Press Secretary

The American Association for Justice (AAJ®) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others - even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

AAJ is seeking a Press Secretary for its Communications department. The Press Secretary role focuses on generating media coverage and publicizing AAJ’s civil justice advocacy.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Communications Team to develop and implement strategies to support AAJ’s legislative agenda in the media.
• Serve as the lead point of contact for incoming press inquiries.
• Assist with building lists of key influencers, stakeholders, partners, and media.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters and pitch stories to local, state, and national outlets.
• Write press releases, opinion pieces, talking points, and other content.
• Work with state affiliates and members to identify press opportunities and coordinate responses to inquiries.
• Engage grassroots activists and stakeholders and provide them with tools to take action in support of or opposition to legislation and policy.
• Monitor civil justice news and trends across a variety of outlets and platforms. Work with Communications Team to develop and execute rapid response media strategies.
• Manage clips database of relevant and earned media stories.
• Propose new initiatives and ideas in strategy sessions and daily communications planning meetings.
• Train and advise AAJ members and stakeholders on media best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications and/or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Experience in media, campaign, or Capitol Hill environment is preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of public relations and communications best practices, trends, and analytics.
• Familiarity with the inner workings of news organizations.
• Ability to build relationships with journalists and media outlets, while maintaining a strong track record of conducting on-background communications with reporters and outlets.
• Innovative self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to promoting and strengthening civil justice.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, superb attention to detail, and good judgment.
• Ability to work independently, take on responsibility, and use initiative to prioritize and work effectively, under pressure and under tight deadlines for multiple concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with how newsrooms work with strong experience in conducting on-background communications with reporters and outlets. On-the-record experience preferred.

Salary Range: $77,500 - $96,000

Benefits and Perks for Working with AAJ:

• Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
• Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
• Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Company social events
• Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC

AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please!