Communications Specialist

Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in August 2007 and works across the South. Our mission is to promote justice by partnering with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights. SCSJ’s focus areas are community-driven, and currently include voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice. Our model of practice requires team members who work well with grassroots organizations and in collaboration with other civil rights groups, and who have deep passion for and commitment to fighting for inclusive political participation.

For more information about our work and our unique community lawyering approach, visit our website at www.scsj.org.

SCSJ’s Communications Team: 

Southern Coalition for Social Justice’s (SCSJ) Communications Program amplifies the work of underserved communities in fighting for their rights and overcoming injustices. With powerful storytelling and in-depth technical knowledge, we help all communities better advocate for themselves and share their message to stakeholders. 

Our team is available to help with traditional communications, such as op-eds, press releases, and media coordination and training, but also specializes in thinking outside the box, whether it’s through long-form storytelling, creating and planning public education events or toolkits, leading U.S. Supreme Court communications campaigns, or serving as a through line to other people and organizations who can help with a desired outcome.

Position Summary: 

SCSJ is seeking an experienced Communications Specialist who will create content for various platforms, including social media, press releases, newsletters, and the organization’s website, ensuring messaging aligns with SCSJ’s values and priorities. They will also engage with journalists, coordinate media opportunities, support campaign-related communications strategies, and work closely with partners and partner organizations to assist in their communications needs and uplift their work. Additionally, the role involves tracking media coverage, analyzing engagement metrics, and recommending data-driven improvements. It also entails some level of event and training facilitation and community engagement with occasional travel.

This is not an entry-level position. The ideal candidate will be a creative self-starter with strong writing and storytelling skills, experience in digital communications, and a passion for social justice. They should be adept at working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and have the ability to translate complex policy and legal issues into accessible and engaging content. The right candidate will be comfortable working with legalese, drafting poignant messages in both rapid and strategic response situations, and communicating with a variety of individuals from attorneys and academics to lawmakers, judges, everyday community members and everyone in between.

Responsibilities Include: 

• Drafting, editing, and publishing press releases on a deadline-driven basis.
• Researching, tracking, and helping cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets; expand public relations campaigns and media connections to new sectors. This includes keeping abreast of and updating various media lists.
• Assisting with monitoring media alerts and key publications for news related to SCSJ, and share content with relevant parties internally.
• Vetting and responding to inquiries from the press and other third-party media, as appropriate.
• Drafting compelling media pitches and statements; assisting in developing and writing op-eds, media and interview preparation, thought pieces, and news statements, including for partners and partner organizations.
• Drafting SCSJ’s quarterly newsletter with an eye toward audience and engagement growth.
• Clear communication and collaboration with staff across all program areas for content creation and coordination. 
• Creating, refining, and executing communications plans and ongoing programs to promote client matter outcomes and milestones, and other newsworthy activity.
• Staying abreast of trends and related developments that may inform our work.
• Working with staff to identify timely and relevant topics within each program area for communications dissemination.
• Helping to create and update web content, as needed.
• Helping facilitate events, trainings, and community engagement activities, and working with colleagues to propose and coordinate participation.
• Traveling to, attending, and documenting community meetings or gatherings or court hearings when relevant, which may fall outside of regular work hours.
• Maintaining brand and messaging consistency in all communications efforts.
• Participating and supporting in other communications and related projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a highly-related field.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience providing communications support through a racial justice lens.
• Ability to leverage and/or tailor content and messaging for specific audiences, especially journalists and news media.
• Ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities to meet time-sensitive deadlines, as well as manage multiple projects simultaneously, including confidential matters.
• Excellent communication skills (writing, editing, formatting, and proofreading skills).
• Ability to be self-reliant, self-directed, and highly efficient under tight deadlines.
• Ability to research, collate and summarize information from different sources. 
• Prior experience in nonprofits, journalism, copywriting, website management, paralegal work, or related fields preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice principles and SCSJ’s community-lawyering model of practice.
• Working knowledge and or willingness to learn/stay up to date with developments in voting rights, environmental justice, and justice system reform. 
• Works well in team settings and can communicate well with SCSJ’s team of lawyers, researchers, and communication professionals.
• Familiarity with AP Style. 
• Familiarity with Muck Rack a plus.
• Familiarity with podcasting a plus.
• Preference for experience working with lawyers and or litigation in a communications or journalism setting.

Salary and Benefits/Compensation: 

The Communications Specialist’s starting salary is $60,000 per year, commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive health and retirement plans. 

Location: 

SCSJ’s physical office is in Durham, North Carolina. SCSJ is a hybrid work environment; staff are expected to work in our Durham office every Wednesday, plus an additional day of their team’s choosing (Tuesdays for the communications team), with remote flexibility on the other three days of the week.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: 

SCSJ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment.

A Note to Historically Marginalized Job Candidates: 

Research has shown women, nonbinary individuals, people of color and other historically marginalized individuals often refrain from applying for positions unless they believe they fulfill each and every requirement outlined in a job description. However, it's crucial to recognize that meeting every criterion is seldom a reality for any applicant. Our commitment lies in cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment and prioritizing finding the most suitable candidate for the role — who we know may emerge from a less conventional background. We wholeheartedly urge you to submit your application, even if you feel you don't perfectly align with every specification outlined.

To Apply: 

Candidates must upload a resume, cover letter and at least two writing samples (no more than five pages) through the application form here. Please label submissions with your first and last name.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates who can start ASAP are encouraged to apply.