The New York Working Families Party and Working Families Organization are seeking a talented and energetic communications director. The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer, a sophisticated campaign strategist, and seasoned new media tactician.
Background:
Working Families is New York’s progressive grassroots party that fights for the 99%. Formed by a coalition of labor unions, community organizations and grassroots activists, our aim is to make our economy and our democracy work for all of us, not just the wealthy and well-connected. We elect progressive candidates, win groundbreaking issue campaigns and shape the debate in Albany and City Hall.
Job Scope:
The Communication Director is responsible for internal and external communications within New York, developing and executing sophisticated media strategies to advance our legislative and electoral priorities and telling our story to our membership, leaders and the broader progressive movement. S/he will foster relationships with news media, editors, reporters, bloggers, partner organizations, political campaigns, and public officials to advance campaigns, enhance our reputation and brand, and promote our values. TheCommunications Director will serve as a key strategist, a primary shaper and steward of our brand, and an important advisor on our national digital program.
Job Duties:
- Develops message and communications plans to advance priority campaigns; identifies and manages strategic research needs;
- Plans and executes internal and external communications to develop and grow our brand using earned paid and new media;
- Lives in the news cycle; monitors risks and opportunities; seizes real-time media opportunities to advance our values, position and brand;
- Builds relationships with print, broadcast and new media journalists;
- Coaches, trains and develops leaders and senior staffers as media spokespeople;
- Collaborates in coalition with organizational partners and allies;
- Anticipates, prevents, and, if necessary, manages crisis communications;
- Drafts talking points, op-eds, memos, and other materials, as needed;
- Identifies online organizing opportunities and manages new media efforts on New York campaigns and issues;
- Produces detailed reports of communications activities for staff and leadership;
- Other duties, as required.
- Required education, experience, knowledge, and skills:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications or a related field;
- Minimum three years experience in communications, public relations, or advocacy; political campaign and strategic research experience preferred;
- Experience landing high-profile media placements and dealing with reporters, editors, editorial boards, columnists, bloggers, broadcast producers and thought leaders;
- Strong research background; demonstrated ability to identify research needs and manage research projects;
- Exceptional writing skills for both press and popular audiences. Writing should be sharp, personable, and memorable;
- Excellent detail-oriented project management;
- Smart political judgment; the ability to anticipate how friends and opponents will respond to our actions or statements;
- Knowledge of online advocacy tools and online organizing tactics is a plus;
- Calm in a crisis, with great instincts;
- Commitment to social justice.
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision benefits and 401k plan.
To Apply: Please email a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three professional references to jdinkin@workingfamilies.org with “New York Communications Director” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Working Families Party and the Working Families Organization are Equal Opportunity employers with a commitment to social justice. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community and other historically disenfranchised populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
