Communications Manager

The Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center (MJC) is seeking a Communications Manager as an exciting opportunity to join a growing communications operation. MJC is a non-profit legal organization that litigates high-impact civil rights and systemic reform cases at the trial, appellate, and Supreme Court levels.

The Communications Manager owns a range of responsibilities in media outreach and other communications strategies to increase the organization’s thought leadership among media and other external stakeholders. They work closely with the communications team as well as legal staff across the organization, growing our reputation with reporters and positioning MJC as a leader on issues relating to the criminal legal system. Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Manager also plays a key role in engaging, cultivating, and growing the audiences for our work.

Who We Are:

MJC is a national nonprofit civil rights law firm. We represent people who have been harmed by America’s criminal legal system, seeking to vindicate their rights, elevate their story, and hold people with power accountable. We do this primarily through cutting-edge litigation and advocacy across the country, on end-to-end issues in the criminal legal system, from policing, to prosecutorial discretion, to rights of indigent defendants, to mass incarceration, to prison conditions, to wrongful convictions and the death penalty. For more information on our work, visit www.macarthurjustice.org.

The criminal legal system disproportionately harms people of color, people from low-income communities, people who were formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage people who identify within these and other communities underrepresented in the legal profession to apply. All applicants must have and be committed to the cultural competence required to work with clients, co-workers, and community partners who come from different backgrounds and experiences.

Who You Are:

The Communications Manager embodies MJC’s voice, and creates content that reflects MJC’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Familiarity with issues related to the criminal legal system is preferred, however the ability to translate complex ideas to broader audiences is required. This is a full-time position reporting to the Director of Communications; a successful candidate is available to work full-time (40 hours per week), and should have the flexibility to occasionally work outside of normal business hours.

What You’ll Do:

Media Relations

• In collaboration with the Director of Communications and an external consultant, plan, lead, and coordinate media outreach, triage media requests, pitch stories, and develop relationships with key media sources to advance MJC’s mission and highlight its impact.
• Increase MJC’s thought leadership in key issue areas by securing media placements and growing relevant reporter relationships.
• In collaboration with an external consultant, lead and coordinate media-facing rapid response activities with legal staff and other subject matter experts, including drafting quotes and fielding media requests.
• Closely track current events to advise on hooks and angles to insert MJC and our message into the news, and to keep internal stakeholders apprised of relevant media narratives around our issues.
• Partner with legal staff and subject matter experts to develop leads and identify opportunities to elevate our work to drive media coverage of the organization.
• Support MJC staff and clients who are engaging with media and other thought leadership opportunities, which could include helping speakers prepare for interviews or presentations and providing talking points, messaging, and coaching.
• Track MJC’s media coverage and manage our press lists.

Special Projects Support

• In collaboration with the Director of Communications, develop and implement communications initiatives, campaigns, and web projects that support litigation and fundraising objectives.
• Work with subject matter experts to create explainers, fact sheets, and other written materials to build awareness and understanding of MJC’s issues among reporters, advocates, and supporters.
• Support MJC initiatives by drafting, editing, and/or proofreading copy for a variety of communications projects, including web posts, blogs, newsletters, etc.
• Mentor and coordinate the work of Communications staff and volunteers.
• Provide technical assistance and communications support for webinars, in-person events, and other outreach activities.

Other Job Duties

• Provide coverage for essential tasks and communications support, as needed.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a relevant field (e.g., PR, Communications, Marketing)

Skills and Experience:

• Deep understanding and analysis of racism and oppression, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Commitment to MJC’s mission and clients.
• Ability to exhibit culturally competent approaches to working with survivors of violence and people with historically marginalized identities.
• Familiarity with media landscape, particularly as it relates to MJC’s issues.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills; experience generating engaging content for broader audiences.
• Strong planning and time management skills, with an ability to coordinate deliverables across multiple internal collaborators.
• Ability to work well independently and can demonstrate sound judgment and good instincts without heavy management/guidance.
• Highly collaborative; strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work in and across teams.
• At least 5 years of experience in PR, communications, and marketing, with at least two years of experience in media relations, preferably in a non-profit or advocacy setting.
• Ability to work within a team environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming, and a willingness to honor the diverse experiences and perspectives of MJC staff and clients.

Technology:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Products, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and Outlook required;
• Proficiency with WordPress and Canva preferred.

Travel:

• Occasional travel to MJC’s other offices may be required.
• Occasional travel for organization-wide gatherings (e.g., All Staff Retreat).

Location:

MJC currently has a hybrid work arrangement, with some days in-office required. The candidate should be able to work in person at MJC offices in Chicago, Illinois or Washington D.C

TO APPLY:

Please submit the following:

• A cover letter addressing your experience relevant to the considerations above and
• A resume.

Compensation:

The starting salary range for this position is $75,000 – $93,000, commensurate with years of experience.

Learn more about our benefits at macarthurjustice.org/benefits/

MJC is a (PSLF) eligible employer. For more information visit:

studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment