Senior Communications Associate

Posted On: June 30, 2022

Media-Related Job

Media Organization: Committee To Protect Journalistics

Company Description

About CPJ
The Committee to Protect Journalists promotes press freedom worldwide and defends the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal. CPJ ensures the free flow of news and commentary by taking action wherever journalists are attacked, imprisoned, killed, kidnapped, threatened, censored, or harassed.

Job Description

The Senior Communications Associate (SCA) 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 Advocacy and Communications Department and collaborates with programmatic teams across the organization to ensure that CPJ’s reporting, expertise and advocacy goals achieve maximum visibility and reach. Extensive media relations 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 Deputy Advocacy Director.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Working with the Deputy Advocacy Director and others across the organization, the SCA will lead the development of CPJ’s media and outreach strategy. The SCA will be responsible for developing and executing dynamic communications products and activities consistent with organizational goals.
Manage CPJ’s global media relations including daily handling of CPJ’s press inbox, cultivating relationships with journalists, pitching op-eds and stories, fielding media queries, scheduling, coordinating and supporting media interviews, and managing media partnerships.
Monitor daily news and opinion from the sector and related areas to identify key opportunities for rapid response and detect potential reputational risks; recommend target groups, beats or media communities where CPJ should increase engagement or outreach.
Enhance and maintain a framework for tracking requests, pitches, and media interactions; produce analysis and project-specific reports. Analyze the data and make recommendations for the design and implementation of project, region, or initiative-specific communications strategies.
Draft, proofread, format, and distribute press materials; produce promotional materials and web content, and contribute to social media messaging.
Manage and maintain CPJ’s global media and advocacy contacts database, and coordinate with regional teams on the inclusion and organization of their contacts.
Track organizational media capacity and lead efforts to optimize guidance, talking points; identify and implement relevant training. Work with the regional and tech programs as well as the Emergencies team to identify communications priorities and media targets to shape annual or rapid response communications plans. Plan the media component of report launches, missions, campaigns etc.
Collaborate closely with the Digital team to inform and ensure alignment with communications goals or key messages and consistent implementation of branding guidelines; collaborate on CPJ newsletters and website updates. Support the Digital Team in evaluating and developing email campaigns for ERT, Development and other areas, as needed.
Assist with design and implementation of departmental knowledge management systems.
Coordinate CPJ events, virtual and in-person, and oversee or implement consultant relationships as needed. Assist in vetting speaker requests and identifying opportunities for partnerships.
Ad hoc duties as assigned.
Education/Qualifications & Work Experience:
Required:
A deep interest in and commitment to press freedom
At least 3-5 years experience working directly with journalists, including global media; good news judgment and political awareness
Clear understanding of media relations, campaigning and the role of strategic communications in advancing advocacy
Impeccable writing and editing skills with proven ability to translate complex issues into succinct, accessible language for multiple audiences
Strong project management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to set priorities and complete tasks in a timely manner
Comfortable working on tight deadlines with the ability to multitask and prioritize
Independent yet collaborative approach; reliable team player adept at working with remote management and staff.
Ability to work nights and weekends on a rotating basis
Comfort communicating verbally and in writing with members of the press, board members, and VIPs
Preferred:
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
Experience with platforms like Luminate, Mailchimp, and/or WordPress
Basic graphic design skills

To Apply

To Apply, Do not email your resume. We will only consider candidates who submit as follows:

Copy and paste this link to apply:
https://cpjorg.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=37

Again, please do not email

on the site you will be able to submit
A resume, cover letter, and three references.

CPJ is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.