Description
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) seeks a talented Communications Manager. 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.
In this fast-paced political and media environment, the Communications Manager is responsible for day-to-day management of the RCFP’s social media channels, drafting press releases, pitching reporters, developing messaging strategy, talking points, and web/blog content.
We are looking for someone who is a strategic thinker, who has experience working with reporters, has a solid grasp of engaging audiences through social media and understands how to organize outreach campaigns. The Communications Manager should have a working knowledge of the media ecosystem and press freedom and be comfortable translating legal issues into messaging for everyday audiences.
The Communications Manager reports to the Communications Director.
Responsibilities include:
- Building RCFP’s presence on and leading day-to-day engagement with social media, primarily Twitter and Facebook.
- Building and maintaining robust and current press lists, building relationships with the media, and tracking news coverage.
- Monitoring media (print, broadcast, blogs, social media) and assessing media landscape to better inform communication strategies.
- Identifying news hooks for RCFP’s work (being both proactive and responsive to the news cycle), and assisting with media outreach, responding to inquiries, providing research, background, and connections to experts for interviews in a timely manner.
- Pitching stories and drafting press releases, statements, projects, etc., both individually to reporters and helping place op-eds and articles with outside outlets.
- Assisting in development of messaging strategies, talking points and copy for blog and storytelling projects, and assist in copy-editing.
- Providing support for events, including the annual gala.
Qualifications include:
- Communications professional with four to six years of experience and proficiency in all aspects of media relations and digital engagement.
- Knowledge of the media ecosystem and press freedom and is comfortable translating legal issues and language into messaging for everyday audiences.
- Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications skills, including experience writing press releases, blog posts, op-eds, content for social media platforms, and pitching stories to the media.
- Good news judgment and familiarity with nonprofit communications.
- Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
- Personable, passionate, productive, and focused on advancing the cause of protecting the freedom of the press.
- Confident writer, storyteller, and editor with a grasp of how to develop and hone an organizational voice.
- Basic HTML and computer skills, (advanced skills are a plus).
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 Manager" 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.