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Introduction

The Justice Policy Institute is one of the nation’s leading non-profit research and public policy organizations dedicated to ending society’s reliance on incarceration and promoting effective and just solutions to social problems. JPI is located in Washington, D.C. and works with advocacy organizations, citizens and policymakers across the country to promote progressive criminal and juvenile justice reforms and policies that increase community well-being. Please visit www.justicepolicy.org before applying.

• Establish an overarching strategy to guide JPI in its communication to its primary audiences: advocates, policymakers, practitioners and the media
• Develop strategies and tactics for communications campaigns and online advocacy and outreach
• Monitor the media and compile reports of coverage, messaging and narratives
• Research media markets and new funding prospects
• Analyze and report on Google Analytics data for JPI and partner websites and campaigns
• Conduct media and communications audits
• Work with the communications associate for public relations, to write and edit strategy documents, messaging and talking points

• Ensure posting of materials(on behalf of JPI and our Partners) to such online tools and platforms as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogs Implement partner, funder and advocate relationship management (current platform is Constant Contact)
  
• Pitch to national reporters, producers, editors, columnists and bloggers at national papers, professional and peer organizations, wire services, major regional papers and websites
• Serve as point person to media and route calls to appropriate staff, with ability to act as spokesperson when necessary
• Rapidly identify, and act quickly to capitalize on, opportunities to engage the news media and other publications
• Identify need for and help draft new communications identity pieces
• Assist the communications associate for public relations with writing and editing communications pieces as needed
• Manage any film or digital media projects
  

• Meet and insure regular communications with partners; explain activities and concepts and report results
• Provide training and technical assistance in communications to partners •

• Build and maintain relationships with and contact lists of reporters, editors and bloggers
  
• Organize logistics for press conferences, editorial board visits and other events
  
• Assemble and distribute press packets and other materials
  
• Assist with proofreading/copyediting research and other documents

• Contribute to content development of new funding proposals

• With other communications staff and executive director, develop and manage departmental budget and work plans.
• Delegate tasks where appropriate
• Act as a model of good citizenship (being familiar with company policies and procedures, consistent attendance, timely and accurate entry of timesheet data, attitude, etc.)
  
• Attend regular staff meetings/team meetings and provide input and feedback on organizational improvement, including partner relationship, staff development, and office procedures
  
• Engage in approved professional development activities
  
• Share skills and knowledge with other staff
  
• Meet or exceed 35 work hours each week
• Manage media-related consultants and vendors
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, or other applicable field, or demonstrated equivalent experience   
• Familiarity with print and electronic news media and a growing base of reporter contacts
  
• At least 5 years experience in public interest/public affairs communications or campaigns and advocacy
• Demonstrated ability to pitch proposals and stories and secure placements
• Strong computer and technology skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as Internet research and web-based tools
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks under tight deadlines; to perform in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Superb communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in written format, complicated ideas and communicate them effectively to other staff, the media, policymakers and the public
• Demonstrated resourcefulness, optimism, and flexibility in approach to project assignments
  
• Knowledge of and commitment to social justice principles, and ideally criminal and juvenile justice
  

Download a PDF copy of this job description.

The Justice Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Electronic submissions are encouraged. Applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample to:

Email: info@justicepolicy.org

Fax: 202-558-7978

or Regular mail:
Justice Policy Institute
1012 14th St., NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20005
Attn: Personnel

The position is open until filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

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Communications Associate for Public Relations
Position Location: Washington, DC

Introduction

The Justice Policy Institute is one of the nation’s leading non-profit research and public policy organizations dedicated to ending society’s reliance on incarceration and promoting effective and just solutions to social problems. JPI is located in Washington, D.C. and works with advocacy organizations, citizens and policymakers across the country to promote progressive criminal and juvenile justice reforms and policies that increase community well-being. Please visit www.justicepolicy.org before applying.

Our Ideal Candidate for Commuications Associate for Public Relations

S/he serves as the JPI’s primary developer of JPI’s communications pieces. S/he is an excellent writer with experience in producing content, from traditional press releases to updates on social networks, for use with a variety of audiences. S/he is passionate about and has worked on social justice issues. S/he juggles multiple time-sensitive tasks and meets deadlines. S/he understands the need to work in partnership with and provide communications counsel to our partner organizations. S/he will have the demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment. A collegial style, positive up-beat attitude, innovative approach, and strong work ethic are essential.

Responsibilities of the Position

Communications Strategy:

• Assist communications associate for media relations with establishing an overarching strategy to guide JPI in its communication to its primary audiences
• Work with the communications associate for media relations to write and edit strategy documents, messaging and talking points

Communications Execution:

• Develop content for the following online tools and platforms (on behalf of JPI and our partners): Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Blogging and content management platforms
• Write content for partner, funder and advocate relationship management (currently Constant Contact)
• Write and edit press releases, op-eds, pitch memos, fact sheets, marketing materials
  
• Produce, edit and publish content for JPI and partner websites
• Assist in pitching to news media
• Lead the relaunch of the organization’s website, www.justicepolicy.org
  
• Draft new communications identity pieces
• Manage design and printing of documents
  
• Assist with writing and editing content of film or digital media projects

Partner Relations:

• Provide technical assistance to partners in writing and editing documents, work plans, press materials, and fact sheets
• Meetings and regular communications with partners; explaining activities and concepts and reporting results

Team Support:

• Handle production of press packets and other materialls
• Develop PowerPoint presentations for staff
  
• Proofread/copyedit research and other documents

Organizational Growth:   

• Participate in developing new funding proposals as assigned
• Research and develop one new funding concept per quarter Assist in writing of new funding proposals
  

Staff Development/Firm Management:

• With other communications staff and executive director, develop and manage departmental budget and work plans.
• Delegate tasks where appropriate
• Act as a model of good citizenship (being familiar with company policies and procedures, consistent attendance, timely and accurate entry of timesheet data, attitude, etc.)
  
• Attend regular staff meetings/team meetings and provide input and feedback on organizational improvement, including partner relationship, staff development, and office procedures
  
• Engage in approved professional development activities
• Share skills and knowledge with other staff
  
• Meet or exceed 35 work hours each week
• Manage consultants and vendors, particularly design firms, freelancers and/or printers.
  

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, or other applicable field, or demonstrated equivalent experience
• At least 5 years experience in public interest/public affairs communications or campaigns and advocacy
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), as well as Internet research Web-based tools
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks under tight deadlines; to perform in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Superb writing and editing skills; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, particularly in written format; Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in written format, complicated ideas and communicate them effectively to other staff, the media, policymakers and the public
• Demonstrated resourcefulness, optimism, and flexibility in approach to project assignments
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Knowledge of and commitment to principles of social justice, and ideally criminal and juvenile justice
  

Compensation
Salary is on a non-profit scale and commensurate with experience. Benefits are competitive with the field.

How to Apply

Download a PDF copy of this job description.

The Justice Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Electronic submissions are encouraged. Applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample to:

Email: info@justicepolicy.org

Fax: 202-558-7978

or Regular mail:
Justice Policy Institute
1012 14th St., NW, Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20005
Attn: Personnel

The position is open until filled.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

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JPI is accepting applications for its internship program. Interns are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. We accept interns for the fall or spring semester, summer, or for the entire academic year. All applicants are required to submit a cover letter detailing why they are interested in an internship with the Justice Policy Institute, a resume, and a writing sample. The cover letter should also include all contact information: current address, phone and fax numbers, and email address.

We seek interns interested in being introduced to the “nuts and bolts” of criminal justice and juvenile justice reform work and issues. This may include everything from poring through government reports, statistics, records, and data to working on the communications strategy associated with a state-based campaign/ initiative or analyzing legislation with clear policy implications. We are committed to creating a fulfilling and rewarding internship experience and view this as a partnership between our organization, students, and educators. Interns will work directly under the supervision of the Research Director of JPI. In addition to performing some basic administrative functions for the organization, interns will also be expected to attend meetings with senior staff as appropriate and to support JPI’s strategic initiatives.

Schedules are flexible and can work around students school and/or work activities. This is an unpaid internship, however we are happy to work with schools that provide for funding or course credit. Interested applicants should send their resume, a coverletter and writing sample via email to Jason Fenster at jfenster@justicepolicy.org.