.
• At least two years of professional experience directly managing full-time staff and contractors.
• Proven ability to distill dense, complicated issues into clear, specific messaging.
• Strong existing relationships with producers, editors, and journalists.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including storytelling and copyediting.
• Goal-oriented creative mind.
• Ability to leverage data and analytics to assess impact and adapt strategies.
• Experience identifying and training media spokespeople.
• Understanding of the importance of brand standards and proven ability to implement brand guidelines.
• Experience working with email automation platforms.
• Willingness to work outside normal office hours as needed.
• Working understanding of criminal justice and strong interest in learning more.
• Genuine commitment to organizational values.

Compensation and Benefits

• The annual salary for the Director of Public Relations & Communications is $135,000.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 20 days of vacation time.
• Ten days of personal/sick leave.
• Three days of bereavement leave in addition to 11 holidays and winter break.
• Generous 401k contribution match.
• $75 monthly technology stipend.
• Monthly wellness reimbursement.
• Dedicated budget for professional development.
• Retention benefits every five years.
• Remote-first environment with office options and an on-video culture.

Company Description

Worth Rises is a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industry and ending the exploitation of those it touches. Partnering with directly impacted people, we work to expose the commercialization of the criminal legal system and advocate and organize to protect the economic resources extracted from affected communities and strip the industry of its power. Through our work, we strive to pave a road toward a safe and just world free of police and prisons.