Media Relations Specialist
Los Angeles or Washington, DC
OCTOBER 2015 |
About the National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Headquartered in Los Angeles with an office in Washington, DC, the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is the premier organization working exclusively to advance and defend the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their families. We believe that all people who live in the U.S.—regardless of their immigration or economic status, race, gender, or sexual identity—should have the opportunity to achieve their full human potential. We utilize a core set of strategies—litigation, advocacy, and strategic communications—to focus on key program areas that affect the lives and well-being of low-income immigrants. Through innovative policy and legal advocacy strategies, NILC has won landmark decisions protecting civil rights, warded off negative policy changes, and advanced progressive policies that promote the well-being of all communities.
NILC is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. NILC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or other protected class.
About the Position
Reporting to the Communications Director, the Media Relations Specialist will provide strategic media support to advance our programmatic goals and institutional brand. This position will work closely with litigators and policy analysts to craft media plans on litigation and legislative matters, while also ensuring that NILC becomes a resource for members of the media. This is a great opportunity to join a team of smart, dedicated, and fun advocates working to advance a bold economic justice agenda. This position will ideally be based in our Los Angeles, CA, office, but we will consider placement in our Washington, DC, office.
Specific responsibilities include:
Writing and editing op-eds, press releases, and other press materials in English and, depending on proficiency in another language, possibly in that language as well.
Preparing talking points and briefing materials.
Working with program staff to develop communications campaigns to help achieve programmatic goals.
Providing spokesperson training for staff, clients, and other individuals.
Researching and developing fact sheets.
Outreach and relationship development with media, bloggers, and press.
Organizing press conferences and speaking events, and coordinating communications activities with allies.
Developing press lists and clip files.
Developing effective pitches for media.
Performing other related projects or duties as assigned.
Qualifications
This position offers a unique opportunity to work on forward-thinking communications strategies as they relate to the complex intersection of immigration and anti-poverty issues. With that in mind, the ideal candidate will possess:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, or related field, plus 2 to 5 years’ experience in communications or public relations OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to write English confidently, clearly, and with precision, using language/vocabulary easily understandable by a mass audience.
Experience translating (or ability to translate) complex legal and policy jargon or terms of art into laypersons’ vocabulary.
Strong relationships with members of the media, especially immigration reporters, or ability and willingness to develop such relationships.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to handle competing deadlines.
Flexibility to manage press needs for both the Washington, DC, and Los Angeles offices.
Familiarity with Vocus/Cision or other media management platform.
Strong preference given to candidates with:
Experience providing media training and support for subject experts.
Additional competence in reading and writing a language other than English.
Strong demonstrated commitment to racial justice and/or social justice issues.
Familiarity with U.S. political and legal justice system processes.
Salary and Benefits
Excellent benefits and compensation package. Benefits include paid time off, paid family leave, health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending account, and 403(b) plan.
To Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by October 31, 2015. If this job announcement is still on our website, we are still accepting applications.
Please send a detailed cover letter explaining your connection to NILC’s mission and why you are the ideal candidate for this position, along with your resume, to communicationsjob@nilc.org. PDF format preferred. Please include your preferred location (Los Angeles, CA, or Washington, DC) and reference #MRS1015 in the subject line of your email message.
Please do not send duplicate materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. No employment agency contacts, please.