Description
Social Security Works (SSW) is seeking a Communications Director to join a national campaign to strengthen the Social Security program as a vehicle of social justice. Social Security Works convenes and serves as staff to the Strengthen Social Security Campaign (SSSC), a coalition of 250 national and state organizations representing the aging, labor, women, youth, people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, LGBT and citizen advocacy communities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop and implement a communications strategy that includes traditional media, new media and Internet activism.
• Advise on the strategic and programmatic direction of the campaign.
• Collaborate with field and legislative staff on joint activities.
• Manage communications consultants to develop clear deliverables and ensure that they are being met.
• Coordinate communications strategies with coalition partners.
• Promote the campaign to reporters, bloggers, editorial writers and columnists.
• Prepare media communications materials and advise about public education materials.
• Maintain the campaign's website and Facebook and Twitter feeds.
• Maintain records of media contacts and media coverage.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree required; study in communications, journalism or related field is very helpful.
• At least five years of experience as a communications director with non-profits, unions, congressional offices and advocacy and election campaigns.
• Established relations with national media organizations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Extensive knowledge of how to run a comprehensive earned media communications program for an advocacy campaign and for public education.
• Strong knowledge of both traditional and new media communications strategies.
• Keen understanding of the news cycle and progressive politics.
• Ability to produce well-written media relations and public education materials.
• Good editorial skills.
• Proven ability to manage consultants.
• High level of organization and ability to multitask.
• Strong ability to set goals, adhere to timelines, and measure performance.
• Ability to work independently and to work collaboratively with peers at the same organizational level.
• Knowledge of Vocus.
• Ability to use Excel, Google docs and other list building software.
• Familiarity with Social Security and retirement security issues very helpful.
How to Apply:
Send cover letter and resume to settleson@verizon.net
State "Social Security Works Communications Director" in subject heading.
Open until filled, apply early.
Social Security Works is a project of The Advocacy Fund, an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related) or conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions (ARC). Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.