The Communications Coordinator is responsible for helping create communications strategies – for both traditional and social media platforms – as well as producing or compiling sample press releases, sample op-eds, talking points and other media related resources. The Communications Coordinator is responsible for leading the communications efforts for the Hub itself, as well as supporting communications strategies for local campaigns. The Communications Coordinator will work closely with other staff as well as local advocates to provide support and general advisement on communications strategies. The Coordinator will also work closely with the Hub’s Research and Policy Coordinator to ensure that talking points and other media resources and material are reflective of the latest research, data and relevant policy principles. He or she may also be called upon to help develop talking points and other comms resources in crisis situations involving police shootings or officer misconduct. Also, the Communications Coordinator will provide trainings for local advocates on effective communications strategies. This individual is also responsible for overseeing the maintenance and updates of the Hub website.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks 

• Serve as the main liaison to local advocates and the media around communications issues
• Serve as the internal lead on comms support for the Hub and its work
• Create communications strategies for local police reform campaigns
• Create communications strategies for the Hub
• Draft/edict/revise sample op-eds and press releases on policing issues
• Draft talking points on policing related issues
• Train local advocates on effective communications strategies
• Equip local advocates with talking points and prepare local advocates for media interviews
• Pitch stories, op-eds, and other media interviews as needed
• Create and maintain a list of all media contacts
• Work with Research and Policy Coordinator to ensure communications material is reflective of most up to date data, research and policy principles
• Work with Organizing Coordinator to devise communications strategies that are driven by local needs and fit within larger campaign strategies for local movement
• Write and contribute to grant proposals and reports as needed
• Participate in meetings, convenings and panels as deemed necessary

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, sociology, criminal justice, or related field
• 5+ years of work experience in communications field; experience with communications work on policing and other justice issues is a plus
• 2 years of experience running communications departments, campaigns or largescale projects; experience on local campaigns is a plus
• Deep knowledge of the media and communications landscape – on the local and national levels
• Working relationship with media outlets, journalists, and personnel
• Experience overseeing and managing project or organizational websites
• Experience writing op-eds, press releases, and talking points
• A solid understanding of policing issues
• Ability to create effective narrative around policing and police accountability issues
• Great written and oral communications skills
• Great professional acumen, high energy, team player and ability to multi-task and work in fast-paced, sometimes stressful environment