Communications Director, The Innocence Project

Communications Director

Organization: The Innocence Project

Title: Communications Director

Location: New York, NY

The Innocence Project, Inc. is seeking a Communications Director to supervise our Communications Department. The Innocence Project, a national organization based in NYC, is a nonprofit pro bono legal clinic founded in 1992 by Professor Barry Scheck and civil rights lawyer Peter Neufeld at the Cardozo School of Law/Yeshiva University. The Innocence Project represents prisoners nationwide for whom post-conviction DNA testing can prove innocence, and seeks to redress the underlying causes of wrongful convictions through systemic criminal justice reform. (www.innocenceproject.org)

Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the organization founders, the Communications Director will be dedicated to the management of the day-to-day operation of press activities, and will direct the strategic communications function that supports the organizations’ mission and vision. This role calls for a talented professional with broad experience in the full range of communications – media relations, publications, online engagement and community outreach – and the ability to develop strategic initiatives that use multiple communications vehicles to educate the public and advance programmatic goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong familiarity with litigation, public policy, and an understanding of the criminal justice field. The Communications Director supervises a staff of four and works collaboratively as part of the senior management team.

Communications Director: Job Duties

• Develop and manage integrated communications plans for the organization to include media relations, publications, online initiatives and community outreach.
• Supervise and inspire the four other Communications staff members.
• Oversee and manage the production of all written materials: brochures, reports, news releases, web content, newsletters and alerts to organization supporters and friends.
• Create protocols for media activities by other staff and colleagues, and ensure that they are understood and working.
• Develop effective media relations program (both responsive and proactive) and work with the other key staff on media strategies around key legal events, court rulings, legislative developments, etc.
• Work with the policy staff to create media opportunities to accompany and support advocacy activities in Washington, D.C., and in states across the country.
• Supervise and strategically guide the organization’s web presence (including web sites, social networking, online media and email outreach programs); work with the web manager to insure that material and initiatives are timely, effective and useful.
• Work with fundraising staff in media activities and production of materials that support their work.
• Develop and promote partnerships with journalists and radio/TV producers that further our organization’s agenda.
• Coordinate and manage the activities of outside consultants, as needed.
• Develop and manage the Communications Department budget.

Professional Qualifications:

• At least 10 years of communications experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing, presentation and analytical skills.
• Extensive experience in media relations, with a flair for framing stories to suit any organizational need and convincing reporters and producers to create those stories.
• A sophisticated understanding of the criminal justice system and the legal and political processes that can improve it.
• Strong organizational skills including a well-developed attention to detail and follow-through and the ability to work well under pressure and deadlines. A client-service orientation.
• A track record of making good judgments about communications priorities and management of resources.
• A collaborative nature.
• Supportive work style that motivates staff to deliver superior work and work well together.
• A deep understanding of the role the Internet can play as part of a comprehensive communications program.
• A passion for justice.
• Strong managerial and strategic planning skills.

Personal Characteristics

• Outstanding interpersonal skills; an approachable and collaborative personal style; an eagerness to learn as well as to teach; respect for the expertise and experience of colleagues.
• A serious reader of newspapers, watcher of TV, surfer of the Internet
• A lively, creative intellect; the ability to collaborate and engage thoughtfully with a team of world-class lawyers, scientists, and advocates passionate about their work. The capacity to understand and in turn distill complex policy issues and technical material. Resourcefulness and initiative; a bias for action and an orientation towards measurable results.
• Resilience, optimism, flexibility, and tenacity along with an abundance of energy, common sense, and good judgment. A high degree of personal grace and good humor.

SALARY:

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience, and the Innocence Project offers a competitive benefits package.

The Innocence Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workplace diversity.

TO APPLY:

Inquiries and resumes with cover letters should be directed to hr@innocenceproject.org. No phone calls, please.