Director, Public & Media Relations

The Director of Media and Public Relations

The Director of Media and Public Relations will lead a team of media relations professionals working to elevate the organization’s work, focusing on:

• Expanding democracy and voting,
• Decarceration and decriminalization, and
• Poverty eradication.

All efforts are under the umbrella of knowledge within the social justice and civil rights movement.

Who You Are

People Manager

• Experienced in training, leading, coaching, developing, or mentoring staff.
• Clear communicator of goals, priorities, organizational decisions, policies, and processes.
• Ensures all communications, decisions, and actions align with the SPLC’s best interests.

Experienced

• Proven success in leading strategic public information and communications campaigns for legal, legislative, public policy, or government entities.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of C-3 and C-4 political work.
• Skilled in rapid response, crisis communications, and working with state, regional, and national news media and online outlets.

Collaborative

• Adept at working with internal departments and external organizations, stakeholders, and communities to advance organizational goals.

Versatile

• Capable of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines, while working autonomously and taking initiative.

Communicative

• Exceptional communication skills, including clear and concise writing and editing.
• Able to frame complex issues effectively for media and public audiences.

Proactive

• Skilled in advocating, pitching, and placing stories in news and online media to elevate organizational initiatives and thought leadership.

Resourceful

• Proficient in identifying, researching, and cultivating prospective media contacts, including niche outlets.
• Builds and manages relationships with individuals in state, regional, and national news and online media.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment

• Committed to the SPLC’s mission and vision.
• Dedicated to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Fosters an anti-racist work culture and embraces anti-racist principles and learning.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate with colleagues to strategize and plan issue-specific messaging aligned with organizational goals and mission.
• Develop and execute strategic public and media relations plans.
• Draft and edit materials such as:
  • Recommendations,
  • Executive summaries,
  • Press releases,
  • Media advisories,
  • Op-eds, and
  • Talking points.
• Field press inquiries and manage earned media events, such as press conferences.
• Stay updated on media strategy needs by attending internal meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with media professionals, including TV/radio bookers, journalists, and podcast hosts.
• Provide media training and coaching for spokespeople on messaging and interview techniques.
• Monitor breaking news related to litigation, legislation, and public policy.
• Develop rapid-response communication strategies.
• Manage and lead a team of communications and media relations professionals.
• Oversee staff performance, assign duties, and conduct performance reviews.
• Perform additional duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of media relations and public education work experience.
• 5+ years of direct supervisory experience.
• High school diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

• This is an exempt role with a minimum starting salary of $164,864 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You’ll Work

This role offers the following work designation options:

• Local Remote: Work remotely with occasional attendance at SPLC offices or events in SPLC-operating states.
• Telework: Work at an SPLC office at least three days per week, with two days from an alternative location.

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

Other Special Considerations

• Work is performed under general office conditions with no strenuous physical demands.
• May require working evenings and weekends during breaking news events.

Disclaimer

The statements above describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is an equal-opportunity employer. We consider applicants equally without regard to:

• Age,
• Caregiver status,
• Color,
• Disability,
• Ethnicity,
• Gender or gender identity,
• Marital status,
• National origin,
• Genetic information,
• Political affiliation,
• Pregnancy, or
• Veteran status.

SPLC is committed to diversity and values the perspectives of all voices.

Learn more here