Director, Public & Media Relations

The SPLC is seeking a Director of Public & Media Relations who is passionate about racial and social justice!

The Director of Media and Public Relations will lead a team of media relations professionals working to elevate the organization’s work focusing on expanding our democracy and voting, decarceration and decriminalization, and poverty eradication, all under the umbrella of knowledge within the social justice and civil rights movement.

Who You Are

People Manager. Experienced people manager with proven success in training, leading, coaching, developing or mentoring staff. Clear communicator of goals and priorities, organizational decisions, policies, and processes in perspective, keeping the SPLC's best interest at the heart of all communications, decisions, and actions.

Experienced. Demonstrated proven record of success leading strategic public information and communications campaigns for our legal, legislative, public policy and/or government entities with a strong knowledge and understanding of C-3 and C-4 political work. Skilled in rapid response and crisis communications and working with state, regional and national news media and online media.

Collaborative. Demonstrated ability to work with internal departments as well as external organizations, stakeholders, and communities to execute specific strategies to advance the Center's goals.

Versatile. Can navigate the dynamics of managing multiple projects and meeting the various deadlines, while working autonomously and taking initiative.

Communicative. Exceptional communications skills, including clear, concise writing and editing with the ability to frame complex issues for the media and public.

Proactive. Ability to advocate and successfully pitch and place stories in news and online media that prominently position the organization’s initiatives and thought leadership.

Resourceful. Ability to identify, research and cultivate prospective contacts with niche media outlets, while managing and building relationships with individuals in state, regional and national news and online media outlets.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an awareness for SPLC's mission and vision; and a commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

What You'll Do

Coordinate with internal and external colleagues to strategize and plan for issue-specific messaging that reflects organizational goals and mission.

Create, develop and advance strategic public and media relations plans.

Draft and edit materials such as recommendations, executive summaries, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, press conference schedules, speeches, talking points and updates website with relevant content.

Field press inquiries and manages earned media events such as press conferences.

Attend meetings with colleagues to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current media strategy needs.

Build, develop and maintain relationships with members of regional and national news media outlets and creates and expands relationships and contacts of bookers at leading TV/radio outlets and journalists from top-tier print/online outlets and podcasts.

Provide media-related support, such as training and coaching spokespeople on messaging and interview tactics.

Track breaking news associated with litigation, legislation and public policy and works on rapid response communication tactics and strategies.

Manage a team of communications and media relations professionals toward successful outcomes.

Hire, train, and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign duties, conduct performance reviews, and provide coaching to improve team workflow.

Perform other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Minimum 10 years media relations and public education work experience;
• Minimum 5 years direct supervisory experience; and
• High School Diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role and the minimum starting salary is $164,864 annually. Salary will be commensurate with

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You'll Work

This role the following work designations options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely, but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

Other Special Considerations

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

Works some evenings and/or weekends in the event of breaking news.

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.

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 without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.