About the job
Summary

The Southern Poverty Law Center seeks a Media Strategist to join its Communications Department to assist in the development and implementation of communications strategies that both shape public discourse and elevate the organization’s programmatic focus, with an emphasis on its Intelligence Project (IP), or anti-hate & extremism work.

The Media Strategist will report directly to the Media Director and will be responsible for a wide array of communications activities that further amplify the organization’s IP work regionally and nationally.

Primary Job Functions

• Overseeing a specific body of work determined by the Media Director and the Intelligence Project (IP) team;
• Developing and implementing comprehensive media strategies, with input and guidance from the Associate Media Director and the IP team that build public support;
• Tracking breaking news related to litigation, legislation and public policy and working with the Associate Media Director and the IP team on rapid response communications tactics;
• Obtain media coverage through story and OpEd pitches that help shape public discourse and elevate the organization’s work;
• Booking SPLC experts on radio and TV to elevate SPLC’s work and taking advantage of opportunities in the news cycle;
• Fielding media requests on a daily basis;
• Writing and editing press releases and advisories, talking points, OpEds, letters to the editor, fact sheets, and other materials;
• Developing and distributing press materials;
• Building and cultivating relationships with key reporters, editorial writers, columnists, producers, and news and talk show hosts;
• Assisting the IP team with message development for SPLC’s issues and activities;
• Managing, expanding and maintaining database of media contacts;
• Monitoring, analyzing and reporting results and outcomes of department’s efforts;

Qualifications –

Education and Related Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years communications work experience, with an emphasis in either agency, in-house or nonprofit;
• Knowledge of and experience working with regional and national news media and online media;
• Exceptional communications skills, including clear, concise writing and ability to frame complex issues for the media, supporters and public and;
• Bi-lingual, English/Spanish (proficient, speaking and writing) a plus;

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong interest in an passion for social and racial justice;
• Team player with entrepreneurial spirit and ability to collaborate effectively with staff members at all levels in fast-paced environment;
• Must take direction well but be self-motivated with ability to work independently;
• Ability to work under deadline pressure;
• Must be highly organized and possess the ability to prioritize work;
• Must be familiar with advocacy and/or political efforts;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Due to COVID-19, our offices are currently closed and staff is working remotely. If this position is filled while our offices remain closed, the new employee will work remotely until the offices reopen. We are not asking newly hired employees to relocate while the offices are closed.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.