MEDIA RELATIONS COORDINATOR

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

For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has been our nation’s guardian of liberty, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. Whether it’s achieving full equality for the LGBT community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, ending mass incarceration, or preserving the right to vote or the right to have an abortion, the ACLU takes up the toughest civil liberties cases and issues to defend all people from government abuse and overreach. With more than a million members, activists, and supporters, the ACLU is a nationwide organization that fights tirelessly in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., for the principle that every individual’s rights must be protected equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or national origin.

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 ideal 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.
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: 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.”

Editor

Climate Central seeks a creative, experienced editor to join our team of journalists in New York. Candidates must understand the digital news landscape, come to the table with natural curiosity and fresh ideas, be both a great editor and headline writer, and play a leading role with our social media campaigns -- all while upholding the highest possible journalism standards.

The best candidate will lift the level of our work, exhibit critical thinking and personal integrity and work well in a collegial environment with our small but growing team. Climate Central's editorial staff is journalistically independent of the organization's research and communications programs. Its veteran journalists report daily on climate science and the facts about our changing climate and the impact on the American public.

Responsibilities

- Story assignments for daily and long-range content focused mainly on climate science.
- Help coordinate photos and graphics to accompany stories.
- Edit on a quick-turnaround basis for daily web content, with an eye toward capturing and holding the attention of busy web readers.
- Help produce content via our CMS.
- Write SEO-friendly headlines.
- Help coordinate our social media efforts.
- Coach our news team, providing meaningful feedback that results in better stories and higher-quality journalism.
- Work with the research team to help create reports and interactive graphics.
- Help the production team keep site updated and fresh throughout the day.
- Work with the VP for Global Communications and the Director of Digital Media on strategic development for all digital properties.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree and real-world experience as an editor for a digital news or print property.
- Must enjoy working as a team player in an entrepreneurial environment.
- Proven ability not only to edit copy in AP style, but to improve staff copy as well.
- Must have a solid understanding of story structure, news writing, and embrace highest journalistic standards.
- Demonstrated ability to work under deadline pressure and prioritize responsibilities appropriately.
- Understanding of, and experience with SEO best practices.
- Experience engaging audience on myriad social media platforms.
- Must have the ability to work independently while maintaining close communication with Director of Digital Media.
- Experience publishing content via content management systems.
- Be a critical thinker who is also results-driven and highly organized.

Communications Assistant

Demos is seeking a qualified and motivated Communications Assistant to help elevate the organization’s expanding digital efforts. This will include helping to execute our day-to-day digital work, including emails, social media, and our blog and contributing to a very active communications team. The ideal candidate should be a strong writer, have technical aptitude, and have the capacity to grow with and shape our digital program.

The Communications Assistant will report to the Manager of Digital Strategies and works closely with the Digital Communications Associate to implement the organization’s communications priorities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Digital:
Create digital content.
Work with the Digital Communications Associate to write external-facing mass emails and donor communications.
Run Twitter and Facebook accounts daily and for special projects with the goal of increasing followers, likes and engagement.
Assist Digital Communications Associate create Google and Facebook ads and social media strategy.
Assist with site design and the implementation of online tools (i.e. Creatavist, CartoDB).
Work with digital team to create impactful digital content including infographics, charts, maps, and viral images.
Assist in the creation of impactful video with the goal of driving site traffic and increasing Demos’ influence online.
Produce analytics reports for staff and development.
Production:
Work with Digital Communications Associate to copyedit Demos research publications, blog posts, and other materials as required.
Publicity & Media Relations
Monitor news cycle and editorial cycle for opportunities to promote Demos’ work, experts, and messaging.
Distribute communications materials, including press releases and media advisories for organization’s issue and program work.
Help edit Demos op-eds and other communications materials.
Reporting:
Monitor traditional and social media for coverage of Demos’ issue areas and report back to the organization as necessary.
Calendar:
Ensure that the editorial calendar is current.
Contribute to release and editorial strategy.
Oversee expense reconciliations.
Other duties as assigned by the Communications Team including research and administrative needs, as assigned.

The successful candidate will have the following skills and qualities:

Excellent writing skills.
An understanding of the media and news cycle.
Technical aptitude and skill.
Creative, independent thinking.

We are more interested in these four qualities than in any particular amount of experience. However, experience with Adobe Creative Suite, digital design, HTML5, Javascript, writing or running organizational social media accounts is a plus. Candidates need to bring a strong commitment to excellence and an ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The position is full-time and based in New York City.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. We have a generous benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 20 vacation days per year, and the opportunity to contribute to a 403b plan.

ADVOCACY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

CAREER OPPORTUNITY
ADVOCACY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST FOR REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM [ASD-48]
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation, NY

The American Civil Liberties Union in New York City is seeking one full-time Advocacy Communications Specialist.

OVERVIEW

For decades, the ACLU has been a leader in the state-by-state defense of reproductive freedom. It has responded to the assault on reproductive freedom with top-level policy and political expertise; a million members, activists, and social media followers; court challenges; and a nationwide network of ACLU affiliates lobbying on the ground in all 50 states. In 2014, the ACLU expanded its staff and launched a campaign to work intensively in states facing threats to abortion access.

Reporting to the Reproductive Freedom State Campaign Manager, the Advocacy Communications Specialist will develop communications strategies to advance our legislative and policy goals in key battleground states facing attacks on abortion.

As a member of a multidisciplinary team consisting of political strategists, political researchers, communications experts, and policy experts, the Advocacy Communications Specialist will provide strategic support to identify and execute media opportunities in battleground states. The ideal candidate has strong experience with communications, excellent writing skills, experience with state or legislative advocacy, and a keen understanding of how to strategically use earned and paid media to advocate for reproductive freedom.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Lead the development and execution of creative communications strategies to advance the ACLU’s efforts to protect access to abortion in states where that access faces legislative threats.
• Provide in-depth guidance and assistance to ACLU affiliates in their work to plan and execute communications components of their state legislative campaigns. Includes but is not limited to drafting news releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, letters to the editor, social media content and background documents.
• Actively monitor relevant media outlets and state legislative tracking, and identify opportunities for the ACLU to advance state advocacy goals.
• Develop political and advocacy media contact lists in key states, in partnership with affiliates, and cultivate relationships with key journalists in local and state outlets as needed.
• Produce weekly state political and advocacy media reports on battleground states.
• Participate in the planning and execution of media events and message trainings, and lead the production of these events as needed.
• Develop legislative advocacy content for web sites and social media properties. In partnership with an Online Organizer, ensure that all digital communications and online advertising align with overall communications strategies and messaging frameworks.
• Identify and train in-state spokespeople for media appearances and interviews.
• Liaise with the national office’s Communications Department.
• Participate in state legislative campaign planning with team.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and a minimum of five to seven years of professional experience in media, public relations, or communications campaigns and strategy.
• Experience with state or federal legislative advocacy and policy work is strongly preferred.
• A proven track record developing strong relationships with journalists and advancing advocacy work through media outreach.
• Experience working closely with consultants, including on paid media, message research, and polling.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; strong attention to detail, ability to write and deliver work product under deadlines, and commitment to high quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Superb training and collaboration skills and experience working across multiple states.
• Commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU.
• Experience working in reproductive rights and justice is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time during legislative sessions and to respond to media inquiries when needed for rapid response communications during occasional evening and weekend hours.