Communications Director

Washington, DC, USA
Posted on  

Job Description

About NARAL Pro-Choice America


For more than 50 years, NARAL Pro-Choice America and its chapters have fought to protect and expand reproductive freedom —including access to abortion and contraception — for every body. 


We are powered by our more than 2.5 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 7 in 10 Americans who believe every person should have the freedom to make the best decision for themselves about if, when, and how to raise a family. 


NARAL Pro-Choice America centers diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in our organization and our work. Continuously learning from our history, we hold ourselves accountable to achieve reproductive freedom with equitable access for everybody.


As the oldest and largest national membership organization primarily focused on advocating for abortion access, we organize and mobilize, galvanizing millions of people to take action to defend reproductive freedom, and shining a spotlight of accountability on bad actors who work to impose their ideological agenda on others. We also work to elect champions for reproductive freedom and advance state and federal legislation to safeguard it.


Summary

We are looking for a Communications Director to oversee, develop and implement an aggressive communications strategy at the national and state level that lifts up NARAL’s campaigns, initiatives, political programs, and long-term vision for reproductive freedom. A strategic and innovative leader, the Director will lead NARAL’s communications team and manage multiple staff as well. The Director will be responsible for the organization’s work to engage the media and enhance NARAL’s visibility, image and influence through effective and creative communications. The Director will shepherd both state and national work and serve as an on-the-record spokesperson, as well as establish and execute organization-wide communications priorities, processes and strategies. 


The ideal candidate will be a hand-on leader who is organized, resourceful, and flexible, with a proven track record of crafting and executing high-impact communications strategies, excellent writing skills, and a top-notch understanding of the news cycle and media environment. They will work on multiple projects at once and must have the ability to excel in a fast-paced environment as well as a commitment to NARAL’s core values and integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into every aspect of our work.


You’ll be a great fit if you’re passionate about reproductive freedom, with 10 years of professional experience (including managing staff and on-the-record experience) and a commitment to working collaboratively, including with other departments, and helping contribute to a positive and high-impact workplace.


Location: Washington, DC preferred, but open to remote workers with the right experience.

Reports to:  VP for Communications and Research

This Position Is: Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union, Management Level VI or VII

Salary:  $110,000- 135,000, depending on experience

In this role, you will:

  • Own the creation of overarching state and national communications strategies to drive NARAL’s narrative and build NARAL’s organizing, electoral, and advocacy power across the country while reaching diverse audiences;
  • Oversee media relations efforts to drive narratives that will reach new and diverse audiences, including high-profile and complex media opportunities;
  • Manage a team of staff and consultants, including several direct reports, providing effective mentoring, coaching, support, and guidance;
  • Serve as on-the-record spokesperson for the organization;
  • Serve as a program director within NARAL, contributing to overarching organizational strategy and liaising with senior leadership and other departments on behalf of the communications team;
  • Develop and cultivate relationships with top-tier reporters;
  • Prepare and staff NARAL’s president and other senior staff for media interviews and appearances;
  • Spearhead efforts to educate press and hold reporters accountable for fair, inclusive, accurate coverage of reproductive freedom;
  • Work with communications staff members to develop and implement communications strategies for NARAL’s electoral and advocacy campaign work in all 5 regions (West/CA, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast), in coordination with NARAL chapter and national staff, including developing overarching plans and strategies across all five regions;
  • Lead national political communications strategy including endorsement rollouts and overarching strategy to elevate champions for reproductive freedom and hold opponents to account;
  • Generate creative tactics to help communications efforts break through in a crowded media environment;
  • Willingness to work some irregular hours and travel as needed;
  • And other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • High-level strategic planning skills, including a sophisticated understanding of organizational, political and policy elements;
  • Excellence in staff management with the ability to develop, coach, and manage high-performance teams;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong news judgment; 
  • 10 years experience with a proven track record of executing high-quality communications work in a fast-paced environment (ideally political and/or advocacy); 
  • Demonstrated creativity and strategic thinking in a range of communications projects;
  • Demonstrated ability to write and edit material quickly and persuasively;
  • Organized self-starter with strong time management and strategic planning skills, with the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
  • Familiarity with media databases like Cision and Meltwater a plus;
  • A commitment to contributing to a workplace environment in which diversity is valued and supported;
  • Willing to work as a team member and to contribute to a positive team environment;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle challenges and obstacles with tact, diplomacy, and flexibility;
  • Ability to manage laterally, work well across different teams and departments, and excel in a matrix management environment;
  • Commitment to NARAL Pro-Choice America’s goal of ensuring every person is able to make their own decisions about pregnancy and safeguarding reproductive freedom;Spanish language fluency is a huge plus;
  • Bachelor's degree.

NRG Consulting Group (https://www.nrgconsulting.group/) is leading this search. Please contact jobs@nrgconsultinggroup.org if you have questions.


NARAL Pro-Choice America is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender or sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, marital status, sexual orientations, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color (including bilingual and bicultural individuals), LGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.