Description
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) seeks a talented Communications Director. RCFP, a 45-year-old nonprofit association located in Washington, DC, provides pro bono legal support to journalists and news organizations. Through litigation and advocacy, RCFP works to protect the right to gather and distribute news; to keep government accountable by ensuring access to public records, meetings and courtrooms; and to preserve the principles of free speech and unfettered press, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In recent years, RCFP’s work has grown to include collaborations with technology companies, law school clinics, and startup news sites, and its board is comprised of some of the nation’s leading journalists and editors.
RCFP is looking for a dynamic Communications Director, who is committed to protecting free expression and First Amendment freedoms, to develop and implement communication and messaging strategies that advance the RCFP’s mission. The Communications Director will support the day-to-day management of the organization’s communications functions, including both traditional press and digital platforms. The position requires strategic thinking, innovative ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to convey complex ideas using consistent messaging and storytelling tactics.
The Communications Director reports to the Executive Director.
Key Roles and Responsibilities include:
- Develop and manage national and international media and public relations strategies to increase RCFP’s effectiveness.
- Identify effective and strategic opportunities to raise the profile of the RCFP’s work and victories.
- Oversee the website, social media presence, publication design and production, and online fundraising.
- Working closely with legal teams, implement communications plans from start to finish in a high-input, fast-paced, and fluid environment.
- Manage RCFP’s editorial calendar, including identifying opportunities to create and release content.
- Write and/or edit press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and other content such as blog posts, fact sheets, and Congressional testimony.
- Manage and execute events such as gala dinner, conferences, and media availabilities.
- Produce RCFP publications, including annual report, and assisting in the design of new website features.
- Monitor the news environment for proactive and reactive opportunities, and ensure responsiveness to media requests.
- Ensure that all media and promotional materials meet high standards and effectively and accurately represent RCFP’s mission, legal cases and policy positions.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media outlets and journalists, including facilitating newsroom meetings.
- Develop relationships with journalists, media lawyers, and current and potential funders with attention to develop RCFP’s brand.
- Partner with RCFP’s board and staff to publicize RCFP’s litigation and amicus brief practices and other advocacy projects.
- Coordinate regular updates to journalists, lawyers, donors and other constituencies and as well as with RCFP’s board and executive committee.
Qualifications include:
- At least five years of directly relevant communication experience, including experience in a journalism, advocacy, and/or policy-oriented environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to describe complex policy issues clearly and accurately for different audiences.
- Experience collaborating with content experts, and supporting senior spokespeople.
- Skilled at both setting and adjusting priorities while managing multiple projects and responding to changing needs.
- Experience in evaluating the effectiveness of communications strategies.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people at all levels, inside and outside the organization.
- Committment to protecting free expression and First Amendment freedoms.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
- Highly detail oriented and at ease with both data and text.
- Comfort with asking and answering questions, flexibility, patience, and a good sense of humor.
- Pluses: experience with Salesforce, CQ Engage, InDesign, WordPress and/or Drupal.
Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position is competitive, with a range that is commensurate with experience. We offer a generous benefits package, including dental, as well as long-term disability and life insurance and a 401(k) pension plan.
To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to settleson@gmail.com, with "RCFP Communications Director" in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation or veteran status.