The Justice Policy Institute seeks a dynamic and seasoned full-time Director of Communication to lead an ambitious range of communications strategies. The Director is responsible for communicating with the media, the public and a myriad of interested parties on a wide variety of criminal and juvenile justice issues.  This position is also responsible for all JPI publications/marketing materials, the organization’s web site and social media, and for working strategically with the senior management team to develop creative solutions to implement the organization’s initiatives. The Justice Policy Institute uses communication as a tool to directly achieve its mission to reduce society’s reliance on incarceration.  The Director of Communications reports directly to the Executive Director, supervises a digital media associate, and works closely with the Director of Research and Policy and other JPI staff.

The successful applicant for the position will be expected to develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies in support of JPI’s national leadership encouraging effective juvenile and criminal justice policies.  The position requires strong writing skills, a creative approach to disseminating ideas, excellent oral communication skills, an ability to manage multiple priorities, and a positive team orientation.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage communication strategies on major juvenile and criminal justice reform efforts, as well as creating media plans for research publications and related efforts;
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with key members of traditional and new media outlets, partners in justice reform, and allies in the field; regularly update and maintain media contact lists;
• Manage execution of new media communications outreach including Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, YouTube, Podcasting, etc.;
• Create inventive marketing strategies to include conceptualizing, researching, writing, and designing special projects, as well as retaining outside consultants (designers, writers, photographers, media marketing firms, etc.), as needed;
• Develop and implement distribution plans for all JPI publications, including producing materials and developing strategies to reach and engage diverse cultural and political constituencies;
• Write, edit, distribute and pitch press releases and media advisories on events, reports, and releases for organization and partner projects;
• Write, edit and distribute opeds, articles, newsletters, e-newsletters, and other materials;
• Guide and oversee the development and production of materials, publications, marketing tools and online communications platforms that engage the media, political and donor markets, and the general public in support of JPI’s mission;
• Train and educate grassroots and grasstops organizations, government agents and policymakers, foundations, and other stakeholders in collaboration with senior management;
• Supervise communications specialist and interns working on communications projects.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be a strategically focused communications professional with extensive experience in public relations, media, and outreach activities. She/he will also demonstrate an established track record of creating and directing a multi-dimensional communications program.

The ideal candidate will also have:

• A minimum of 5 years experience in leadership positions of strategic communications departments, as well as experience with publications and media relations, preferably focused on social justice issues.
• Extensive experience working with both print and broadcast media at local, regional, and national levels.
• Expertise effectively leveraging digital and social media. Experience with online research and communication technology. Website experience required;
• Skill in designing and producing impactful printed materials.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and volunteers and serve as part of a management team for the organizations work;
• Outstanding management, writing, time management, and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical and strategic planning abilities are paramount. Experience must include producing press releases, fact sheets, testimonies, and talking points.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple priorities and projects effectively. Interest and experience in working with a broad and diverse range of people, from youth and political activists, to coalition partners, to board members, foundations, and the press;
• Demonstrated ability to strategically and creatively implement strategies to achieve JPI’s programmatic goals and develop communications for diverse audiences; experience working with communities of color; an expert grasp of the ways in which public opinion is shaped; and extensive experience with traditional and new media, as well as, other communication vehicles that can be used to inform the public debate and advance justice reform;
• Superb writing and editing skills and demonstrated ability to handle complex and controversial issues and to translate information about them for broad audiences;
• Skill in identifying and pursuing opportunities to advance the organization’s goals and mission, including, but limited to, speaking engagements, conference presentations, or the submission of written opinions or commentaries;
• Ability to work well under pressure and to reliably meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Supervisory experience;
• Bachelor of Arts/Science in marketing, communication or journalism.

Compensation:  Competitive salary commensurate with skills and experience. Excellent medical, dental, vision and other benefits provided.

Hours:  Full-time, salaried

To Apply:  Please email a cover letter, resume and two work samples that demonstrate your qualifications for this position to info@justicepolicy.org by March 31, 2017.

Please use “Communications Director” in subject line. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.