Director, External Affairs & Communications, Overdose Prevention

CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS • Washington, DC

9d • $118,000 - $152,749 • Onsite

About The Position

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) is an initiative of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, dedicated to driving policy change globally through targeted campaigns and capacity building. The Overdose Prevention Initiative within GHAI focuses on advancing policies to strengthen addiction treatment, remove barriers to care, and reduce disparities. This role, as the Director of External Affairs, Overdose Prevention, is responsible for leading the development and execution of communications strategies for the initiative's advocacy campaigns, including managing partnerships and coalitions. The Director will utilize various communication tools such as media relations, social media, and websites, and is expected to be a strong strategist, writer, and manager of projects, teams, and external 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 for the Overdose Prevention Initiative and partner organizations/advocates.
• 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