Communications Associate

SJCA is seeking a Communications Associate to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with colleagues across various teams to support the execution of the organization’s strategic communications plans. You will support the organization’s goals by managing short-term and long-term projects, and carrying out other media relations and writing assignments. This is a great opportunity for a highly motivated individual who is interested in working at the intersection of policy and politics, and honing their communications skills in issue and campaign strategy, messaging development, and media advocacy.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to info@smartjusticeca.org.

QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Experience and Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in communications, media relations, policy advocacy or other related fields
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, multitasker with good organizational skills and ability to prioritize and meet competing deadlines
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with an eye for identifying and conveying compelling stories and throughlines.
• Digital savviness – including social media – and ability to independently conduct research on policy and media relations projects
• Capability to work effectively and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to meet group objectives
• Passionate about communications and your professional development, and open to receiving and providing feedback
• Comfort with in-person engagement and willingness to travel throughout the state several times a year
• Excellent computer skills including Google Suite products, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Canva
• Experience with media relations and event coordination strongly preferred
• Familiarity with newsletter and website content management systems strongly preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management (40%)

• Develop and manage timelines and work plans for various projects, including strategic communications, messaging research, events, and more
• Lead event and project logistics, including scheduling and planning press conferences and policy briefings
• Manage and coordinate with colleagues, coalition partners, graphic designers, and other external partners to develop and finalize deliverables
• Draft organizational and meeting materials for internal and external stakeholders, including agendas, slide decks, memos, and other content

Strategic Communications and Media Relations (60%)

• Support the development of communications strategies, including drafting earned media reports, building press lists, and conducting media analyses and research projects
• Manage day-to-day earned media tasks, including fielding and vetting incoming media requests, and pitching reporters
• Draft high-quality media relations deliverables such as media advisories, press releases, Op-Eds, and pitches
• Develop other internal and external facing organizational materials, including talking points, social media copy, newsletters, and fact sheets
• Manage the organization’s digital channels (website, newsletter, social media) with an emphasis on striking the right tone and reaching our target audiences to advance our organizational goals

The Communications Associate position is a full-time, non-exempt position, working primarily remotely in California, with monthly travel to Sacramento or other locations in the state. The salary range for this position is $60,000-75,000, commensurate with experience and skills. We offer a competitive benefits package and a dynamic work environment with the potential to make a significant impact on the movement to end mass incarceration.

SJCA is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from justice-impacted people, women, people of color, and bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race (including hairstyle and texture), religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions.