Communications Manager, US Human Rights Network, NYC

January 16, 2015

Communications Manager, US Human Rights Network, NYC


Job Description
The US Human Rights Network (USHRN) seeks a Communications Manager to support its work to raise awareness on human rights concerns in the United States, and build the collective voice of the human rights movement. USHRN is a national network of organizations and individuals working to strengthen a human rights movement and culture within the United States led by the people most directly impacted by human rights violations. USHRN works to secure dignity and justice for all. USHRN is seeking a highly skilled and experienced communications expert with a strong understanding of human rights and social justice to plan and implement its communications strategy.
Position Overview:
The Communications Manager will 1) be responsible for developing and managing various forms of communication for USHRN including internal communications, online communications, external communications, and media relations; 2) raise awareness about, highlight and frame human rights concerns that USHRN membership is working on; and 3) oversee design, content and implementation of overall strategy for USHRN's online presence. The Communications Coordinator will report to the Executive Director. Occasional travel, and work on some evenings and weekends required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
·         Develop and ensure successful implementation of a communications plan, and a communications calendar to advance USHRN's mission and strategies in coordination with relevant staff.
·         Manage USHRN's website including developing dynamic content updates, working with external vendors to create new and modify existing website features as needed, and working to situate USHRN website as information hub for human rights work in the U.S.
·         Manage and grow USHRN's use of new media technologies including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
·         Monitor and analyze web traffic and social media statistics to increase organization's exposure and interaction with target audiences.
·         Coordinate with other staff and USHRN members to identify, solicit and/or draft appropriate posts for website, petitions, action alerts, e-updates, and social media highlighting important developments in the U.S. human rights arena, and member stories framing from a human rights perspective.
·         Manage communication with USHRN members and partners including to solicit, produce, and distribute information for USHRN electronic newsletter, action alerts, and quarterly updates.
·         Manage the development of multi-media content including video, podcasts.
·         Manage annual campaign to highlight the work of the human rights community.
·         Work with outside consultants to manage media relations.
·         Work with staff to develop USHRN communications protocol and manage the organization's identity and ensure all materials have look, feel, and messaging consistent with USHRN communications standards and protocol.
·         Assist with the preparation of fundraising materials and solicitations for print and online use so as to effectively convey the organization's mission and goals.

Qualifications:
The USHRN is looking for an individual with demonstrated commitment to human rights values and USHRN's guiding principles. Specific qualifications and required experience include:
A minimum of five years of experience in communications, and a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related area.
·         Demonstrated background in social justice with racial and gender justice analysis.
·         Familiarity with human rights standards, principles, laws and mechanisms and ability to analyze social issues and develop human rights frames and messages.
·         Excellent oral communication and writing skills.
·         Story development and storytelling ability.
·         High attention to detail; accuracy and high quality work in writing, proofing and editing.
·         Experience with constituency management database systems.
·         Knowledge of and experience with website upkeep (Drupal experience a plus), social media, and podcasting.
·         Experience working in racially, economically and linguistically diverse communities.
·         Demonstrated history of taking initiative, coordinating projects effectively and meeting deadlines in a quick turn-around environment.
·         Capacity to coordinate multiple tasks, activities and projects successfully. Must be highly motivated self-starter who is committed to making a difference and to ensuring the success of all projects in a small, fast paced, non-profit office with limited support staff.
·         Demonstrated track record of meeting organizational communications goals.
·         Team player and strong interpersonal skills.
·         Fluent English required and Spanish preferred.
·         Graphic design expertise and experience with donor databases'/CRMs (Salsa, in particular).
·         Basic HTML knowledge for troubleshooting problematic source code within the Drupal and Salsa WYSIWYGs.

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume and writing samples, including resource/curriculum/workshop you have developed, to USHRN, Attn: Job Search Committee, 250 Georgia Ave, Suite 330, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. USHRN has offices in midtown New York City and Atlanta. The position will be located in NYC. E-mail:jobs@ushrnetwork.org. Please include Communications Coordinator in the subject line. Please no phone inquiries. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, senior citizens, youths, and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: January 27th, 2015


How to apply

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume and writing samples, including resource/curriculum/workshop you have developed, to USHRN, Attn: Job Search Committee, 250 Georgia Ave, Suite 330, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. E-mail:jobs@ushrnetwork.org. Please include Communications Coordinator in the subject line. Please no phone inquiries.
Salary details: Compensation: Salary range is $60,000 to $65,000, depending on experience.
Benefits: Generous benefits package includes health and dental insurance, employer-supported pension plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days.