posted on April 19, 2012
CLASP, the Center for Law and Social Policy, is seeking a Communications Director. Based in Washington D.C., with the mission of improving the lives of low-income people, CLASP develops and advocates for federal, state and local policies to strengthen families and create pathways to education and work.
The Communications Director reports directly to the Executive Director of CLASP, directs communications efforts to effectively market and promote CLASP and its policy work, and manages the communications staff.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Strategy and Planning
- Defining the overall marketing and communications strategy, including CLASP’s identity and external messages.
- Sets the strategic direction for the mix of internal and external resources necessary for the effective execution of CLASP’s communications and marketing.
- Counsel issue area team leaders on effective communications strategies, collaborating with them on yearly work plans for communications outreach, to help reach policy goals and increase the organization’s visibility.
- Establishes, manages, and evaluates CLASP communications’ annual goals, priorities and budget, collaborating with the Executive Director, the Director of Development, and issue team leaders to ensure their respective marketing and communications efforts are properly budgeted and monitored.
Production and Oversight of Content
- Introducing new and creative approaches to marketing and communications content designed to expand CLASP’s name recognition and reach to key audiences (funders, policymakers, government officials, advocates) and reaching out to new audiences that are not currently part of CLASP’s core network.
- Oversees the development, design, production, and editorial direction of high-quality and effective print, electronic, web and video communications.
- Directing others or personally participates in writing, editing, proofreading, design, photography and video creation.
- Produces e-communications, op-eds, news releases, press materials, and news events/conferences, as well as participates in the production of reports, issue briefs, funding proposals.
Dissemination
- Gaining news coverage and conduct outreach through social media for the organization in an effort to carry out the organization’s agenda for creating policy change.
- Strategically combining mass communication, including social media, with advocacy strategies.
- Partners with team leaders to use media (television, newspapers, video, social media, websites and more) to advance CLASP’s goals and initiatives.
- Ensures creative responses to opportunities to integrate media, technology, and advocacy plans and actions.
- Enhance the organizations fundraising both with foundation and other sources by proactive communications to funders with details of the organization’s work, success, future plans and media coverage.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- At least 10 years of experience in non-profit advocacy communications, with at least 3 years of management experience.
- Bachelor’s Degree with a record of continuing education through personal and professional development.
- Professional and effective written and oral communication and management skills.
- Experience in marketing non-profit organizations to funders and advocacy, research and governmental audiences.
- Expertise in media outreach, with the ability to weave various issue areas into a compelling, newsworthy item.
- The ability to frame an issue with a policy solution, painting a clear picture of how the solution will create real change in the lives of low-income individuals.
- Skilled producer of media events, marketing materials, media packaging and related logistics.
- Excellence in originating and preparing written materials, such as issue briefings, press releases, social media, web content and layouts, for use in various communications media.
- Detailed understanding of public relations, persuasion, image, and consistency of message and the ability to work with the unique goals, features and audience of each news output.
- Good team-building relationship skills, time management, and deadline management.
- Experience in, or a strong interest in, improving the lives of low-income individuals and families through policy changes at the federal, state and local levels.
COMPENSATION
Within CLASP limits, salary is commensurate with experience. CLASP offers exceptional benefits, including several health insurance options, dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, long term care insurance, a 403(b) retirement program, flexible spending accounts and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.
Please send a resume, writing sample, references, and a thoughtful cover letter via email to: communicationsdir@clasp.org
(NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE)
CLASP is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities and women are particularly encouraged to apply. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled.
