Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
- Assists in the drafting, editing and strategic dissemination of news releases, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces.
- Provides robust public affairs and communications support and assistance to NACDL's policy and pro bono initiatives.
- Builds and maintains ongoing relationships with key legal affairs, justice, congressional, and Supreme Court reporters, provides background information and/or media referrals to NACDL’s leadership, and prepares spokespersons for media interviews.
- Assists in the production of NACDL’s monthly electronic newsletter, E-News. Responsible for formatting and dissemination of E-News.
- Assists in the drafting and editing of the “NACDL News” column for the Association’s renowned monthly magazine, The Champion.
- Shares responsibility for the editing and distribution of NACDL’s Daily Criminal Justice Briefing.
- Assists in the production of NACDL’s podcast series, “The Criminal Docket.”
- Assists in the production and promotion of NACDL and NACDL Foundation videos.
- Continually tracks media coverage of the Association, and its various policy departments’ agenda and priority items, alerting policy staff and membership as appropriate.
- Supports the content management of various parts of the NACDL website, including Home Page Features Boxes and News & Events, News of Interest, NACDL in the News, News Releases, E-News, Podcasts, NACDL Reports, Amicus Curiae Briefs, and on various criminal defense issues.
- Helps manage the Association’s presence on multiple social media platforms.
- Works closely with members of NACDL’s Policy Department and NACDL’s allied organizations on issues concerning criminal legal reform and NACDL’s Return to Freedom Project.
- Assists in the editing, publishing, and marketing of books by NACDLPress.
- Brings the Association’s activities and positions to the attention of news media and the public, through news releases, opinion essays, and the like.
Education, Experience and Competencies:
- Bachelor’s degree in media, communications, journalism, or a related field, with an interest in criminal law and policy, is required.
- Minimum one (1) year experience in public affairs and communications, or a related field.
- Experience using social media in support of an organization to include Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
- Excellent research skills (traditional and online) as well as superior oral and written communications skills are a must.
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic and sound professional judgment.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and respond to rapid-response demands.
- Ability to articulate and able to work well with NACDL’s leaders, members, staff, allies, and the media.
- Ability to operate website content management systems and audio editing software (such as Audacity). Video editing and production skills and video storytelling experience strongly preferred.
- Strong skills in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Ability to perform successfully in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills, specific ability to professionally and thoroughly communicate with customers both via phone and in-person.
Benefits And Application Procedure
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NACDL employees are currently working remotely. When it is deemed safe to return to in-person work, this position ​will be based at NACDL’s Washington, D.C. office, conveniently located near downtown Metro stops. NACDL employees ​work a standard 37.5-hour week and enjoy a generous package of employee benefits, including subsidized health, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a pre-tax commuting subsidy, a 401(k) plan with generous company contributions, paid time off, and paid holidays.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, college (and graduate school, if applicable) transcript, and two writing samples to Ivan J. Dominguez, NACDL’s Senior Director of Public Affairs & Communications, at idominguez@nacdl.org. Please use “Public Affairs and Communications Associate” in the subject line.
