Communications and Policy Director - Families for Safe Streets (National)

Department: Families for Safe Streets - National

Job Reports to: National Director

Fully Remote

Contract Position

Salary Range (USD): $85,000 - $95,000

JOB OVERVIEW

Families for Safe Streets (FSS) was founded in 2014 by people whose loved ones were killed or injured in crashes in New York City, or who themselves were seriously injured. FSS is now a fast-growing national movement, representing over 1,100 families who have been impacted by traffic crashes. Together, FSS members transform their grief by telling personal stories of trauma and loss to push back on complacency and spark policy and legislative change. No death or life-altering injury is acceptable. These are preventable crashes — not random "accidents” — and the problems that cause them have proven solutions. FSS has secured unprecedented wins – from lower speed limits to automated enforcement, and safer roadway design. Emotional support is also an integral part of our model. We understand that the work of storytelling for change is emotionally demanding, and believe that no one should have to navigate these tragedies alone.

Reporting to the National Director, the Communications and Policy Director will play an integral role in the growth of Families for Safe Streets nationally by guiding and communicating our ambitious policy agenda and effectively elevating the stories of those who have been most impacted by deadly transportation policies.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Communications:

• The Communications and Policy Director will have a broad array of internal and external communications responsibilities, including advancing our campaigns, strengthening our organization, and building our movement. Your charge will be to work with our volunteers and partners to build and undertake communications strategies that empower our members and promote safer streets.
• Duties include being a camera-ready spokesperson, leading media trainings for FSS members, managing and growing our social media channels, taking and directing media inquiries, updating our website, writing and issuing press releases, growing and managing a national and local press list, managing the FSS community hub on Geneva, planning and holding media events, developing and executing communications and PR plans for reports and events, working with volunteers to elevate their stories, and writing and proofreading our regular newsletters and other materials.
• Create broadly usable communications tools and toolkits for FSS Chapters and partner organizations.

Policy:

• Shape FSS’ policy agenda as part of the Families for Safe Streets-National executive committee, working collaboratively to authoritatively set - and defend - our legislative priorities and issue-stances.
• Coordinate with key influencers, including government agencies, other non-profit organizations, and relevant stakeholders, to build support and win policy reforms.
• Oversee the development of and produce reports, opinion pieces, memos, testimony, maps, and other public documents that make the case for FSS’ policy priorities.
• Create broadly usable policy tools and toolkits for FSS Chapters and partner organizations.
• Utilize up-to-date knowledge on safe-street policies and best practices from the U.S. and around the world.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working in City, State, or National politics, on public relations campaigns, with a wide range of media.
• Must be a compelling writer and have very strong public speaking skills.
• Strong and concise writing style for non-technical audience.
• Skills in critical analysis of data and facts, including experience in Excel, statistics, research and policy analysis.
• Advanced strategic thinking and ability to set organizational priorities and manage a compelling communications calendar.
• Demonstrated management experience working with victim advocates and volunteers is a plus.
• General knowledge of principles of sustainable community planning, civic engagement and complete streets preferred.
• Above average attention to detail and comfort working in a fast-paced environment; flexibility and adaptability are a must.
• Ability to travel occasionally and participate in evening and weekend engagements, as well as late nights and early mornings will be a part of this position.
• Knowledge of Spanish and FSS’ core issues is a plus.
• Savvy and inventive with traditional media, social media, and digital communities is a plus.
• Basic design skills in Canva and GIS mapping experience is a plus.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 6-8 years experience in communications, policy development, program coordination, advocacy campaigns or political outreach

TO APPLY:

Please send a resume and a cover letter to job_applications@transalt.org with “FSS-National: Communications and Policy Director” in the subject line.

Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets are committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, gender, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, political orientation or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law. We value having diverse staff in gender, ethnicity, background and modal preference. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.