Communications Strategist, ACLUF, Communications Department

The Communications Department of the ACLU’s National Office in New York City is seeking applicants for two full-time Communications Strategist positions.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Associate Director for Communications, the Communications Strategists will play a critical role in developing and executing communications strategies that advance the ACLU’s work on civil liberties. The strategists will work to advance the agenda of the ACLU through collaboration with Communications colleagues, lawyers, lobbyists and state advocates to develop and implement communications goals and strategic plans. The strategist will also engage target audiences about litigation and advocacy; create content for publications and the website; and, plan events such as issue teleconferences.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development of multi-faceted communications strategies on a wide array of civil liberties issues, including criminal and racial justice, immigrants’ rights, voting rights, LGBT, reproductive rights, and national security, technology and privacy.
Develop and implement general communications strategies to further the ACLU brand as needed.
Participate in shaping communications plans for legal cases and initiatives to maximize their communications value and effectiveness, as well as the visibility of the ACLU.
Develop multi-faceted communications and media plans, which include message development, web presence, advocacy and social media, to educate, motivate, and influence target audiences.
Increase coverage of ACLU issues and ACLU messages by cultivating and maintaining relationships with key reporters, editors, producers and bookers.
Develop and update issue talking points for sensitive and/or controversial issues.
Create communications content, including talking points, news releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, blog posts, backgrounders and website and social media content. Conceptualize, as well as draft and edit, opinion pieces such as blog posts and op-eds.
Work in collaboration with the advocacy team to develop communications strategies and tactics for state legislative and advocacy initiatives.
Prepare clients, litigators, state advocates, and other spokespeople for media appearances.
Strategize to determine the most effective spokespeople for disseminating the ACLU messages and brand.
Provide guidance to affiliates in the development of communications materials and strategy, when necessary.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field is required.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in a combination of the following areas: media, strategic communications, digital communications, and public relations.
Experience working on issue-based advocacy campaigns. Experience with criminal justice issues is a plus. Experience in communicating complex issues to varied audiences.
Must possess strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented and possess the ability to follow projects through to completion.
Ability to communicate persuasively and professionally, in writing through op-eds and blog posts, and to communicate verbally to a wide variety of media, political, stakeholder and influencer audiences.
Experience working with the media and cultivating relationships with print, radio, television and online journalists.
Experience crafting social media messages, and promoting issues through social media required.
Familiarity with online news, social media and digital advocacy tactics.
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others in a team environment
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Associated Press style required. Familiarity with Cision/Vocus public relations software a plus.
Basic proficiency with HTML; experience using a CMS to publish and update website content, preferred
Experience using Photoshop to edit basic graphics, a plus.
Understanding of trends and best practices for online campaigning, and best practices for communicating via email, Facebook and Twitter, preferred.
A demonstrated interest in civil liberties and passion for the work of the ACLU is essential.

COMPENSATION

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

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a letter of interest (with salary requirements), a resume and a writing sample (no more than three pages in length) to hrjobsCOMM@aclu.org - reference [COMM-15/40/ACLU-W] in the subject line. Please indicate in your letter where you learned of this career opportunity.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

This posting 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 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.

The ACLU undertakes affirmative action strategies in its recruitment and employment efforts to assure that persons with disabilities have full opportunities for employment in all positions.

We encourage applicants with disabilities who may need accommodations in the application process to contact: hrjobsincl@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.”

Press Secretary

The New York City Comptroller’s Office is seeking a Press Secretary to join its press and communications team. The press office plays a key role in driving and articulating the Comptroller’s overall policy agenda and media strategy, including supporting all Bureaus on external communications and manage interactions with media and press. The office also responds to journalists’ requests for

information, disseminates news about major initiatives, and communicates with the public through traditional and digital media.
Candidates are expected to be seasoned communications, public relations or journalism professionals who thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, enjoy working within a team, and have deep expertise with New York City media, press relations, public policy and government. This is an ideal opportunity for an accomplished self-starter who can work quickly and write well under time constraints, think strategically and handle a myriad of challenging responsibilities on a wide range of policy areas.
Under the direction of the Communications Director, the Press Secretary’s major responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Serving as the primary spokesperson for the Comptroller and point of contact for inquiries from members of the media, building relationships with print, broadcast, radio and online journalists and regularly pitching story ideas to media, including mainstream outlets, financial press and neighborhood-based media in all five boroughs;

Helping to organize and run press conferences and preparing supporting materials including writing press releases, speeches, talking points and other external-facing materials, while working closely with staff throughout the agency to ensure accuracy;

Working with senior leadership to help implement a comprehensive communications strategy to share the work of the Comptroller’s Office with a wide range of stakeholders;

Helping to coordinate the day-to-day operations of the communications team including press officers, speech writers and social media strategists to ensure efficient execution of goals;

Closely monitoring coverage of City, State and National issues relevant to the Comptroller’s Office to address daily media inquiries; and

Working with existing staff to maintain digital media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and developing strategies to utilize video and new media tools to broaden the Office's outreach efforts.

Performing other related functions and duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
A BA/BS degree from an accredited college in English, journalism, public relations or closely related fields, and five (5) or more years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism, speechwriting or advertising or related fields, one years of which should be in an administrative or a supervisory capacity; or
A satisfactory equivalent.

PREFERRED SKILLS IN ADDITION TO MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated skill and affinity for writing about a wide range of public policy issues as well as the ability to tailor often complex messages to diverse audiences;

Familiarity with urban policy and experience with government programs, policies and data analysis, most specifically those of New York City;

Superior analytical skills and oral and written communication skills;

Established relationships with the print and broadcast media covering New York City government and the skill to establish and cultivate new relationships with the press corps;

Experience working for an elected official or government agency is desired.

Senior Communications Strategist

LDF seeks an experienced, dynamic and innovative person to serve as a Senior Communications Strategist to help drive and support LDF’s communications activities internally and externally. In addition to working closely with the Director of Communications on media relations and general communications activities, the Senior Communications Strategist will work with LDF’s Legal Department and the LDF Thurgood Marshall Institute on targeted campaigns, and on strategic and high impact communications and message development. The Senior Communications Strategist will also work with the Development department on fundraising initiatives.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep commitment to social and economic justice work, superior writing skills, and demonstrated experience with media strategy, social media, media relations and project management.
Responsibilities include:

Strategic Communications
• Develop effective and innovative communications strategies and campaigns that effectively frame hot-button issues, engage the public, drive discourse, and deepen an understanding of race in America;
• Assist with the testing of new approaches to LDF’s public communication, messaging and issue-framing systems, including the use of polls and focus groups, social media and other communications approaches; share the most effective communication strategies with allies and partners;
• Create and disseminate practical, public-friendly reports, briefing papers, infographics, digital media and other messaging on pressing civil rights matters; and
• Elevate LDF’s high-profile media engagement, nationally and locally, by ensuring that LDF leadership, staff and partners are consistently cited by key news outlets, decision makers and other influencers as a trusted informative media presence.
Public & Media Relations
• Help frame complex legal issues to the public;
• Prep and staff spokespersons at press events, as necessary; and
• Pitch content and spokespersons to media outlets.

Written Communications
• Draft speeches, talking points and message decks;
• Write collateral materials, such as fact sheets, brochures and web content;
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, and press pitches;
• Draft, edit, and coordinate op-ed media placements to national and local publications; and
assist with comprehensive Board related reports.

Media Training
• Organize and assist with executing internal media trainings;
• Research and develop curriculum content; and
• Assist with developing metrics for training delivery.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
• 4-year degree in either communications, political science, or pre-law or policy related field (required);
• Masters degree in communications, public policy or related field (preferred);
• 6 to 8 years of communications experience, preferably with a non-profit organization or entity or writing experience in journalism;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups that help to drive the LDF mission;
• Experience with social media, knowledgeable about the latest platforms with a vision of how to maximize LDF’s social media presence;
• Knowledge and familiarity with a range of social and economic justice issues and comfort level promoting its ideals;
• Familiarity with media databases such as Vocus, Cision, Meltwater, etc.;
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office applications;
• Extremely detailed and organized; and
• Flexible schedule, including ability to work some evenings and weekends, if needed.

Communications Associate

LDF seeks a Communications Associate to help drive and support the Communications department activities internally and externally. In addition to working closely with the Director of Communications on media relations, the Communications Associate will also work with Legal Department on message development and the Development department on fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep commitment to social and economic justice work and demonstrated experience with media strategy, social media, writing, media relations and project management.

Responsibilities
Written Communications
• Draft press releases, media advisories, and press pitches
• Draft talking points for media interviews
• Draft op-eds to national and local publications
• Copyedit small, medium and large publications such as reports, white papers, executive summaries, case studies
• Write collateral materials, such as fact sheets, brochures, FAQs, and web related content
Media Relations
• Create and manage comprehensive media database of journalists
• Monitor news sources for salient stories and media contacts
• Pitch content and spokespersons to media outlets
• Possess strategic instincts when it comes to the media and understand how to compellingly frame complex legal issues
• Schedule and coordinate media interviews
• Prep spokespersons as necessary
• Assist with archiving media references for departmental reporting
Social Media
• Distribute key messages through platforms such as Twitter and Facebook
• Participate in social media buzz campaigns within our network
• Track and report data analytics on a quarterly basis
Project Management
• Review and update deliverables calendar for cases, media strategies and special initiatives
• Assist the Director of Communications in compiling information for and writing reports on project implementation

Training Assistance
• Assist Director of Communications with executing internal media trainings
• Research and develop curriculum content
• Assist with developing metric tools for training delivery

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
• 4-year degree in either communications, political science, English or pre-law or policy related field (required)
• 3 to 4 years of communications experience, preferably with a non-profit organization or entity
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups that help to drive the LDF mission
• Experience with social media, knowledgeable about the latest platforms with a vision for how to maximize LDF’s social media presence
• Knowledge and familiarity with a range of social and economic justice issues and comfort level promoting its ideals
• Familiarity with media databases such as Vocus, Cision, Meltwater, etc.
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office applications
• Extremely detailed and organized
• Flexible schedule, including ability to work some evenings and weekends, if needed

Digital Communications Specialist

LDF seeks an experienced, dynamic and innovative person to serve as a Digital Communications Specialist and be responsible for all LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute’s social and digital media across all cases, matters, campaigns, departments, and events.
The Digital Communications Specialist will report to the Communications Director and to the Director of the Thurgood Marshall Institute.
The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep commitment to social and economic justice work, superior writing skills, and demonstrated experience with social media.

Responsibilities include:
Social Media
• Manage all social and digital media for LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute;
• Plan, manage and execute LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute’s social media strategy and events;
• Create, manage and grow LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute’s presence and content creatively across all social media channels on a day-to-day basis, including, but not limited to blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube;
• Grow usage, adoption, interaction, education, engagement and discussion regarding LDF and Thurgood Marshall Institute’s work and accomplishments and on related matters;
• Participate in social media buzz campaigns within LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute’s network;
• Track, report and interpret data analytics on a quarterly basis and provide solid recommendations for new strategies and tactics;
• Monitor online publications and social media for coverage of issues affecting LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute;
• Develop and manage messaging to key stakeholders and distribute key messages through platforms such as Twitter and Facebook;
• Monitor developments in social tools, applications, channels, design and strategy and provide recommendations to increase effective engagement;
• Assist with media relations, including drafting press releases, columns, and op-eds; and
• Other communications duties as assigned.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
• 4-year degree in either communications, political science, or pre-law or policy related field (required);
• 2 to 4 years of communications or related work experience, preferably with a non-profit organization or entity or writing experience in journalism;
• Experience with social media and social media legal guidelines, knowledgeable about the latest platforms with a vision for how to maximize LDF and the Thurgood Marshall Institute’s social media presence;
• Some Knowledge and familiarity with a range of social and economic justice issues and comfort level promoting its ideals;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively;
• Familiarity with communications software;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups that help to drive the LDF and Thurgood Marshall Institute mission;
• Some experience with campaigns, e-mail communications, social networking, technology management, content development, media relations;
• Intermediate level proficiency with MS Office applications;
• Extremely detailed and organized;
• Ability to work quickly in a high pressure environment;
• Team player, innovative and quick learner; and
• Flexible schedule, including ability to work some evenings and weekends, if needed.