Position Location: New York City. Brooklyn, NY preferred

About the Opportunity: Common Justice is seeking a dynamic storyteller, culture shifter, and media relations expert to develop and implement strategies that embed anti-mass incarceration, racial equity, and survivor-centered narrative into the national dialogue. This person will work with the communications team to uplift stories and images that rarely make it into the mainstream media so as to compel a large number of key audiences to shift their assumptions about public safety, community health, and punishment. This work requires Common Justice to effectively leverage cultural influences in support of Common Justice’s organizing and policy campaigns, and partner with creatives and storytellers who can effectively share the stories, visions, and aspirations of survivors of violence, the formerly incarcerated, and those impacted by community violence. This work will help society at large, as well as the arts and entertainment world, rethink its impact on race relations, resource distribution, violence, and crime. The areas of focus for this role will include narrative change strategy, media relations, the facilitation of collaboration among creative, and public engagement initiatives.

This position reports to the Vice President of Organizing and Policy. The salary will be $113-119k.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Director of Communications will:

• Work with the Vice President of Organizing and Policy to develop and implement Common Justice’s narrative-shifting strategy;
• Develop and maintain relationships with the media in order to maximize strategic coverage of Common Justice, advance its profile, and attract funding and donors;
• Garner media coverage by pitching story ideas to journalists;
• Research and write materials for press by gathering information from staff, participants, members, and partner artists;
• Coordinate press inquiries and manage press on-site at events;
• Create narratives that dramatically influence the public’s understanding of mass incarceration, violence, and racial equity;
• Advise content creation including publications, reports, videos, and social media content, and ensure alignment with overall strategic goals;
• Edit/proofread various departments’ written materials;
• Develop and lead strategies to expand Common Justice’s digital reach;
• Coordinate with digital organizing efforts to ensure the success of policy and organizing efforts;
• Remain informed on relevant industry trends and cultural trends, and deeply understand the intersection between racial justice, criminal justice issues, and entertainment/popular culture;
• Create an innovative partnership with those in the arts and entertainment industry in order to advance Common Justice’s organizing and policy goals;
• Develop metrics to assess the efficacy of the narrative-shifting work and adapt strategies accordingly;
• Communicate directly with direct service and United of Healing Equity staff in order to fully understand and promote Common Justice’s programs, and projects;
• Work with the executive team to manage crisis communications.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience overseeing communications within a non-profit, preferably one that operates with social justice, and/or racial equity lens, with progressively increasing management responsibility;
• Prior experience drafting and disseminating press releases;
• Editing and proofreading skills;
• Experience cultivating relationships, partnering on projects, and working closely with artists, entertainment stakeholders, and across the broader media industry;
• Knowledge of arts and culture, especially the performing arts, and music preferred;
• A strong network of actionable contacts in the arts, media, and entertainment industry;
• Experience with digital and/or grassroots organizing strongly preferred;
• Experience with implementing and managing successful projects and growing them to scale;
• Strong problem-solving, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills across a range of tasks and stakeholders;
• General technology and social media fluency;
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a proactive team player;
• Willingness to travel occasionally;
• Experience working with survivors of trauma strongly preferred;
• A well-developed, nuanced understanding of the experience of harm and oppression; well-developed analysis of power and supremacy;
• Flexibility, creativity, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Formerly incarcerated people and/or survivors of violence strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, dates of availability, short writing sample, and cover letter to: jobs@commonjustice.org.

Common Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. Common Justice values diverse experiences, including educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.