We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
The Marshall Project is seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Director of Communications to pitch and market our journalism to a broad national audience and ensure that it is placed where it can have the most impact. You will work closely with our President, Chief Strategy Officer, Editor-in-Chief, Development Director, and newsroom leadership. You should be a seasoned communications expert with strong contacts, able to juggle long-term strategic planning with the ability to react to breaking news events.
Working in concert with our award-winning newsroom, you will take primary responsibility for promoting and deepening The Marshall Project as a brand. You will ensure that an effective communications and marketing strategy never forgets the millions of people who have been directly affected by criminal justice and have often been marginalized by many news organizations.
We are looking for a skilled media relations professional, writer and communicator who will thrive in a deadline-centered, entrepreneurial environment. The successful candidate will be someone with a proven track record in communications, who is also passionate about public interest journalism.
This position will report to the Chief Strategy Officer of The Marshall Project. The duties of the Director of Communications include but are not limited to:
Oversee all public affairs and editorial communications.
Pitch and earn media placements for our reporters and ensure that stories are achieving maximum reach. This includes broadcast media (radio/television), regional/local media, top online/print, podcasts and newsletters.
Create media and public speaking opportunities for our reporters, editors, president, and board chair and ensure that they are prepared for media appearances with talking points and succinct messaging.
Work with the Director of Audience Development, Audience Engagement Manager and the Editorial Director to develop story strategies and execute outreach and marketing plans for our journalism.
Draft the president’s biweekly newsletter, President’s Brief.
Organize professional media training sessions.
Track the impact of our journalism, ensuring that it is read by lawmakers and people with the power to make change, without overstepping the boundary into advocacy.
Pitch trade press stories that highlight product launches or new media innovations undertaken by The Marshall Project.
Cultivate journalists, reporters, social media influencers, thought leaders and new media figures to raise awareness for The Marshall Project and our work.
Assist local newsrooms affiliated with The Marshall Project with their own messaging and communications.
Help connect our work to justice-impacted audiences, as well as communities that have been historically overlooked or marginalized by the media.
Oversee the creation and distribution of media and impact reports that are circulated to our board, executives, funders, and key stakeholders.
Help to conceive and produce occasional live events that highlight our work and journalism.
Work with colleagues to help produce annual events for the board of trustees, key funders and staff.
THE QUALIFICATIONS THAT YOU’LL NEED:
At least six years of work experience in communications, including experience in criminal justice or within a newsroom
A proven, demonstrable record of media placements and strong relationships with producers, editors and reporters
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills and experience working in a growing organization with multiple stakeholders
Crisis communications experience
Our headquarters are in New York City, but we will consider remote candidates who live in the United States.
This job is full-time, with a competitive salary and benefits including employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid time off each year; and 401(k) matching.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity. We welcome qualified applicants of all races, ethnicities, physical abilities, genders and sexual orientations, including people who have been incarcerated or otherwise involved with the criminal justice system.
To apply, use this form to submit a resume, cover letter, five clips and references.
Due to the expected volume of applications, we will follow up with the most promising candidates but cannot respond individually to all applicants.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, use this form to send a cover letter and resume describing how your experience equips you for this position.