Director Of Communications
Common Justice is seeking a dynamic storyteller, culture shifter, and media relations expert to develop and implement strategies that embed anti-mass incarceration, racial equity, and survivor-centered narrative into the national dialogue.
Position Location: New York City. Brooklyn, NY preferred
Reporting To: Vice President of Organizing and Policy
About the Opportunity: Common Justice is seeking a dynamic storyteller, culture shifter, and media relations expert to develop and implement strategies that embed anti-mass incarceration, racial equity, and survivor-centered narrative into the national dialogue. This person will work with the communications team to uplift stories and images that rarely make it into the mainstream media to compel a large number of key audiences to shift their assumptions about public safety, community health, and punishment. This work requires Common Justice to effectively leverage cultural influences in support of Common Justice’s organizing and policy campaigns, and partner with creatives and storytellers who can effectively share the stories, visions, and aspirations of survivors of violence, the formerly incarcerated, and those impacted by community violence. This work will help society at large, as well as the arts and entertainment world, rethink its impact on race relations, resource distribution, violence, and crime. The areas of focus for this role will include narrative change strategy, media relations, the facilitation of collaboration among creative, and public engagement initiatives.
Common Justice develops and advances solutions to violence that transforms the lives of those harmed and fosters racial equity without relying on incarceration. Locally, we operate the first alternative-to-incarceration and victim-service programs in the United States to focus on violent felonies in adult courts. Nationally, we leverage the lessons from our direct service to transform the justice system through partnerships, advocacy, and elevating the experience and power of those most impacted. Rigorous and hopeful, we build practical strategies to hold people accountable for harm, break cycles of violence, and secure safety, healing, and justice for survivors and their communities.
Common Justice’s work includes broad narrative-shifting efforts to support changes in both policy and culture. The organization is committed to telling the truth about violence—about the people who survive it, the people who cause it, and the strategies that will work to end it. The communications work creates and deploys broad new platforms to elevate the voices and leadership of those impacted by violence from the block to the Capitol.
Common Justice is seeking a dynamic storyteller, culture shifter, and media relations expert to develop and implement strategies that embed anti-mass incarceration, racial equity, and survivor-centered narrative into the national dialogue. This person will work with the communications team to uplift stories and images that rarely make it into the mainstream media to compel a large number of key audiences to shift their assumptions about public safety, community health, and punishment. This work requires Common Justice to effectively leverage cultural influences in support of Common Justice’s organizing and policy campaigns, and partner with creatives and storytellers who can effectively share the stories, visions, and aspirations of survivors of violence, the formerly incarcerated, and those impacted by community violence. This work will help society at large, as well as the arts and entertainment world, rethink its impact on race relations, resource distribution, violence, and crime. The areas of focus for this role will include narrative change strategy, media relations, the facilitation of collaboration among creative, and public engagement initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities:
The Director of Communications will:
- Work with the Vice President of Organizing and Policy to develop and implement Common Justice’s narrative-shifting and digital advocacy strategies to influence public understanding of mass incarceration, violence, and racial equity;
- Develop and maintain relationships with the media to maximize coverage of Common Justice, advance its profile, and attract funding and donors;
- Research and write materials for press by gathering information from staff, participants, and members;
- Coordinate press inquiries and manage press on-site at events;
- Advise content creation including publications, reports, videos, and social media content, and ensure alignment with overall strategic goals;
- Develop and lead strategies to expand Common Justice’s digital reach;
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum of 7 years of experience overseeing communications within a non-profit, preferably one that operates with a social justice, and/or racial equity lens, with progressively increasing management responsibility;
- Prior experience drafting and disseminating press releases;
- Editing and proofreading skills;
- Experience cultivating relationships, partnering on projects, and working closely with stakeholders across the broader media industry;
- A strong network of actionable contacts in the media industry preferred;
- Experience with implementing and managing successful projects and growing them to scale;
- Strong problem-solving, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills across a range of tasks and stakeholders;
- General technology and social media fluency;
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and be a proactive team player;
- Willingness to travel occasionally;
- Experience working with survivors of trauma strongly preferred;
- A well-developed, nuanced understanding of the experience of harm and oppression; well-developed analysis of power and supremacy;
- Flexibility, creativity, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively;
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
- Formerly incarcerated people and/or survivors or violence strongly encouraged to apply.
To Apply:
Salary is commensurate with experience within Common Justice’s pay range of $128,000 - $134,000 for a Director level position. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life, long-term disability insurance, retirement 401(k), and substantial vacation.
Please submit a resume, writing sample(s), and cover letter indicating where you found this position to [email protected]. Please include “Director of Communications” in the subject line of your email.
Common Justice is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, or current employment status. Common Justice values diverse experiences, including educational background and justice system involvement. We depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.