Rapid Response Communications Strategist

ACLU • Washington, NY

27d • Hybrid

About The Position

The ACLU seeks applicants for the full-time, term-limited position of Rapid Response Communications Strategist in the Communications & Marketing Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York, NY or Washington, DC. This is a hybrid role that has in-office requirements of two (2) days per week or eight (8) days per month. This is a two-year term-limited position. The ACLU Communications & Marketing department creates, maintains, and expands message narratives to engage our supporters and other target audiences, to help protect and expand civil liberties and civil rights, and illustrate the value and impact of the ACLU’s transformational work. Through our messaging, engagement with newsmakers, our written content, creative branding, and visual identity, we encourage support for the ACLU and help to build a more perfect union. This position is part of a collective bargaining unit. It is represented by ACLU Staff United (ASU). Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications , the Rapid Response Communications Strategist will support the ACLU’s rapid response needs across issue areas, including immigration, abuse of power, national security, free speech and trans justice, among other issues. As issues surge and the ACLU takes action, from filing litigation to launching advocacy campaigns to organizing nationwide rallies, the rapid response strategist will work closely members of the communications and marketing team, as well as our affiliate, legal, policy, and advocacy colleagues to meet the moment with meaningful and high-impact communications. This individual will be a central player on our rapid response team, focusing on response work for the organization and across multiple issue areas. FUTURE ACLU'ERS WILL Be committed to advancing the mission of the ACLU Center and embed the principles of equity, inclusion and belonging in their work by demonstrating commitment to diversity with an approach that respects and values multiple perspectives Be committed to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and conflicts

Requirements

• Experience working on communications strategies around complex legal and political issues such as immigration, reproductive rights, trans justice, free speech and more
• Background working on rapid response media engagement during high stakes moments
• Ability to write strong, compelling and media-worthy press materials on a range of civil rights and civil liberties issues under tight deadlines
• Strong relationships with reporters, editors, news bookers, producers and media stakeholders
• A proven track record of landing media opportunities and shaping meaningful press coverage
• Strategic insights and experience effectuating rapid response work to achieve quick alignment and turnaround on timely, complex organizational positions
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with multiple teams to achieve alignment on messaging, strategies and process
• Media savvy and interest in following a 24/7 news cycle
• Flexibility and comfort working evening and weekend hours as news breaks

Responsibilities

• Prepare proactive communications plans and processes to help the team manage emerging issues with ample rapid response needs
• Write proactive and reactive materials for media, including statements, quotes, releases, and op-eds for rapid response news moments under urgent deadlines
• Prepare messaging materials including talking points, narrative documents, and Q&As for emerging issue areas, new legal challenges, and other rapid response needs
• Pitch reporters to land coverage, shape stories and ensure inclusion of our messaging and work in press
• Manage media outreach to broadcast, radio and podcast producers and bookers on behalf of organizational spokespeople
• Prepare messaging briefing documents to prepare organizational spokespeople for a range of media opportunities
• Organize and support the planning and execution of communications activations including press calls, press conferences, media stunts, rallies and more
• Manage media monitoring around breaking and developing news
• Project manage rapid response work across channels and departments to ensure coordinated and timely response
• Work with colleagues across our national political and advocacy department, legal team, affiliates, and partner organizations to reach alignment during rapid response moments
• Coordinate with colleagues across the communications and marketing team during rapid response moment to ensure messaging consistency and deliver on a range of tactics and products, including paid media, videos, social, blog content and more
• Work with storytelling team to amplify impactful stories during breaking news moments
• Manage rapid response needs during evening and weekend hours
• Help keep the department up to date on where the organization’s posture during rapid response moments stands, how we’re choosing to respond, and the outcome and impact of our response
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Time away to focus on the things that matter with a generous paid time-off policy
• Focus on your well-being with comprehensive healthcare benefits (including medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, gender affirming care & fertility treatment)
• Plan for your retirement with 401k plan and employer match
• We support employee growth and development through annual professional development funds, internal professional development programs and workshops

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees