For The People (FTP) works with prosecutors, system leaders, community members, and incarcerated people to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences. We harness the incredible power of prosecutors to join the fight to end sentences that no longer serve justice. Through direct partnerships, we work with prosecutors to safely release and reintegrate incarcerated persons into their communities. For more information, please visit www.fortheppl.org.

About the Position

For The People is looking for a highly creative and driven Communications Specialist to elevate the organization into national thought leadership spaces across the country, and share the human stories behind this emerging area of law. The Communications Specialistwill focus on engaging journalists, securing and coordinating events, and identifying new opportunities for national recognition. The Communications Specialistwill help bring For The People’s stories to the national stage, including from District Attorneys, formerly incarcerated people, and leaders on staff. This includes pitching and securing media, identifying and securing events and awards opportunities, project managing across communications workstreams, and ideating innovative strategies with the communications team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Media Execution: Ideate, coordinate, and execute media strategy with support from the Communications lead. Spearhead the development and maintenance of a pitch bank, conduct media outreach, own relationship-building with journalists, and secure media opportunities to further For The People’s mission. Work closely with For The People’s leadership and members of the press to see the opportunity to the finish line, including support with media prep and amplification. (40%)
Events: Own the tracking and submission of events, ensuring ongoing research and development across the landscape to identify new opportunities. Develop event prep documents and work alongside the Communications Manager to prepare thought leaders within For The People and partner organizations for upcoming events. Work alongside FTP staff on some in-house event planning, including coordinating with outside vendors and consultants to ensure a smooth, successful event (both online and in-person). (30%)
Recognition/Awards: The Communications Specialist should feel confident doing research to identify key opportunities for national recognition, including awards. They will also be expected to draft submissions and secure opportunities for For The People’s leadership and some partners. This involves working closely with the Digital Content Strategist to support subsequent award amplification across digital channels. (30%)

All of the above responsibilities will require…

Strong Written Assets: The ideal candidate will be confident in developing written communications to advance our mission. These will include press releases, pitches, newsletters, event dossiers, and some planning/strategy documents, depending on experience. We are willing to train a strong communicator in developing some of these written assets.
Effective Project Management: The Communications Specialist must be proficient in project management, helping drive the organization of the Communications Team. This involves developing trackers, templates, resource management, and ensuring cross-team collaboration so that the Communications Team reaches its strategic goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Incredibly sharp writing skills applicable to pitches, newsletters, press releases, and wider organizational content.
Intuitive organization. Experience with project management across a wide array of ongoing projects, delivering high-quality results under deadlines.
Keen eye for brand style and strong attention to detail.
Energy and proactivity. Bringing new ideas to the table with self-motivation.
Experience with executing communications plans/strategies.
Familiarity with pitches, editorial calendars, press releases, and copy editing
Background in marketing, communications or journalism is encouraged but not required.
Must hold a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive to locations in the California Bay Area, including prison releases.
A driving passion for FTP’s mission is to reduce the number of people serving excessive sentences across the nation, end institutional racism, and restore human dignity to the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and all who are impacted by the criminal justice system.
A start-up mentality, including a willingness to roll up your sleeves – and enjoyment of every phase of this work from research and development, to writing new assets, to cultivating relationships, to tracking deliverables, to collaborating with teammates.
Demonstrated curiosity, empathy, integrity, and sense of humor.
Willingness to execute basic, event-based photography with iPhone or a point-and-shoot (provided by the organization).

Location

This position will be located in California’s Bay Area. The Communications Specialist will be required to work in our Oakland office a minimum of 1 day a week. The Communications Specialist will also be required to attend various in-person events, including prison releases, special events, and conferences.

Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience; starting range $70-80K
100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
25 hours paid hour for professional development/coaching
Option to enroll in 403(b) retirement plan

How To Apply

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Submit the information below at: https://fortheppl.bamboohr.com/jobs/

a resume;
a cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role and your qualifications;
three references from people familiar with your qualifications.
Work sample: 1-2 pieces of relevant written work – preferably a press release, pitch, newsletter, op-ed or news article showcasing your work.

Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement

FTP works every day to serve justice and that begins with our team. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after. We strive to create a team that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Request for Accommodations

If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position, please contact For The People at info@fortheppl.org and appropriate accommodations will be provided.

For The People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals. We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.

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Communications Specialist