Director of Communications

We are seeking a Director of Communications!

The North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) brings together organizations and individuals committed to ending North Carolina’s death penalty and creating a new vision of justice. We work with and educate lawmakers, communities, and the public about the racist, unjust and ineffectual death penalty. We advocate for equitable alternatives, rooted in restorative justice, that promote healing and increase public health and safety. We center the voices of people most proximate to the death penalty: homicide survivor family members (including executions) and individuals living on or exonerated from death row and their families. We believe their leadership and stories are key to transforming our system.

NCCADP has experienced exciting growth and success in the last two years. On December 31st, we concluded a two-year commutations campaign that resulted in Gov. Roy Cooper commuting 15 death sentences. We seek a strong, creative leader and team player to build on this momentum. The ideal candidate will have a passion for criminal justice reform, exceptional communications skills, and at least three years of relevant experience.

NCCADP strongly encourages applications from people who have direct experience with the carceral state in North Carolina, including people who are formerly incarcerated themselves or those who have incarcerated loved ones. We also encourage applications from people who have lost loved ones to violence, including homicide and execution. NCCADP strives to create a team that reflects our commitment to racial justice and equity; and therefore, we especially seek applications from Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ.

The Director of Communications must live in North Carolina and will work remotely, with some travel for in-person events and meetings in NC required.

Key Responsibilities

1) Direct and implement NCCADP’s communications:

• Serve as primary content writer across NCCADP’s communication platforms including social media, email newsletters, and our website.
• Manage and grow NCCADP’s email list and optimize email communication, including design of digital newsletters.
• Create strategic communications such as petitions, targeted messages, and calls to action.
• Liaise with partner organization communications staff to facilitate sharing events and information, and deepen engagement from their memberships.
• Develop and implement a digital organizing strategic plan in collaboration with the NCCADP team and coalition partners.
• Track and share relevant news coverage.
• Update website using WordPress and write occasional blog posts.
• Write and distribute press releases and advisories as needed.
• Create graphics/ flyers/ brochures.

2) Develop and maintain NCCADP’s databases, including:

• Donors and donor acknowledgement.
• Media outlets.
• Volunteers, coalition members, and partners.

3) Support NCCADP events and programs:

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers for in-person and online events and meetings, which may include planning and some facilitation.
• Represent NCCADP at community events.

4) Be an active and collaborative member of a two-person staff:

• Take the initiative to offer support in other areas when possible and when requested.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant previous experience developing and executing communications strategies and ability to shape narratives that drive social change including strong storytelling, research, writing, and editing skills. Preferably with an advocacy or social justice-oriented organization.
• Previous experience managing a CRM and using digital organizing strategies, including social media platforms.
• Personal commitment to NCCADP’s mission to end the death penalty and create a new vision of justice and to NCCADP’s core values of racial justice, centering the voices of people most proximate to the death penalty, and restorative justice.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and ability to meet deadlines without issue.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Proficient with computer and office software, social media, and basic graphic design.
• Ability to photograph or video events, including using a cell phone.
• Familiarity with the death penalty landscape, the criminal legal system, the decarceration movement, and the political dynamics of the state of North Carolina is a plus.

Hours and compensation: This is a remote, full-time position (37.5 hrs/wk) with traditional daytime hours and occasional evening or weekend hours. It will also require occasional in-person meetings and events, sometimes in different areas of the state. We highly value a “can-do” attitude, and we also strive to support our staff in their work-life balance through our benefits package and positive, passionate work environment.

• Annual salary is $60,500.
• 14 paid holidays in addition to a total of 22 days combined paid time off and health care leave.
• Health care stipend and retirement benefit (total $9,680.00 annually) and reimbursement for travel and some home-office expenses.
• Salary and benefits with pro-rated paid leave will commence upon hire. Position also includes a three-month probationary period.