JOB OF THE WEEK: Human Rights Campaign, Communications Director

Position Summary: The Communications Director is a regular, full-time position which reports directly to the Vice President for Communications and Marketing and is based in Washington, DC.  The Communications Director’s workload is focused on ensuring HRC’s messages are placed in the national print and electronic media and managing a team of communication professionals.  The Communications Director will work with the VP to craft media strategy and proactively pitch stories, develop salient, appropriate and creative messages, implement long and short-term communications strategies, and place editorials and op-eds.  Skills for responding to breaking news and ensuring placement are crucial. 

Position Responsibilities: The Communications Director will work with the VP to create and implement the strategic direction and vision of the department.  This position will also manage and direct the work of the staff that will assist in implementing these communications strategies.  In direct consultation with the VP and executive management the Communications Director will provide communications and media expertise to program areas throughout HRC.

Specific duties of the position are as follows:

Communications Strategy: Create and understand a holistic organization communication strategy that relies on earned media but also incorporates paid media, membership communication and online/social media.

Research and message development: Guide quantitative and qualitative message research that benefits the organization or particular issue area and develop messages and taking points based on that research.  The Director will ensure that HRC materials across program areas and departments reflect organizational positions and are framed persuasively.

Effective media relations: Develop media relations strategies around issues and HRC programs and develop tactics to effectively and successfully pitch the placement of stories.  In addition, develop strategies to ensure HRC’s placement in breaking news stories.  Strong and demonstrated relationship-building skills and established relationships with Washington press corps are required.  Additionally, a thorough understanding of and contacts within LGBT new media are important.

Place editorials and op-eds: Develop plans to draft and place op-eds and pitch editorial on a variety of issues important to the LGBT community.  Strong and proven writing skills and the ability to seize upon timely events is crucial.

Place spokespeople on radio and television: Build and maintain relationships with key producers and reporters on network and cable television and radio programs to ensure placement of HRC spokespeople.  Strong ability to articulate salient messages and an understanding of effective strategies for electronic media placement are crucial.

Media Relations Tactics: A strong ability to develop and implement media relations strategies, such as press conferences, is vital.  

Spokesperson: A strong and demonstrated ability to act as an on-the-record and background source is necessary.

Outstanding writing skills: Candidate must have excellent writing skills, including the ability to write speeches, opinion pieces, press releases and other materials, and be able to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.

Team and resource management: As the primary supervisor for junior and mid-level communications staff, the Director must be able to mentor and guide other staff while being able to help staff deliver their full potential.  The Director will also work with the VP on planning and administering the department’s budget. 

Position Qualifications:

·         Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree preferred with at least ten or more years of cumulative work experience most in positions of increasing responsibility in communications and media relations.  Management experience is required.

·         Candidates must have a demonstrated record of proactively and successfully placing print and electronic stories, op-eds and ensuring that the organization’s message is placed in reactive stories. 

·         Candidates must be highly organized and detail-oriented, a self-starter and results-oriented, be able to work collaboratively, and handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. 

·         Candidates must be experienced managers capable of effectively providing guidance, coaching, and critical feedback to staff both verbally and through written materials including performance reviews. 

·         Candidates must also have excellent speaking and writing skills, computer and Internet proficiency, and strong verbal communication skills. 

·         Background or experience with LGBT rights and issues is important.

·         The successful candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to HRC and to advancing HRC’s goals and objectives.

TO APPLY: Visit here or visit HRC’s careers page.  (PF tipster)