Title: Communications Associate

Department: Los Angeles Date: December 2012

Job Responsibilities:

The Communications Associate is a key member of the Children’s Defense Fund- California (CDF-CA) team and the regional communications staff, helping to build strong support for the work of Dismantling the Cradle to Prison Pipeline® in California and the nation. This position reports to the CDF California State Coordinator.
The Communications Associate will develop and implement a communications strategy to further CDF-CA goals and priorities. Specific job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Website Development and Email Communications

• Developing a plan for continuously growing email subscribers and website visitors;

• Developing and overseeing the design of all website content, layout, and graphics, using Convio, a content management system;

•Taking lead role within CDF-CA staff to structure the website to best reflect CDF-CA goals and efforts;

• Continuously updating the website with new and relevant content;

• Developing and distributing email updates, action alerts, and monthly email newsletters, including researching, writing, editing and formatting;

• Tracking communications metrics and assessing outcomes;

Media and Press Coordination

• Planning and strategizing for communications activities together with State Coordinator and CDF-CA staff;

• Coordinating media activities, including press conferences and briefings and press coverage of field events and reports; Drafting and editing media advisories and press releases and preparing press kits;

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with reporters, news editors, and other media representatives;

• Coordinating a database of media spokespeople, including families;

• Managing CDF-CA’s social media presence, including content creation and community outreach within social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter;

Content Creation

• Drafting and editing communications material and content, including but not limited to: op-eds, letters to the editor, blog posts, talking points, and email and website content;

• Developing flyers, postcards, brochures and other necessary materials for field activities and events; Seeking opportunities to expand CDF’s presence and message in innovative ways;

Database management

• Developing and implementing a system of managing contacts and field outreach lists and meeting notes in an organized system, such as Convio and Raiser’s Edge databases
Various Projects as Required

• Coordinating with all California and assisting with field activities as necessary;

• Assisting the State Coordinator with the Beat the Odds® annual fundraising event, including media and publication related activities;

• Assisting with field activities including attending meetings, conducting trainings, and making presentations;

• Supporting efforts of State Coordinator as needed.

Qualifications and Desired Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant work experience;

• Excellent writing and editing skills including usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation

• Excellent public speaking skills;

• Fluent website development skills, ideally including experience working in HTML and
Convio

• Excellent computer skills including desktop publishing software; (Adobe InDesign)

• Ability to create messaging and written material for a variety of different mediums and audiences;

• Commitment to improving the lives of children as expressed in CDF’s mission statement;

• Willingness to travel monthly throughout California as well as to Washington DC and other CDF locations;

• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines;

• Self-motivated, creative, organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and able to manage a heavy workflow and work well under pressure;

• Ability to work independently and as a member of CDF-CA and the national communications team;

• Ability to maintain effective internal and external working relationships with diverse groups of people, background in community organizing highly desirable;

• Strong familiarity and interest in state and federal policies that pertain to children and families;

• Experience working with elected officials and their staffs;

• Bilingual Spanish speaking candidates are encouraged to apply.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent employee benefits.

Send resume, cover letter, references and writing sample to:

cdfca@childrensdefense.org

CDF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER