Communications Director

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer rights organization that challenges the corporate control and abuse of our food supply and water resources. 

Position Overview:

We are seeking a full time communications director to develop and implement messages and strategies for communicating with a variety of audiences including the press, Food &Water Watch members, and the public.  The communications director works closely with senior staff to develop and implement communications strategy that will enhance our organization’s reputation and further specific program goals.

The communications director works closely with the program, organizing, and research staff to create and execute media and communications strategies on national, regional, and local issue campaigns. This person is the primary contact for news media and will develop and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers for print, radio, television, and online news sources.  The communications director is responsible for generating press materials and helping ensure the quality of Food & Water Watch publications such as newsletters, fact sheets, reports, and websites. The communications director oversees the press, web, and graphics staff and reports to the executive director.

Specific Responsibilities:

•    Work with the executive director and other senior staff to plan, develop and implement national, state and local media campaigns, including supervising other staff on press outreach work.
•    Develop and service relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers, news and talk show producers, bloggers and other new media practitioners.
•    Design and implement programs to maintain regular information flow to these contacts, including e-mailing, blast faxing and mailing of pertinent information such as news releases and editorial board memos.
•    Respond to press inquiries, pitch stories to reporters, and obtain editorial endorsements, op-ed placements and radio and television bookings.
•    Participate in message development for Food & Water Watch institutional identity and for campaigns.
•    Write and edit materials such as newsletters, press releases and advisories, editorial board memos, talking points, letters to the editor, opinion pieces or articles, website text, blogs, fact sheets and other materials for the public.
•    Assist research director in editing final drafts of reports and help drive report process, specifically assisting in message development, newsworthiness of content, and press strategy for reports.
•    Direct the communications team, which currently consists of two press/communications staff, two web staff, and a graphic designer.
•    Supervise the media work of organizing and program staff including state-based staff.
•    Hire and oversee interns and part-time or short-term contractors or consultants as needed.
•    Maintain in-house press lists and manage external media database
•    Monitor media coverage and news clips and produce quarterly reports of media deliverables.
•    Other duties as required.

Requirements:

Education: College degree required.

Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy, familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media and new media; familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques, electoral organizing, and building organizational capacity.

Experience: At least five years experience in communications in an advocacy setting or journalism linked to issue campaigns; proven experience in developing and executing state and local media strategies; field organizing and supervisory experience preferred.

Skills: Ability to coordinate multifaceted media campaigns and supervise a team for media outreach work; proven experience in developing and executing media strategies. Excellent interpersonal, writing and verbal skills are required. Good computer skills, including proficiency with database programs.

Capabilities: High energy and enthusiasm. Ability to work well with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks at once, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.

Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Watch.  Long hours possible.

Compensation:

Competitive salary, dependent on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes 100% employer paid medical/dental/long-term disability, 403 (b) retirement plan and generous paid leave.

To Apply:

Please email a resume, cover letter, writing sample and 3 references with Communications Director in the subject line. 

Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.