Communications Strategy and Editorial Manager

Community Legal Services • Orlando, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Community Legal Services (CLS) seeks an experienced Communications Strategy and Editorial Manager to join the Communications and Marketing team. This role will strengthen CLS’ public voice through strategic planning, writing, earned media, editorial planning, storytelling, and content development. The position translates complex legal aid work into clear, compelling, and accessible communications for clients, partners, attorneys, donors, media, and stakeholders across a 12-county service area. CLS is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice, specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society. CLS has been recognized as an Orlando Business Journal’s 2021 Best Places to Work Honoree, Orlando Sentinel’s 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree, and a SHRM Mental Health Ally.

Requirements

• Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission, vision, and values of CLS (Community Legal Services).
• Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs, fiscal strength, and organizational integrity.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, English, nonprofit management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• At least 5–7 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, PR, nonprofit communications, or content strategy.
• Exceptionally strong writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated experience in media relations, including pitching stories, managing press relationships, and preparing spokespeople for interviews.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate complex or sensitive subject matter into clear, audience-appropriate messaging.
• Ability to move work forward independently while collaborating effectively across internal departments and external partners.
• Strong discretion, attention to detail, and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential subject matter.
• Experience in nonprofit, public interest, or legal aid communications preferred.
• Familiarity with CMS platforms, CRM systems, email marketing tools, and media monitoring tools preferred.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership on communications planning and strategy, and support execution of campaigns, events, and organizational priorities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Marketing and the Growth Team on communications strategy and priorities.
• Serve as lead writer and primary editor for high-visibility communications, ensuring consistent messaging across stories, campaigns, and executive communications.
• Translate complex legal and programmatic content into clear, plain-language messaging for multiple audiences and channels.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and journalists, respond to inquiries, and coordinate timely, accurate messaging.
• Proactively identify media opportunities, write stories, and pitch interviews, op-eds, and public education content.
• Draft press materials, including releases, advisories, statements, talking points, pitches, and briefing documents.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and engagements, and support overall media strategy for campaigns, events, and milestones.
• Monitor and report on media coverage, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify and develop storytelling opportunities highlighting CLS’ impact while ensuring ethical storytelling practices aligned with consent, dignity, privacy, and organizational values.
• Coordinate interviews, site visits, and content gathering; attend events; and prepare participants for storytelling or media engagement.
• Support integrated communications campaigns in collaboration with internal teams, including donor communications, impact storytelling, fundraising materials, and reports.
• Coordinate with internal teams to elevate program visibility, messaging, and organizational milestones.

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance, plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost
• 100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale, with events such as company wide retreats, activities, and challenges!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level