MEDIA RELATIONS COORDINATOR [COMM-41] | NYU Journalism Career Services

Posted On: July 12, 2013

Media-Related Job

Media Organization: AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION

Company Description

For more than 92 years, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLUF) has been at the forefront of virtually every major battle for civil liberties and equal justice in this country. Principled and nonpartisan, the ACLU has offices in all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, and brings together the country’s largest team of public interest lawyers, lobbyists, communication strategists, members and activists in the advancement of equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.

The Communications Department of the ACLU’s National office located in New York City seeks applicants for the full-time position of Media Relations Coordinator.

Job Description

Career Opportunity
MEDIA RELATIONS COORDINATOR [COMM-41]
AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION
Communications Department, NY

The Communications Department of the ACLU’s National office located in New York City seeks applicants for the full-time position of Media Relations Coordinator.

OVERVIEW

The Media Relations Coordinator is a member of a team of media relations professionals based in the ACLU National offices in New York City and Washington, DC. The ideal candidate for this position is an individual who follows the news regularly and possesses the experience to ensure that the ACLU’s media work runs smoothly. The candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, responds well to multiple demands, and is comfortable as the first line of contact with a variety of audiences including senior staff and reporters affiliated with major broadcast outlets. The position reports to the Associate Director of Strategic Communications.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Respond quickly and accurately to a high volume of media calls.
• Draft media materials. Using AP style, review and edit press releases, statements and quick quotes and prepare them for distribution on VOCUS.
• Manage and coordinate press conferences and teleconferences, including logistics and materials.
• Gather and distribute media clips.
• Ensure timely posting of press releases and statements to the organization’s web site.
• Proofread media and other documents.
• Manage the ACLU website Press Center to ensure that it is up to date and effectively showcases organizational spokespeople.
• Develop video reel for executive director and major ACLU spokespeople.
• Maintain updated lists of media contacts.
• Edit and organize talking points by issue.
• Coordinate the logistics and maintain and distribute schedules of public anniversaries and other opportunities for media.
• Other duties as assigned by the Deputy Director or Associate Directors for Strategic Communications.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of two years professional public relations or media experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education required.
• Strong media interest, judgment and instincts.
• Related professional experience in a fast-paced work environment.
• Excellent research, writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Availability and willingness to check the “media line” after business hours as needed.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while demonstrating grace under pressure.
• Full knowledge of AP style.
• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet usage. Knowledge of Vocus preferred.
• Interest in civil liberties and civil rights and experience with advocacy campaigns preferred.

COMPENSATION

The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLU compensation scale.

This job description provides a general but not comprehensive list of the essential responsibilities and qualifications required. It does not represent a contract of employment. The ACLU reserves the right to change the description and/or posting at any time without advance notice.

The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.

We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact HRJobsINCLReq@aclu.org. Correspondence sent to this email address that is not related to requests for accommodations will not be reviewed. Applicants should follow the instructions above regarding how to apply.

The ACLU comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU Foundation are national organizations with the same overall mission, and share office space and employees. The ACLU has two separate corporate entities in order to do a broad range of work to protect civil liberties. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU.”

To Apply

To apply for the position, please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to hrjobsCOMMCoord@aclu.org - Reference [COMM-41/NYU] in the subject line.

Applications can also be mailed to:

Communications Department
RE: [COMM-41/NYU]
American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Please indicate where you learned of this career opportunity.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.