Communications Associate

Role Overview

• The Communications Associate develops and implements communications strategies to maximize the impact of CPJ’s work in defense of press freedom worldwide.
• This position is an integral part of the Communications Department and collaborates with programmatic teams across the organization to ensure that CPJ’s reporting, expertise and advocacy goals achieve maximum reach.
• Media relations and social media experience, excellent news judgment, the ability to work independently and proactively, and a commitment to press freedom are essential to succeed in this role.
• Working with the Communications Director and others across the organization, the Communications Associate will support the implementation of CPJ’s media and outreach strategy.
• Support CPJ’s global media relations including daily handling of CPJ’s press inbox, cultivating relationships with journalists, pitching op-eds, fielding media queries, and supporting media interviews.
• Draft, proofread, format, and distribute press materials; produce promotional materials and web content, and contribute to social media messaging.
• Monitor daily news and opinion from the sector and related areas to identify key opportunities for rapid response and detect potential reputational risks; recommend target groups, beats, or media communities where CPJ should increase engagement or outreach.
• Responsible for operating as the communications team's first responder amid breaking news occurring in the Europe time zone.
• Support the media component of report launches, missions, campaigns.
• Manage and maintain CPJ’s global media database, and coordinate with regional teams on the inclusion and organization of their contacts.
• Deliver communications guidance to regional programs and support the digital communications team to manage CPJ’s homepage and the publication of time-sensitive digital communications across social media.
• Enhance and maintain a framework for tracking requests, pitches, and media interactions; produce analysis and project-specific reports.
• Analyze the data and make recommendations for the design and implementation of project, region, or initiative
• specific communications strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A deep interest in and commitment to press freedom
• At least 3-5 years experience working directly with journalists, including global media; good news judgment and political awareness
• A clear understanding of media relations, campaigning, and the role of strategic communications in advancing advocacy
• Impeccable writing and editing skills with proven ability to translate complex issues into succinct, accessible language for multiple audiences
• Strong project management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to set priorities and complete tasks promptly
• Comfortable working on tight deadlines with the ability to multitask and prioritize
• Independent yet collaborative approach; reliable team player adept at working with remote management and staff.
• Experience with platforms like Mailchimp and WordPress
• Able to travel to the United States, typically 1 trip per year.

Tech Stack

• WordPress