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.