Director, External Affairs & Communications, Overdose Prevention

CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS • Washington, DC

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is a leading advocacy organization focused on reducing tobacco use and its consequences. Through its Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), it addresses other critical public health issues like food and nutrition policy, injury and overdose prevention, and building resilient health systems. GHAI works towards sustainable change via policy campaigns and capacity building in low and middle-income countries, drawing on global advocacy experience. The Overdose Prevention Initiative within GHAI focuses on policies to improve addiction treatment systems, remove barriers to care, and reduce disparities. It champions policies that expand access to medications for opioid use disorder, support harm reduction, and promote recovery-oriented systems of care, working with policymakers to address the overdose crisis. The Director of External Affairs, Overdose Prevention will lead communications strategies for advocacy campaigns, including managing media relations, social media, websites, and partnerships. This role requires strong strategic, writing, and management skills for projects, teams, and vendors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant communications/public relations experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies in a policy advocacy, political or government context.
• Excellent writing, editing and project management skills.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and coalition partners.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to the issue of overdose prevention.

Nice To Haves

• Some travel required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of communications strategies in support of the Overdose Prevention Initiative’s advocacy campaigns, utilizing the full range of communications tools.
• Coordinate closely with CTFK and GHAI leadership, the Overdose Prevention Initiative team, and coalition partners in developing and implementing these strategies.
• Oversee the work of communications vendors, including for earned media, graphic design, and others.
• Draft, edit and distribute earned media materials, including press releases, statements, opeds, letters to the editor and editorial board memos.
• Oversee efforts to build strategic partnerships.
• Work collaboratively with and provide strategic and technical assistance to overdose prevention advocates and coalitions, including the development of communications plans and materials.
• Conduct media outreach and field media calls on substance use disorder issues and campaigns.
• Arrange interviews with appropriate staff and provide requested info to the media.
• Plan and implement press conferences and other media events.
• Draft and keep updated website materials related to issues and campaigns, working with website development team.
• Stay current about substance use disorder issues, advocacy campaigns and key messages.
• Identify potential news hooks and develop strategies and materials to achieve media coverage.
• As needed, manage election-related communications strategies of the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund related to state and local campaigns.
• Help with speechwriting and conference presentations.
• Help with reporting to funders on state and local activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plan for employees and dependents.
• 403b plan participation (with 9% company contribution).
• 12 paid company holidays, 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 5 personal days (on an accrual basis each calendar year).

What This Job Offers

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