Communications Manager

Defending Rights & Dissent seeks a Communications Manager to join our team. For over 60 years DRAD has defended the right to know and freedom to act through grassroots mobilization, public education, policy expertise, and advocacy journalism.

This full-time, exempt position plays a vital role in promoting DRAD's mission and vision. By raising awareness, you will help expand our impact and advance our organizational goals and strategic objectives. Reporting to the Policy Director, you'll create and implement DRAD’s advocacy outreach content and communication strategies.

Are you a talented writer passionate about protecting the right to dissent, press freedom, government transparency and accountability? To be a valuable member of the DRAD team, you should be an engaging communicator capable of persuading and educating various audiences, have a track record of securing earned media, and demonstrate strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.

The DRAD office is located in Washington, DC, however work will be primarily performed remotely.

Overview of responsibilities

• Develop and implement the organization’s communications and marketing strategies. Author, produce and manage all DRAD digital assets including our website.
• Develop and implement a media strategy to enhance Defending Rights & Dissent’s reputation and build recognition.
• Create content including action alerts, blog posts, newsletters, and talking points across various channels, targeting diverse audiences including members of Congress, policymakers, grassroots activists, funders, and both independent and mainstream media.
• Ensure key communications performance indicators are tracked and met by helping set yearly goals, managing the process of gathering progress update data, providing analysis of trends, evaluating current efforts, and strategizing improvements.
• Develop materials for press and media outlets, including writing press releases, preparing information and pitches, responding to media requests, and preparing staff for media appearances, providing feedback.
• Pitch newsworthy stories to journalists, develop relationships with journalists, maintain up-to-date press lists.
• Proofread or edit organizational publications, adapt content and features for use across digital platforms.
• Effectively communicate across internal messaging platforms.
• Manage and track the organization’s branded documents, photo library and other digital assets.
• Monitor and analyze social media metrics to assess the performance of campaigns.
• Track and analyze media coverage.
• Build and implement a social media strategy across media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok and create action plans to grow engagement and followers. Stay abreast of current trends in social media to improve subscriber engagement.
• Improve marketing tactics for audience growth, improve SEO results, drive web traffic, and promote initiatives to target and grow audiences.
• Assist in cultivating and stewarding donors and prospects by providing thought leadership and ensuring the high quality of all external materials, including project updates, proposals, and reports.
• Support development engagement efforts by creating engaging marketing materials to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, attend community events and meetings to gain a deeper understanding of the organizational mission.

Qualifications:

• A demonstrated commitment to DRAD’s mission and work.
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience in a relevant field (communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related fields).
• At least 5 years of experience working in civil liberties advocacy, communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaboratively convey complex legal and policy issues to diverse audiences, often incorporating input from policy staff.
• Ability to effectively communicate across levels within an organization (i.e., with Executive Leadership, members of the Board and across different departments).
• Excellent knowledge of mainstream and independent media landscape.
• Computer Skills: proficient with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. Proficiency with G-Suite, Cloud based data sharing.
• Demonstrated experience managing social media platforms for advocacy and/or in a professional setting.
• Experience with communications software and web tools such as Bonterra EveryAction, WordPress, Action Network, and social media management tools.
• Multimedia production skills (graphic design and video editing) a plus.
• Demonstrated success managing organizational social media accounts.
• Willingness to publicly advocate on controversial or unpopular issues.
• Willingness to work with people across the political spectrum.
• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists.
• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience communicating about advocacy and organizing on First and Fourth Amendment issues (desired).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer within the U.S. DRAD is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

Women, People of Color, Disabled and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

DRAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all qualified individuals have an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.