Press Strategist

Who we are:

Advancement Project is a cutting-edge, no-holds-barred national organization whose team members are dedicated to building local power in communities of color. Centered on a movement lawyering approach, defined as community-centered racial justice lawyering, Advancement Project supports grassroots organizations working to eliminate oppressive structures in our laws and institutions and shift narratives towards transformative change. By fighting for laboratory public education, protecting and expanding our right to vote, and supporting community-led public safety that affirms the dignity and humanity of people of color., Advancement Project advances real change from the ground up. Building on close to 25 years, we continue to evolve our strategic thinking and creativity to imagine a more just world in which people of color can thrive, be

safe, and free– and we are excited to bring on new talent to forward our vision.

You’ll find our staff:

• In the courts fighting discriminatory systems and policies.
• On the ground working with organized communities to strengthen strategy and build local power.
• In the media adding racial justice analysis to critical issues of the day.

Position Overview:

We seek a passionate press strategist to develop and implement an ambitious media strategy for one of the organization’s program areas (policing and criminalization, voting rights, and education justice). The press strategist will develop and maintain key relationships with top journalists, editors, producers, editorial boards, and publications and create press materials. They will also collaborate across organizational teams and local grassroots partners on press strategy for national, state, and local campaigns and initiatives. We are looking for a strong writer with a solid background in media relations with previous work experience in a grassroots social justice organization as a plus.

This role will sit in the Communications team and will collaborate with communication staff on broader press, design, and narrative change strategies.

Advancement Project is a proud unionized organization.

This position reports to the Managing Director of Communications and will be part of our bargaining unit with compensation determined by the bargaining unit’s compensation structure.

What you’ll do:

Implement press strategy for the organization’s work for our three major program areas (policing and criminalization, voting rights, and education justice)

• Analyze narrative trends in the media to inform press strategy, as well as broader communication strategies.
• Raise the profile of staff and local partner organization spokespeople in the media.
• Coordinate onsite press management including staffing and roles.
• Manage media monitoring and reports on successes and opportunities for growth for staff.

Develop and maintain key relationships with key journalists, editors, producers, editorial boards, and publications and create press materials.

• Pitch stories and features to print TV, radio, podcasts, and digital platforms.
• Maintain press lists and media contacts as well as cultivating relationships with media contacts.
• Access breaking news and support rapid response/crisis communications.
• Create press materials, including news releases, statements, quotes, op-eds, LTEs, advisories, talking points, lines of responses, and notes to reporters.

Collaborate with across organizational teams and local partners on press strategy for national, state, and local campaigns and initiatives.

• Contribute to external partner campaigns by acting as a thought leader and providing necessary support.
• Support partner communications needs, including developing and implementing strategies, and providing onsite support, and training, as needed.
• Work closely with internal teams to implement planned strategies, special projects, and events.
• Develop, organize, and sometimes lead internal and external media training.

What you need to be considered:

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
• Bachelor's Degree
• Ability to frequently travel locally and frequently travel regionally and nationally.
• Ability to occasionally work evenings and occasionally work weekends, as needed.

Please submit a writing sample with your cover letter.

This position pays between $70,400 and $84,500 depending on experience.