Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns at Vera Institute of Justice | New York, United States | Rezi

Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns at Vera Institute of Justice

Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns

Vera Institute of Justice · New York, United States

3 days ago

Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns

Vera Institute of Justice · New York, United States

3 days ago
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About the Role

The Director of Media Strategy & Campaigns partners with colleagues across Vera Institute and Vera Action to conceive and implement strategic campaigns, owns Vera’s consistent presence in high-profile media and targeted local and regional outlets, shapes the Institute’s messaging, and influences public conversation on Vera’s issues.

Responsibilities

  • Set and execute media strategy to advance Vera Institute and Vera Action’s priorities.
  • Strengthen a rapid response operation to activate around newsworthy moments on Vera’s issues.
  • Track daily media coverage and public sentiment on Vera Institute and Vera Action’s issues to continuously inform and shape campaign strategies.
  • Lead the drafting of talking points and messaging framework on Vera’s priority issues and campaigns.
  • Oversee the development and distribution of talking points, press releases, pitches, memos, background briefings, fact sheets and other materials.
  • Partner with colleagues in Advocacy, Research, and Initiatives to build overall media and communications strategy.
  • Ensure staff are prepared for media and public appearances via formal media training and informal prep sessions.
  • Cultivate, maintain, and expand relationships with journalists, producers, bloggers, and other influential media figures who regularly cover criminal justice and immigration issues.
  • Proactively pitch media engagements across print, digital, radio, podcast, TV, and new media.
  • Draft and place op-eds and LTEs bylined by internal spokespeople and partners.
  • Provide journalists and staff with concise, compelling messages and summaries.
  • Train, mentor, give feedback, and evaluate media specialists; effectively assign workloads, set clear project deadlines, and hold team accountable for KPIs.
  • Foster collaborative culture that emphasizes independent problem solving; guide team in interpreting analytics and utilize tools to optimize campaigns and improve ROI.
  • Manage high-pressure situations, negotiate effectively internally and externally, and serve as a strong bridge between departments and partners.

Requirements

  • At least 10 years of experience with successful track record of conceiving, developing, and executing innovative and effective strategies for engaging media at the national, regional, and local level for a government office or elected official.
  • At least 8 years of experience leading advocacy campaigns.
  • At least 5 years of experience as a supervisor managing at least 3 people.
  • Strong experience managing crisis communications.

Skills

  • Ability to work under tight deadlines, draft near-final copy, and adept at being able to adjust effectively in a fast-changing work environment.
  • Excellent writer and communicator who can adeptly distill research into public facing messages and take storytelling to the next level.

Location

  • Brooklyn, NY

Work Type

  • Hybrid

Experience Level

  • Director
  • Senior

Education Level

  • Advanced degree a plus. In lieu of degree requirement, applicable work or life experience may be considered.

Salary/Compensations

  • $140,000 - $160,000

Benefits

  • Merit pay
  • Generous paid time off
  • Comprehensive health insurance plan
  • Student loan repayment benefits
  • Professional development training opportunities
  • Up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
  • Employer-funded retirement plan
  • Flexible time

About the Company

  • Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world.
  • We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
  • For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.

Equal Opportunity

  • Vera is an equal opportunity employer.
  • All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.