American Civil Liberties Union
New York, NY, USA
Communications Strategist [COMM-15] - Communications Department, NY
Office: National Offices, New York, NY
Location: New York
APRIL 22, 2019
Communications Strategist [COMM-15]
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 guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, 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, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, record of arrest or conviction.
The Communications Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York City seeks applications for the full-time position of Communications Strategist .
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Strategist will play a critical role in developing and executing communications strategies that advance the ACLU’s work on civil liberties and civil rights. The role will work to execute strategies on criminal justice issues through collaboration with communications colleagues, digital team members, organizers, lawyers, lobbyists, state advocates, vendors, and partner organizations to develop and implement communications strategic plans. The position will also engage target audiences about ACLU litigation and advocacy; create content for publications and the website; and, plan events such as mobilization activations, and issue teleconferences.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the development of multi-faceted communications strategies on criminal justice issues for the ACLU.
Help develop and implement organizational communications strategies to further the ACLU brand as needed.
Strategize to determine the most effective spokespeople for disseminating the ACLU messages and brand on criminal justice reform issues.
Develop multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, target audiences, messaging, as well as media relations, digital, advocacy and social media strategies, to educate, motivate, and influence target audiences.
Participate in shaping communications plans for ACLU initiatives to maximize their communications value and effectiveness, as well as the visibility of the ACLU.
Increase news coverage of ACLU criminal justice reform work and ACLU messages by cultivating and maintaining relationships with key reporters, editors, producers and bookers.
Identify needs for digital content and written materials for ACLU’s criminal justice reform work, and work with the cross-organizational digital team and relevant working groups to have them produced in line with agreed strategies;
Identify and lead response to breaking news events, often requiring sensitive judgment calls in emerging civil liberty crises.
Create and/or produce communications content, including talking points, news releases, pitches, op-eds, letters to the editor, blog posts, backgrounders, social media content, comics, videos, infographics, interactive web features, and social media content.
Develop and pitch feature stories.
Lead communications rapid response efforts across platforms, swiftly and effectively.
Lead cross-functional working group of ACLU staff to develop, execute, and evaluate an ongoing communications program on criminal justice reform issues.
Develop and update issue talking points for ACLU and affiliate staff in preparation for responding to addressing sensitive and/or controversial issues.
Prepare clients, organizers, litigators, state advocates, and other spokespeople for media appearances.
Collaborate with criminal justice reform colleague organizations on movement-wide communications activities, and maintain relationships with communications staff at other criminal justice reform groups.
In coordination with multimedia staff, conceptualize, script, direct, and produce all video content relating to civil liberties issues.
Work in collaboration with the advocacy team to develop communications strategies and tactics for federal and state legislative and advocacy initiatives.
Provide guidance to affiliates in the development of communications materials and strategy, when necessary.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office; using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, record of arrest or conviction.
Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field is required. Advanced degree is a plus.
A minimum of three years’ professional experience in a combination of the following areas: media, strategic communications, journalism, content creation, digital communications, and public relations.
Experience working on issue-based advocacy campaigns, and in communicating complex issues to a variety of targeted audiences.
Experience in criminal justice reform issues.
Knowledge of current trends in criminal justice reform advocacy and communications, including familiarity with messaging, political trends, and the wider criminal justice reform movement.
Strong project management skills, including leading cross-functional teams, managing complex processes, meeting and program facilitation.
Must possess strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented and possess the ability to follow projects through to completion.
Ability to communicate persuasively and professionally, in writing through op-eds and blog posts, and to communicate verbally to a wide variety of media, political, stakeholder, and influencer audiences.
Experience working with the media and cultivating relationships with print, radio, television and online journalists.
Proven experience in exercising judgment in breaking news and rapid response environments.
Experience in online media production, especially video and graphics.
Experience crafting social media messages, and promoting issues through social media.
Experience with online news, social media and digital advocacy tactics.
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others including cross departmentally as part of a team.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Associated Press style required.
Familiarity with Cision public relations software a plus.
Basic proficiency with HTML; experience using a CMS to publish and update website content, preferred.
Understanding of trends and best practices for online campaigning, and best practices for communicating via email, Facebook and Twitter, preferred.
Experience using Photoshop to edit basic graphics, a plus.
A demonstrated interest in civil liberties and passion for the work of the ACLU is essential.
COMPENSATION
The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, a resume and a relevant writing sample of no more than 3 pages to hrjobsCOMM@aclu.org - reference [COMM-15] in the subject line . In order to ensure your application is received please make certain it is sent to the correct e-mail address. You can expect to receive an automatic response that acknowledges the submission of application materials.
Please indicate in your cover letter where you learned of this career opportunity.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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 job 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, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.
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: hrjobsincl@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.”
Communications Strategist [COMM-15] - Communications Department, NY
Office: National Offices, New York, NY
Location: New York
APRIL 22, 2019
Communications Strategist [COMM-15]
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 guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. Whether it’s ending mass incarceration, achieving full equality for the LGBT community, establishing new privacy protections for our digital age, 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, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, record of arrest or conviction.
The Communications Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York City seeks applications for the full-time position of Communications Strategist .
OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, the Communications Strategist will play a critical role in developing and executing communications strategies that advance the ACLU’s work on civil liberties and civil rights. The role will work to execute strategies on criminal justice issues through collaboration with communications colleagues, digital team members, organizers, lawyers, lobbyists, state advocates, vendors, and partner organizations to develop and implement communications strategic plans. The position will also engage target audiences about ACLU litigation and advocacy; create content for publications and the website; and, plan events such as mobilization activations, and issue teleconferences.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the development of multi-faceted communications strategies on criminal justice issues for the ACLU.
Help develop and implement organizational communications strategies to further the ACLU brand as needed.
Strategize to determine the most effective spokespeople for disseminating the ACLU messages and brand on criminal justice reform issues.
Develop multi-faceted communications plans, which include goals, target audiences, messaging, as well as media relations, digital, advocacy and social media strategies, to educate, motivate, and influence target audiences.
Participate in shaping communications plans for ACLU initiatives to maximize their communications value and effectiveness, as well as the visibility of the ACLU.
Increase news coverage of ACLU criminal justice reform work and ACLU messages by cultivating and maintaining relationships with key reporters, editors, producers and bookers.
Identify needs for digital content and written materials for ACLU’s criminal justice reform work, and work with the cross-organizational digital team and relevant working groups to have them produced in line with agreed strategies;
Identify and lead response to breaking news events, often requiring sensitive judgment calls in emerging civil liberty crises.
Create and/or produce communications content, including talking points, news releases, pitches, op-eds, letters to the editor, blog posts, backgrounders, social media content, comics, videos, infographics, interactive web features, and social media content.
Develop and pitch feature stories.
Lead communications rapid response efforts across platforms, swiftly and effectively.
Lead cross-functional working group of ACLU staff to develop, execute, and evaluate an ongoing communications program on criminal justice reform issues.
Develop and update issue talking points for ACLU and affiliate staff in preparation for responding to addressing sensitive and/or controversial issues.
Prepare clients, organizers, litigators, state advocates, and other spokespeople for media appearances.
Collaborate with criminal justice reform colleague organizations on movement-wide communications activities, and maintain relationships with communications staff at other criminal justice reform groups.
In coordination with multimedia staff, conceptualize, script, direct, and produce all video content relating to civil liberties issues.
Work in collaboration with the advocacy team to develop communications strategies and tactics for federal and state legislative and advocacy initiatives.
Provide guidance to affiliates in the development of communications materials and strategy, when necessary.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity within the office; using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance, record of arrest or conviction.
Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a related field is required. Advanced degree is a plus.
A minimum of three years’ professional experience in a combination of the following areas: media, strategic communications, journalism, content creation, digital communications, and public relations.
Experience working on issue-based advocacy campaigns, and in communicating complex issues to a variety of targeted audiences.
Experience in criminal justice reform issues.
Knowledge of current trends in criminal justice reform advocacy and communications, including familiarity with messaging, political trends, and the wider criminal justice reform movement.
Strong project management skills, including leading cross-functional teams, managing complex processes, meeting and program facilitation.
Must possess strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented and possess the ability to follow projects through to completion.
Ability to communicate persuasively and professionally, in writing through op-eds and blog posts, and to communicate verbally to a wide variety of media, political, stakeholder, and influencer audiences.
Experience working with the media and cultivating relationships with print, radio, television and online journalists.
Proven experience in exercising judgment in breaking news and rapid response environments.
Experience in online media production, especially video and graphics.
Experience crafting social media messages, and promoting issues through social media.
Experience with online news, social media and digital advocacy tactics.
Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively with others including cross departmentally as part of a team.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Associated Press style required.
Familiarity with Cision public relations software a plus.
Basic proficiency with HTML; experience using a CMS to publish and update website content, preferred.
Understanding of trends and best practices for online campaigning, and best practices for communicating via email, Facebook and Twitter, preferred.
Experience using Photoshop to edit basic graphics, a plus.
A demonstrated interest in civil liberties and passion for the work of the ACLU is essential.
COMPENSATION
The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter, a resume and a relevant writing sample of no more than 3 pages to hrjobsCOMM@aclu.org - reference [COMM-15] in the subject line . In order to ensure your application is received please make certain it is sent to the correct e-mail address. You can expect to receive an automatic response that acknowledges the submission of application materials.
Please indicate in your cover letter where you learned of this career opportunity.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
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 job 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, veteran status and record of arrest or conviction.
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: hrjobsincl@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.”
Third Sector New England
Providence, RI, USA
Overview
The Children and Youth Cabinet of Rhode Island (CYCRI) (www.cycprovidence.org) was established in 2010 and focuses on three resident selected priorities: Improving social and emotional wellbeing, reducing chronic absence and ensuring positive school climate. As a nimble intermediary organization, CYCRI convenes partners, supports community priorities and takes action toward shared goals. Several key initiatives are led by the CYCRI including Building Trauma Sensitive Schools, Health Equity Zone, Evidence2Success and School Based Mental Health. CYCRI supports a portfolio of evidence based prevention strategies and programs including Familias Unidas, Strong African American Families, school based trauma groups, and Positive Action and Trauma informed trainings. CYCRI also provides technical assistance and coaching to several cities and states nationally. CYCRI/Providence Children and Youth Cabinet is a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE MissionWorks (www.tsne.org).
Responsibilities The Administrative Specialist at CYCRI is responsible for the timely and accurate day to day management of CYC's finances including accounts payable, accounts receivable and reporting. TSNE MissionWorks is the fiscal sponsor of CYCRI and therefore provides the bookkeeping platform, subcontract production and overarching processes for fiscal management, along with human resources management. The Administrative Specialist will utilize and interface with these platforms, processes and employees of TSNE in CYCRI to ensure all project goals and compliance needs are met.
This is a part-time position (20 hrs/week) that is eligible for benefits including paid time off, health insurance and other benefits through our fiscal sponsor, TSNE MissionWorks. We will be reasonably flexible with the work schedule for this position, given the right candidate.
Fiscal
Provide day-to-day fiscal support including fiscal contract management, preparing fiscal expenditure reports, invoicing, and tracking program expenditures;
Monitor revenue and expenditures and provide leadership with information to help keep all grants on budget;
Purchase supplies and equipment as requested by staff;
Code receivable payments in the Concur online accounting and expense system;
Code all payment requests including staff reimbursements, consultant invoices, sub-grant invoices, cash requests, and invoices from external consultants and subcontractors in Concur or another relevant platform;
Serve as liaison between project managers and TSNE administrative staff to prepare and execute contracts and sub-grant agreements for CYC programs and communities.
Support the preparation of fiscal reports for various grants to funding sources.
Manage the expense reporting process for project managers, deputy director and the executive director may:
Analyze and report on overall actual versus budget expenditures as well as for all programs and special projects;
Manage all fiscal aspects of fee for service work, including, creating invoices, tracking payments, processing contracts, record keeping and continuous follow up with program staff to ensure that all fiscal aspects of the work are complete;
Prepare and monitor contracts and subcontracts. Prepare budget revisions, requests for extensions, requests for payment and subcontract modifications in a timely manner.
Data Collection/ Research
Assist with data collection and data entry tasks as part of CYCRI's research and evaluation work;
Set up and maintain central file systems on materials and resources relevant for CYCRI, including establishing and maintaining an electronic library.
Qualifications
We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.
An Associate's Degree or equivalent educational training and/or work experience is required; A Bachelor's Degree preferred;
Proven administrative and office management capabilities;
Computer-literate, including proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and database software;
Experience with financial and contracts management;
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills;
Excellent service and people skills and a commitment to providing the highest level of quality work;
Strong interpersonal/team skills;
Solid analytical skills and facility with numbers;
Strong organizational and time management skills;
Commitment to educational excellence and social justice including the ability to approach and conduct work with a culturally responsive lens;
Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet demands in a fast-paced environment;
Ability and comfort in working independently and as a member of a team;
Some travel is required.
Candidates of color and bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
TSNE MissionWorks/Children and Youth Cabinet of RI envisions a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all our employment-related decisions, including hiring practices. Accordingly, TSNE MissionWorks actively seeks people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.
As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE MissionWorks/ Children and Youth Cabinet of RI will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Apply Here
PI109464289
Overview
The Children and Youth Cabinet of Rhode Island (CYCRI) (www.cycprovidence.org) was established in 2010 and focuses on three resident selected priorities: Improving social and emotional wellbeing, reducing chronic absence and ensuring positive school climate. As a nimble intermediary organization, CYCRI convenes partners, supports community priorities and takes action toward shared goals. Several key initiatives are led by the CYCRI including Building Trauma Sensitive Schools, Health Equity Zone, Evidence2Success and School Based Mental Health. CYCRI supports a portfolio of evidence based prevention strategies and programs including Familias Unidas, Strong African American Families, school based trauma groups, and Positive Action and Trauma informed trainings. CYCRI also provides technical assistance and coaching to several cities and states nationally. CYCRI/Providence Children and Youth Cabinet is a fiscally sponsored project of TSNE MissionWorks (www.tsne.org).
Responsibilities The Administrative Specialist at CYCRI is responsible for the timely and accurate day to day management of CYC's finances including accounts payable, accounts receivable and reporting. TSNE MissionWorks is the fiscal sponsor of CYCRI and therefore provides the bookkeeping platform, subcontract production and overarching processes for fiscal management, along with human resources management. The Administrative Specialist will utilize and interface with these platforms, processes and employees of TSNE in CYCRI to ensure all project goals and compliance needs are met.
This is a part-time position (20 hrs/week) that is eligible for benefits including paid time off, health insurance and other benefits through our fiscal sponsor, TSNE MissionWorks. We will be reasonably flexible with the work schedule for this position, given the right candidate.
Fiscal
Provide day-to-day fiscal support including fiscal contract management, preparing fiscal expenditure reports, invoicing, and tracking program expenditures;
Monitor revenue and expenditures and provide leadership with information to help keep all grants on budget;
Purchase supplies and equipment as requested by staff;
Code receivable payments in the Concur online accounting and expense system;
Code all payment requests including staff reimbursements, consultant invoices, sub-grant invoices, cash requests, and invoices from external consultants and subcontractors in Concur or another relevant platform;
Serve as liaison between project managers and TSNE administrative staff to prepare and execute contracts and sub-grant agreements for CYC programs and communities.
Support the preparation of fiscal reports for various grants to funding sources.
Manage the expense reporting process for project managers, deputy director and the executive director may:
Analyze and report on overall actual versus budget expenditures as well as for all programs and special projects;
Manage all fiscal aspects of fee for service work, including, creating invoices, tracking payments, processing contracts, record keeping and continuous follow up with program staff to ensure that all fiscal aspects of the work are complete;
Prepare and monitor contracts and subcontracts. Prepare budget revisions, requests for extensions, requests for payment and subcontract modifications in a timely manner.
Data Collection/ Research
Assist with data collection and data entry tasks as part of CYCRI's research and evaluation work;
Set up and maintain central file systems on materials and resources relevant for CYCRI, including establishing and maintaining an electronic library.
Qualifications
We will consider exceptional candidates who demonstrate a strong combination of the specific qualifications and skills described below.
An Associate's Degree or equivalent educational training and/or work experience is required; A Bachelor's Degree preferred;
Proven administrative and office management capabilities;
Computer-literate, including proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and database software;
Experience with financial and contracts management;
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills;
Excellent service and people skills and a commitment to providing the highest level of quality work;
Strong interpersonal/team skills;
Solid analytical skills and facility with numbers;
Strong organizational and time management skills;
Commitment to educational excellence and social justice including the ability to approach and conduct work with a culturally responsive lens;
Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet demands in a fast-paced environment;
Ability and comfort in working independently and as a member of a team;
Some travel is required.
Candidates of color and bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
TSNE MissionWorks/Children and Youth Cabinet of RI envisions a society grounded in the principles of social and economic justice. As such, we strive to achieve excellence through a diverse and inclusive workplace that honors the unique talents and lived experiences of each person. Our vision and values are reflected in all our employment-related decisions, including hiring practices. Accordingly, TSNE MissionWorks actively seeks people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in our work.
As an EOE/AA employer, TSNE MissionWorks/ Children and Youth Cabinet of RI will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.
Apply Here
PI109464289
