Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns

About the role

The Director of Media Strategy & Campaigns reports to the Managing Director of Communications & External Affairs and partners with colleagues across Vera Institute and Vera Action to conceive and implement strategic campaigns, owns Vera’s consistent presence in high-profile media and targeted local and regional outlets, shapes the Institute’s messaging, and influences public conversation on Vera’s issues.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute media strategy to advance Vera Institute and Vera Action’s priorities
• Strengthen a rapid response operation to activate around newsworthy moments on Vera’s issues
• Track daily media coverage and public sentiment on Vera Institute and Vera Action’s issues to continuously inform and shape campaign strategies
• Lead the drafting of talking points and messaging framework on Vera’s priority issues and campaigns
• Oversee the development and distribution of talking points, press releases, pitches, memos, background briefings, fact sheets and other materials
• Partner with colleagues in Advocacy, Research, and Initiatives to build overall media and communications strategy
• Ensure staff are prepared for media and public appearances via formal media training and informal prep sessions
• Cultivate, maintain, and expand relationships with journalists, producers, bloggers, and other influential media figures who regularly cover criminal justice and immigration issues
• Proactively pitch media engagements across print, digital, radio, podcast, TV, and new media
• Draft and place op-eds and LTEs bylined by internal spokespeople and partners
• Provide journalists and staff with concise, compelling messages and summaries
• Effectively supervise the media team, including training, mentoring, giving feedback, and evaluating media specialists

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience with successful track record of conceiving, developing, and executing innovative and effective strategies for engaging media at the national, regional, and local level for a government office or elected official
• At least 8 years of experience leading advocacy campaigns
• At least 5 years of experience as a supervisor managing at least 3 people
• Strong experience managing crisis communications

Qualifications

An advanced degree is a plus, but applicable work or life experience may be considered. Experience should include media, journalism, or public relations work, including significant experience supervising and managing media relations personnel as a director.

Skills

• Ability to work under tight deadlines, draft near-final copy, and adjust effectively in a fast-changing work environment
• Excellent writer and communicator who can distill research into public-facing messages and take storytelling to the next level

Pay

The salary for this position is $140,000 - $160,000 per year.

Location and Schedule

This is a full-time position located in Brooklyn, New York.