Communications Associate

📋 Description

• The Communications Associate is responsible for creating and executing communication strategies that enhance the impact of CPJ’s efforts to defend press freedom globally.

• This role plays a vital part within the Communications Department, collaborating with programmatic teams throughout the organization to ensure CPJ’s reporting, expertise, and advocacy objectives reach their fullest potential.

• Success in this position requires media relations and social media experience, strong news judgment, the ability to work independently and proactively, along with a dedication to press freedom.

• In conjunction with the Communications Director and other team members, the Communications Associate will aid in implementing CPJ’s media and outreach strategy.

• The role involves supporting CPJ’s global media relations, which includes managing CPJ’s press inbox daily, building relationships with journalists, pitching op-eds, addressing media inquiries, and assisting with media interviews.

• Responsibilities also include drafting, proofreading, formatting, and distributing press materials; creating promotional content and web materials, as well as contributing to social media messaging.

• The Associate will monitor daily news and opinions within the sector and related fields to spot key opportunities for rapid response and identify potential reputational risks; they will suggest target groups, beats, or media communities for increased engagement or outreach by CPJ.

• This position requires acting as the communications team's first responder during breaking news events occurring in the Europe time zone.

• Assist with the media component of report launches, missions, and campaigns.

• Manage and update CPJ’s global media database and collaborate with regional teams to include and organize their contact information.

• Provide communications guidance to regional programs and support the digital communications team in managing CPJ’s homepage and disseminating timely digital communications across social media platforms.

• Improve and maintain a system for tracking requests, pitches, and media interactions; generate analyses and project-specific reports.

• Analyze collected data and offer recommendations for designing and implementing communications strategies tailored to specific projects, regions, or initiatives.

• Undertake additional duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A profound interest in and commitment to press freedom.

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience working directly with journalists, including those in global media; possessing strong news judgment and political insight.

• A solid understanding of media relations, campaigning, and the significance of strategic communications in promoting advocacy.

• Exceptional writing and editing abilities, with a proven track record of translating complex issues into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.

• Strong project management capabilities, keen attention to detail, and a demonstrated skill in prioritizing and completing tasks efficiently.

• Comfortable working under tight deadlines while managing multiple tasks and prioritizing effectively.

• An independent yet collaborative mindset; a dependable team player skilled at working with remote management and staff.

• Familiarity with platforms such as Mailchimp and WordPress.

• Willingness to travel to the United States, typically once per year.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and impactful organization.

• Professional development and growth opportunities.

• Collaborative work environment with dedicated colleagues.