Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns

About the role:

The Director of Media Strategy & Campaigns reports to the Managing Director of Communications & External Affairs partners with colleagues across Vera Institute and Vera Action to conceive and implement strategic campaigns, owns Vera’s consistent presence in high-profile media and targeted local and regional outlets, shapes the Institute’s messaging, and influences public conversation on Vera’s issues. 

1. Strategy development 

• Set and execute media strategy to advance Vera Institute and Vera Action’s priorities 
• Strengthen a rapid response operation to activate around newsworthy moments on Vera’s issues  
• Track daily media coverage and public sentiment on Vera Institute and Vera Action’s issues to continuously inform and shape campaign strategies  

2. Messaging development

• Lead the drafting of talking points and messaging framework on Vera’s priority issues and campaigns
• Oversee the development and distribution of talking points, press releases, pitches, memos, background briefings, fact sheets and other materials 
• Partner with colleagues in Advocacy, Research, and Initiatives to build overall media and communications strategy 
• Ensure staff are prepared for media and public appearances via formal media training and informal prep sessions 

3. Media relations 

• Cultivate, maintain, and expand relationships with journalists, producers, bloggers, and other influential media figures who regularly cover criminal justice and immigration issues 
• Proactively pitch media engagements across print, digital, radio, podcast, TV, and new media  
• Draft and place op-eds and LTEs bylined by internal spokespeople and partners 
• Provide journalists and staff with concise, compelling messages and summaries 

4. Effectively supervise the media team 

• Train, mentor, give feedback, and evaluate media specialists; effectively assign workloads, set clear project deadlines, and hold team accountable for KPIs 
• Foster collaborative culture that emphasizes independent problem solving; guide team in interpreting analytics and utilize tools to optimize campaigns and improve ROI 
• ability to manage high-pressure situations, negotiate effectively internally and externally, and serve as a strong bridge between departments and partners 

What qualifications are we looking for?

Required: 

• At least 10 years of experience with successful track record of conceiving, developing, and executing innovative and effective strategies for engaging media at the national, regional, and local level for a government office or elected official 
• At least 8 years of experience leading advocacy campaigns 
• At least 5 years of experience as a supervisor managing at least 3 people 
• Strong experience managing crisis communications 

Preferred:  

• Advanced degree a plus. In lieu of degree requirement, applicable work or life experience may be considered. Experience should include media, journalism, or public relations work, including significant experience supervising and managing media relations personnel as a director. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring: 

• Ability to work under tight deadlines, draft near-final copy, and adept at being able to adjust effectively in a fast-changing work environment.  
• Excellent writer and communicator who can adeptly distill research into public facing messages and take storytelling to the next level 

Location:

Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Compensation and Benefits:

The compensation range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute’s total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay, generous paid time off, a comprehensive health insurance plan, student loan repayment benefits, professional development training opportunities and up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work, employer-funded retirement plan, and flexible time. To learn more about Vera’s benefits offerings, click here. 

Application Process:

To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.