Managing Director of Communications

Job Description

Who we are:
 
Advancement Project is a cutting-edge, no-holds-barred national organization whose team members are dedicated to building local power in communities of color. Centered on a movement lawyering approach, defined as a community-centered racial justice lawyering organization, Advancement Project supports grassroots organizations working to eliminate oppressive structures in our laws and institutions and shift narratives towards transformative change. By fighting for liberatory public education, protecting and expanding our right to vote, and supporting community-led public safety that affirms the dignity and humanity of people of color., Advancement Project advances real change from the ground up. Building on close to 25 years, we continue to evolve our strategic thinking and creativity to imagine a more just world in which people of color can thrive, be safe, and free, and we are excited to bring on new talent to forward our vision. 
 
You’ll find our staff:  

• In the courts, fighting discriminatory systems and policies.  

• On the ground, working with organized communities to strengthen strategy and build local power.  

• In the media, adding racial justice analysis to critical issues of the day. 

 
Position Overview:
 
We seek a driven Managing Director of Communications to shape and drive the Advancement Project’s narrative strategy and brand presence, focusing on its main program areas, including policing and criminalization, democracy, and education justice, while impacting broader racial justice discourse.  This role will develop and execute integrated communications strategies that build narrative power, demonstrate our impact, and establish our voice in critical racial justice issues. The Managing Director of Communications will also regularly collaborate with organizational leadership, across teams, and with grassroots partners and national allies.  We are looking for a persuasive writer with a strong background in media and digital strategy, with previous work experience in a national advocacy network is a plus.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will manage the Communications Team and serve on the Senior Leadership Team. 

This position is hybrid and requires the ideal candidate to be in the office weekly, specifically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 
 
What you’ll do:
 
Define and steward Advancement Project’s brand identity, voice and narrative strategy.  

• Design and implement a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, theory of change, and program priorities.  
• Lead the development of compelling racial justice narratives that demonstrate our legal and advocacy expertise, support grassroots power building, and drive social change impact.
• As part of the Leadership Team, support the development of a long-term organizational direction and provide strategic guidance on external impact and influence. 
• ·Track internal and external trends to assess impact and inform strategy.
• ·Advise the Executive Director and other organizational principals on communications strategy and thought leadership, and brand reputation. 
• ·Provide leadership within the racial justice ecosystem on critical narratives that drive social change.
• ·Serve as a spokesperson, representing the organization at senior-level meetings, conferences, and media when relevant.

 Steward cross-team collaboration and strategy development 

• Work closely with Leadership Team members and program directors to implement planned strategies, special projects, and events across teams. 
• Collaborate with the Managing Director of Development & Fundraising to develop persuasive materials for donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
• Train, provide strategic direction, and campaign coordination with local grassroots partners, as needed. 
• Serve as the senior representative for the communications team to other parts of the organization and manage internal relationships and expectations.

Provide leadership and direction to the Communications Team  

• Develop the communications team's vision, frame, and narrative to achieve the organization's priorities and programmatic objectives.
• Ensure consistent and clear messaging across all communication channels, maintaining brand consistency and voice.
• Supervise communications staff and build communications capabilities across the organization through systems, training, and coaching. 
• Manage the writing, design, production, and approval process of press and digital materials, reports, publications, and internal talking points and messaging.
• Oversee the strategy and implementation of digital platforms, including websites, email, social media, earned media, design, and long-term narrative development.  
• Create and manage the communications team budget, ensuring compliance with the approved budget and policies. 
• Manage external partnerships with agencies, contractors, and vendors. 
• Develop and oversee crisis communications and rapid response plans. 
• Participate in the recruitment of new employees, including interviewing and making hiring and compensation recommendations. 

 Other related duties, as assigned. 
 
Skill Profile:
 
The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

• Strong racial justice analysis and commitment to power building in communities of color. 
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to reflect the organization’s voice and tone while engaging with multiple audiences.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. 
• Maintain advanced working knowledge of newsroom environments, news pitching and writing, press release writing, and opinion editorial writing, communications best practices, as well as internal policies and procedures. 
• Maintain working knowledge of 501(c3) and 501(c)4 compliance.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to persuade and advocate. 
• Manage a high volume of tasks at one time.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. 
• Make sound and timely informed decisions in complex situations. 
• Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others. 
• Demonstrate initiative, including proactively identifying and addressing issues and making recommendations. 
• Demonstrate a high attention to detail. 

 What you need to be considered:

• At least 15 years of relevant experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks. 
• At least a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or media strategy is required.  Master’s Degree preferred. 
• At least five years’ experience managing people. 
• The ability to travel frequently locally, regionally, and nationally. 
• The ability to frequently work evenings and weekends, as needed. 

 Please submit a writing sample with your cover letter.
 
This position pays between $166,500.00 and $195,500.00, depending on experience.

Job Requirements

Skill Profile:

The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

• Strong racial justice analysis and commitment to power building in communities of color. 
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to reflect the organization’s voice and tone while engaging with multiple audiences.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. 
• Maintain advanced working knowledge of newsroom environments, news pitching and writing, press release writing, and opinion editorial writing, communications best practices, as well as internal policies and procedures. 
• Maintain working knowledge of 501(c3) and 501(c)4 compliance.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to persuade and advocate. 
• Manage a high volume of tasks at one time.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. 
• Make sound and timely informed decisions in complex situations. 
• Work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others. 
• Demonstrate initiative, including proactively identifying and addressing issues and making recommendations. 
• Demonstrate a high attention to detail. 

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