Deputy Communications Director
Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit advocacy organization that champions healthy food and clean water for all. We stand up to corporations that put profits before people, and advocate for a democracy that improves people's lives and protects our environment. We are seeking a senior-level science or environmental journalism or communications professional for a new, full-time deputy communications director position. This position will develop and implement messages and strategies, most notably for our common resources work exposing the failure of market-based schemes (such as cap-and-trade and true cost accounting) to address pollution and other environmental problems.
This position takes technical research and policy analysis and crafts high-quality communications deliverables, often on very tight deadlines, for a variety of audiences including the press, Food & Water Watch members, and the public. This position will also help provide editorial oversight of and write content for the news, opinion and insights sections of the new Food & Water Watch website currently under development. This position is based in Washington, D.C. and reports to the communications director.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Work with senior staff to plan, develop and implement national, state and local media and social media campaigns, most notably those that pertain to challenging corporate control of public policy and abuse of the environment.
- Supervise other staff on press outreach work.
- Write and edit a high-volume of materials such as press releases and advisories, editorial board memos, talking points, letters to the editor, opinion pieces or articles, website text, blogs, fact sheets and other materials for the public.
- Manage the social media and traditional media work for the Common Resources team and our legal arm, Food & Water Justice.
- Provide team leadership on media relations, messaging and communications strategies, including creating news and opinion content on our site and conducting social media outreach on current events.
- Develop and service relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers, news and talk show producers, bloggers and other media influencers on behalf of Food & Water Watch.
- Respond to press inquiries, pitch stories to reporters, and obtain editorial endorsements, op-ed placements and radio and television bookings.
- Assist in message development, newsworthiness of content, and press strategy for reports.
- Supervise the media work of organizing and program staff, including state-based staff.
- Provide leadership to the entire communications team in the absence of the communications director.
- Other duties as required. Work with senior staff to plan, develop and implement national, state and local media and social media campaigns, most notably those that pertain to challenging corporate control of public policy and abuse of the environment.
Requirements:
- Education: College degree required.
- Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy; familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media and new media; understanding of the shifting media landscape and how to utilize online news and social media to reach people directly on our campaigns and policy work. Familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques, electoral organizing, and building organizational capacity preferred.
- Experience: At least ten years experience in investigative journalism or a background in science and environment journalism or communications, preferably linked to issue advocacy campaigns, and at least three years of supervisory experience; proven experience in developing and executing national, state and local media strategies.
- Skills: Proven ability to break down and communicate high-level analysis on technical issues to a wide audience. Ability to coordinate multifaceted media campaigns and supervise a team for media outreach work; proven experience in developing and executing media strategies. Excellent interpersonal, writing and verbal skills are required as well as good computer skills, including proficiency with database programs.
- Capabilities: Able to write quickly under time pressures. High energy and enthusiasm. Ability to work well with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks at once, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.
- Conditions: Enjoys a very fast paced environment where each day holds surprises. Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Watch. Long hours possible. This position is based in Washington, DC.
How to Apply
Please send a resume, cover letter, three writing samples, and three references to resumes@fwwatch.orgnoting "Deputy Communications Director" in the subject line. Position open until filled. Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.
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