Position: Communications and Media Strategist

Reports to: Communications Director

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications and Media Strategist is responsible for the development and execution of communications projects that further the advocacy goals and mission of the ACLU of New Jersey. The Communications and Media Strategist has strong interpersonal, writing and editing skills and is experienced in media relations and message development.

This position requires close collaboration with programmatic departments to develop communications tools and strategies including press releases, statements, original editorial, and talking points to advance the ACLU-NJ's integrated advocacy goals. This is a full-time role based in Newark, NJ with a hybrid work schedule that currently offers the option of working remotely up to three days each week. Some evening, early morning, and weekend work may be required as needed. This position reports to the Communications Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Relations

• Manage all aspects of media relations, including writing and disseminating press materials, responding to inquiries, and arranging interviews with subject matter experts.
• Proactively develop relationships with reporters, editors, and influencers in key issue areas, pitching ACLU-NJ story ideas in alignment with reporters' beats and areas of interest.
• Respond quickly to breaking news and opportunities to ensure the ACLU-NJ's presence in the news cycle in alignment with its strategic priorities.
• Manage the planning and execution of press events, including live and virtual press conferences, editorial board meetings, and manage media at other events including rallies and marches.
• Provide media expertise to ACLU-NJ staff and partners through media training and preparation for media interviews.
• Manage media databases, including creating and maintaining media lists, tracking campaign success, and building analytics reports.

Editorial & Messaging

• Contribute to the production of original content, including blogs, reports, and other publications. Coordinate across departments to align on messaging, meet deadlines, and implement necessary approval processes for all content.
• Develop issue-specific internal content, including messaging guidelines, talking points, style guides, toolkits, and more.
• Bridge messaging on affiliate and national issues, proactively tracking and sharing national ACLU messaging and communication priorities.
• Assist with story-finding and storytelling strategy, including helping to identify, interview, profile, and prepare spokespeople.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues from a range of departments, including Policy and Legal, on strategic communications campaigns for legislative and advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure consistency of voice, messaging, and ACLU style.
• Other tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Core Competencies

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner to inform and engage a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and shape a narrative, understand messaging nuances, and help people tell a story.
• Results-oriented with proven ability to plan, organize, prioritize, track progress, and meet goals.
• Creative, diplomatic, cool under pressure and strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work inclusively across diverse dimensions.
• Demonstrated success working in fast-paced, highly collaborative team environments.
• Ability to regularly and easily jump from task to task, prioritize, stay organized, and complete assignments under sometimes tight deadlines.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new tools, technology, and resources.
• Unwavering commitment to the mission and goals of the ACLU, including a demonstrated commitment to equity and racial justice.

Essential Skills:

• Experience in writing, editing, and public relations, with a strong command of AP style.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and executing public relations campaigns and initiatives, working with the media, and cultivating relationships with journalists, including during breaking news and rapid response environments.
• Experience with Meltwater, Cision, and/or other media relations software.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Adobe, Asana, and additional web-based applications as needed.
• Experience working on issue-based advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
• Adaptability to a varying schedule, including occasional nights, early mornings, and weekends.
• Experience working with New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and national media markets welcomed but not required.
• Knowledge of additional languages other than English is welcomed but not required.
• A B.A. in communications, journalism, or related fields is welcomed but not required.

Compensation

The salary range for this position starts at $80,000. The ACLU-NJ supports and plans for staff member professional growth and skill development through internal and external opportunities. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which currently includes 30 days paid time off, 12 office holidays and 16 health care leave days; medical, vision, and dental insurance; 20 weeks (100 days) paid family leave; life and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax transit benefits; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
About Our Culture

We are a diverse workforce and take pride in our ability to attract and retain employees with a huge array of backgrounds and experiences. We work hard, but also like to celebrate our successes. We strive to bring humility, empathy, kindness, and generosity to our work, internally within the organization and externally with our partners and those whom we are serving. We seek to build a work culture with a sense of respect and collegiality, and a willingness to be generous with our expertise and resources.
To Apply

To complete the application please upload a cover letter and resume. We expect there to be a writing exercise completed by second round candidates. Applicants are invited to include in their cover letter information about how their background and/or experiences could contribute to the diversity, cultural vitality, and perspective of our staff and advocacy work.

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled; at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website.

The ACLU-NJ makes every effort to assure that its recruitment and employment provide all qualified persons, including persons with disabilities, with full opportunities for employment in all positions.

The ACLU-NJ is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need assistance applying online, please email [redacted]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request accommodation for the interview process.

The ACLU-NJ is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture of belonging. It is our policy to employ qualified people without regard to race; color; religion; sex; national origin; age; ancestry; disability; sexual orientation; veteran's status; marital status; civil union status; arrest or court record; citizenship; credit history; genetic information; gender identity or expression; status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking; or any other characteristic protected under federal or state law. The more inclusive we are, the better we are.