Communications Associate

Communications Associate

Requirements

• Experience in a combination of the following areas: media, strategic communications, journalism, content creation, digital communications, and public relations
• Strong judgment and instincts for media and communications-related work and comfort engaging with the media
• Knowledge and familiarity with the news media and social media landscapes
• Excellent research, writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented and possess the ability to follow projects through to completion
• Ability to communicate persuasively and professionally
• Experience in exercising judgment in breaking news and rapid response environments
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Associated Press style required
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team

Responsibilities

• Support the execution of communications strategies on a wide array of civil liberties and civil rights issues
• Support communications team as key issues evolve and become priority
• Work with communications strategists to support project management needs across comms and marketing and programmatic staff
• Play a key role in supporting communication and coordination with legal, political and affiliate staff around litigation, advocacy, narrative and campaign work
• Demonstrate critical judgment in handling a high volume of incoming media and information requests, responding quickly and accurately
• Build reporter relationships, manage press outreach, and develop and maintain lists of media contacts
• Draft and copy edit press releases, statements, op-eds, blogs, pitches, and other press materials
• Manage logistics for interviews and events, including press calls, press conferences, and media briefings, and prepare ACLU experts for media engagements
• Help communications staff members create, implement, and evaluate communications strategies and various communications and media relations tactics
• Publish content, including news releases and blogs, to the ACLU website
• Identify needs to meet the news cycle
• Serve as backup and coverage during communications staff’s time-off as needed
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to advancing the mission of the ACLU
• Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives
• Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts