Media Strategist (Jackson, Mississippi)

Summary:

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) focuses on communities of color and other marginalized groups in the South with the goal of defending their rights and mobilizing efforts to win progressive policies that transform the social and political context in five Deep South states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.) Consistent with its mission, vision and strategic impact goals, the SPLC is instituting a service delivery model in each of the five states it operates focused on and informed by local concerns, context, strategy, solutions and collaboration. The ‘State Offices’ will add capacity to the Center and its efforts to collaboratively address issues unique and proximate to each state and to drive long-term, transformational/structural change.

Through its state office model SPLC will elevate state and local needs, and more effectively and collaboratively employ its organization-wide capabilities and expertise in the states that it operates. Each state office will be led by a State Director who will guide their respective state-based strategy in collaboration with other Center leaders and will provide administrative leadership for the office locations.

The goal is to add a State Office in all SPLC’s primary states over the next three (3) years beginning with the Mississippi State Office in Jackson in early 2021. The Media Strategist will support the State Director and all of the Center’s staff based in Jackson, Mississippi to develop communication strategies for Mississippi campaigns, programs and projects that both shape public discourse and elevate the work of the Center and its in-state networks, community partners and allies to advance solutions that dismantles systems of oppression and that fosters a culture that allows all residents of Mississippi to thrive.

Primary Job Functions:

•  Under the guidance of the Media Director, develop and implement comprehensive media strategies, with input from the Mississippi State Director and in collaboration with other Jackson-based staff and other key allies that build public support for efforts to secure progressive policies that transform the political and social context in Mississippi;
• Tracking breaking news related to litigation, legislation and public policy and working with the Mississippi State Director on rapid response communications tactics;
• Monitoring, analyzing and reporting results and outcomes of efforts to mobilize and defend the rights of communities of color and other marginalized groups in Mississippi;
• Obtain media coverage through story and Op-ed pitches that help shape public discourse and elevate the work of the Center and its in-state networks, community partners and allies;
• Booking SPLC experts on radio and TV to elevate SPLC’s work and taking advantage of opportunities in the news cycle;
• Fielding media requests daily;
• Writing and editing press releases and advisories, talking points, Op-eds, letters to the editor, fact sheets, and other materials;
• Developing and distributing press materials;
• Building and cultivating relationships with key reporters, editorial writers, columnists, producers, and news and talk show hosts;
• Assisting the with message development for SPLC’s issues and activities; and
• Managing, expanding and maintaining database of media contacts.

Qualifications –

Education and Related Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years communications work experience in either an agency, in-house or nonprofit;
• Knowledge of and experience working with regional and national news media and online media;
• Exceptional communications skills, including clear, concise writing and ability to frame complex issues for the media, supporters and public.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

•  Strong interest in and passion for social and racial justice;
• Team player with entrepreneurial spirit and ability to collaborate effectively with staff members at all levels in fast-paced environment;
• Must take direction well but be self-motivated with ability to work independently;
• Ability to work under deadline pressure;
• Must be highly organized and possess the ability to prioritize work;
• Must be familiar with advocacy and/or political efforts;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist workplace culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

For further consideration, please click the link below: 

https://www.splcenter.org/about/careers/jobs?gh_jid=5090461002

Other Special Considerations:

This job is performed under general office conditions, and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

Due to COVID-19, our offices are currently closed, and staff is working remotely.  If this position is filled while our offices remain closed, the new employee will work remotely until the offices reopen.  We are not asking newly hired employees to relocate while the offices are closed. 

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.