ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 250 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Innocence Project recognises the immense power of strategic communications to advance legal and policy reform to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions and achieve criminal legal system reform. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Strategic Communications Director is a big picture communications strategist who understands how to use communications at a multitude of levels and fora to drive change. The Strategic Communications Director directly supervises and oversees the work of the Senior Media Strategist.

The Strategic Communications Director plays a key role in developing smart proactive and reactive media strategies that advance the Innocence Project’s (IP) mission. They work closely with IP’s program teams - the Post-conviction Litigation, Special Litigation, Policy and Strategic Litigation departments - as well as IP’s leadership to create and implement strategic communications plans to enhance the impact of the work and further the organization’s reputation. They develop and implement strategic communications plans for campaigns and advancing policy reforms with a keen eye for activating new and existing audiences to achieve results. They recognise the power of storytelling and in particular, of sharing the stories of freed and exonerated people whose experiences are at the heart of all that we do.

This leadership role includes the responsibility of supervising and overseeing at least one team member and plays a key part in helping align team efforts with the department’s and organization’s broader goals. As such, they will supervise and guide colleagues in meeting their individual responsibilities and contributing to the overall success of the team.

The Strategic Communications Director is responsible for elevating the profiles of IP leadership and key staff - developing comprehensive positioning strategies across a range of platforms and outlets. They cultivate media partnerships to amplify and advance the institutional and programmatic work of the organization in powerful ways. They provide support and advice to leadership, staff and clients across the organization. Together with the Senior Media Strategist, the Strategic Communications Director strengthens relationships with key journalists and influencers in a range of local and national outlets in the print, broadcast and online sectors. They also play an important role in crisis communications and departmental management.

The Strategic Communications Director works with communications colleagues to support the daily operations of the department - working on both quick turnaround and long term projects in areas of public affairs, media relations and executive positioning. They draft and place op-eds and other written works for staff and clients. Working with the Senior Media Strategist, they develop a suite of messages around key issues.

Importantly, the Strategic Communications Director is a leader in the communications team and the organization. Together with the Senior Media Strategist, they are the go-to team for all things media and communications strategy. They have a strong network of media and non-profit sector contacts and a keen interest in following and imparting trends and learnings in the communications field.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Innocence Project seeks a strategic communications leader with a strong track record of using media and storytelling to drive policy change and advance social justice. They are a collaborative, values-driven professional who can translate complex issues into compelling narratives, build trusted relationships, and lead with empathy, accountability, and a commitment to equity.

In addition, the ideal candidate models our IP Values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness. All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and lived experience of our staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Works closely with the CCO to craft smart strategic communications to advance programmatic and institutional goals.
• Develops strong working relationships with IP leadership and programmatic teams along with a deep understanding of their work and communications ambitions.
• Drives the development of communications plans for program teams and leadership
• Works with communications colleagues to develop thoughtful media relations strategies and related plans that include proactive and reactive goals and tactics.
• Works closely with colleagues to maintain a suite of messaging documents for the organization’s work across departments, specific high-profile issues and client-related news.
• Serves as an organizational spokesperson.
• Pitches and places stories in regional and national print, broadcast and online outlets.
• Cultivates relationships with key journalists and influencers and in particular the editorial boards of major media outlets.
• Identifies and creates opportunities to build partnerships with an array of print, digital and broadcast platforms to grow the reach and impact of IP’s work.
• Serves as an evangelist for communications in the organization, building and strengthening relationships across departments, leading workshops and strategy sessions to ensure strong impact and outcomes from the work.
• Has particular responsibility for executive positioning - ensuring that the executive leadership team has a clear voice and profile in key outlets and platforms, and a steady drumbeat of associated content.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Media or related field plus 11+ years OR Master’s degree plus 9+ years of communications experience, preferably working with a nonprofit with involvement in political or advocacy campaigns
• 1-2 years staff management experience
• Experience developing communications strategies and campaigns to support institutional goals as well as policy and other reforms
• Experience drafting succinct and incisive op-eds, backgrounders, and releases and other materials
• Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships with journalists and in particular journalists of influence and profile
• Deep experience in media relations, a successful track record pitching and placing stories across all media platforms along with skills in shaping the story and controlling the message
• Proven ability to serve as an organizational spokesperson
• Attention to detail and superior writing, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT COMPETENCIES:

• Motivation and Inspiration: fosters a positive, inclusive environment that energizes team members, encourages initiative, and supports a high performing, engaged team.
• Talent Development: sets clear expectations that align with the DH and/or SLT member’s vision, holds regular 1:1s, completes annual performance reviews, provides ongoing feedback, encourages continuous professional development; participates in the recruitment and robust onboarding of new team members as needed.
• Empowerment and Communication: delegates effectively, promotes accountability, maintains open, transparent communication both with team members and across departments; removes barriers to support team member success.
• Engagement and Resolution: proactively addresses team member challenges, resolves issues constructively when possible, and fosters a cohesive, collaborative and effective work environment.
• Values Based Leadership: leads by example, embodying and modeling the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, equity, empathy and compassion, person-centeredness, quality focus, self-awareness.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, and communication (verbal & written) skills: the ability to interact effectively and sensitively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds
• Strong organizational and planning skills along with attention to detail
• Flexible and collaborative work style, ability to function effectively in a demanding environment and to juggle multiple tasks under pressure and deadlines
• Ability to grasp legal and criminal justice issues and translate them into persuasive and easy-to-understand language
• Demonstrated initiative and reliability
• A passion for the organization’s work
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shared commitment to the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

Upon submission of your application you will be requested to complete an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) survey. This survey is part of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The information you provide is voluntary and confidential. Completing the survey helps us track our progress in creating a fair and equitable environment. This data is used for reporting purposes only. Please note, the identities presented in the survey reflect federal language required by law. The Innocence Project acknowledges that not all identities are included and any reference to gender explicitly refers to biological sex. We recognize these terms are limited and we strive to humanize our internal practices. Your completion of the survey is greatly appreciated.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please click 'Apply for this Job' below. Upload a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_resume). In the space provided, add a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work. Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential.

*At the Innocence Project, we believe in recognizing talent and passion beyond formal educational qualifications. We are committed to considering a broad array of candidates with a range of professional and lived experiences and backgrounds. We know that transferable skills can be gained through a variety of ways that could enable a candidate to be successful in a role, not just formal education. For this position, if you have at least 15 years of experience in this or a related field, we encourage you to apply regardless of your educational background. So, whether you’re returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to transition to a new career path, or taking the next step in your professional life, we encourage you to apply if you have additional experience in lieu of the posted educational requirements.

SALARY RANGE

$127,500 - $150,000. Salary commensurate with experience.