Job Description
Communications Coordinator
SUMMARY:
The
Communications Coordinator is in charge of all of the campaign's
interactions with the media. Oversees the organization's communications
efforts through all channels, online and offline. This role will
coordinate offensive and defensive communications efforts with school
partners and additional capacity focused on broadly promoting quality
school choice. The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for
proactively pitching stories and editorials, developing timely and
creative messages, drafting press releases, op-eds, talking points and
other campaign/outreach materials, managing earned media events, and
establishing and maintaining relationships with members of the media,
among other duties. They will establish and manage the organization's
Facebook and Twitter accounts. This role is also responsible for the
monitoring and coordinated response to media and social media related
to quality schools. They will identify compelling stories and
train/coach those speaking on behalf of the organization or at events.
The Communications Coordinator will coordinate with the outreach
manager to highlight local stories and organizational successes. The
Communications Coordinator should have prior experience and contacts
with the media, be a good writer and communicator, and be a pro-active
thinker and strategist. This position will be headquartered in Camden
and will require some travel. This is not an entry-level position;
previous press experience is required.
Requirements:
· -At least one cycle of political communications experience or 2-4 years relevant work, including
past on-the-record experience;
-Prior experience developing and managing the campaigns messaging efforts;
· -Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with
senior leadership, staff and volunteers;
· -Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, high-stress environment;
· -Candidate must be self-motivated and willing to work long hours (including nights and
weekends);
· -Can-do attitude and a sense of humor;
-Person is a strategic thinker and is able to plan, develop, and execute communication outreach campaigns;
· -Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with others;
· -Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner;
Responsibilities:
· Executing media monitoring and rapid response effort;
· Writing and disseminating of press releases, op-ed pieces, newsletters, feature articles, fact sheets, speeches, etc.;
· The
ability to develop and implement media strategies that target both
traditional mainstream media as well as online and new media;
· Developing
relationships with bloggers, television bookers, print reporters,
columnists, editorial staff, and communications staff of allied
organizations;
· Organizing and coordinating communication meetings, briefings, teleconferences;
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
· Strong organizational and project management skills;
· Thoroughness and careful attention to detail;
Preferred (but not required) skills:
- Experience with online campaigns
- Experience with HTML
· Experience with grassroots organizing and other aspects of electoral work preferred, but not required
- Experience in advocacy. You know how to power map a target, launch effective campaigns and win policy battles
· Bi-lingual in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking)
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree and at least one cycle of political communications experience. Experience with local government and basic knowledge New Jersey politics preferred.
Salary and benefits commensurate with experience
To Apply:
If interested, please send resume and cover letter to njgreatschools@gmail.com