Director of Media Relations and Storytelling

The Position

The National Women’s Law Center seeks an experienced culture shifter, communicator, and media maven to seed the gender justice stories that aren’t being told, correct problematic press narratives around women of color and LGBTQ justice, and further the organization’s groundbreaking work to end sexual misconduct, fight for reproductive freedom, secure greater access to childcare and income security, and advance education and workplace justice. This management role will serve as a key leader in the institution and collaborate with and oversee an incredibly talented team.  

The Organization

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) fights for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in our society — working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls. 

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us — especially women of color, LGBTQ+ people, and low-income women and families. 

For 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight. Find out more at NWLC.org. 

Responsibilities

Management and Leadership

  • Manage up to five press/media relations staff (both seasoned and learning), providing strategic direction for their portfolios as well as professional mentorship and growth. 
  • Lead organization’s media growth strategy including expansion of paid editorial work, maintenance of relationships with press outlets and journalists, and oversight of new systems acquisition. 
  • Work closely with VP, Marketing & Communications, and other leaders across the team to set annual strategy and quarterly measures of success. 

Press and Communications Expertise 

  • Directly oversee “cross-cutting” press work, i.e., issues and moments that impact the whole institution and not actively part of a managed portfolio. 
  • Along with VP, Marketing & Communications, develop and execute crisis communications plans. 
  • Working with partners in the Campaigns group, strategize and integrate earned media tactics into cultural shift and narrative change campaigns. 
  • Partner with issue-area program teams to gain visibility for critical legal and policy moments. 
  • Train organization staff as needed for interviews across print, broadcast, and radio. 
  • Write and edit media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos, and email pitches to journalists. 
  • Rotate with team to be on call in rapid response moments and provide coverage for out of office staff. 

Qualifications

A candidate must possess:  

  • Minimum of 15 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and communications, especially at a non-profit organization, public relations agency, or political campaign. 
  • Track record of both supervising and leading high-performing and talented teams. 
  • Strong media relations, issues management, and crisis communications skills, as well as a knowledge base in digital communications, website, and social media. 
  • Excellent written and verbal skills, and demonstrated success drafting and placing statements, press releases, and op-eds 
  • Demonstrated commitment to building or deepening understanding of racial equity, including but not limited to core terms and concepts especially those related to media and systemic bias.  
  • Ability to act quickly and effectively under pressure, and experience making prudent decisions and taking appropriate action in uncharted situations. 
  • Ability to work well with competing priorities and manage projects involving multiple people from across the department and organization. 
  • Excellent strategic planning and resource management skills. 
  • Sense of humor and keen ability to tie in pop and political cultural moments with legal and policy work. 
  • Attention to detail and accuracy. 

Additional preferred skills and knowledge:  

  • Knowledge of gender justice issues on which the National Women’s Law Center works. 
  • An understanding of advocacy campaigns and litigation. 
  • Experience working with Cision, Meltwater, or another media management system 
  • Experience working across and connecting long-form and short-form editorial  

Key Relationships

The Director of Media Relations reports to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, will collaborate closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and the Director of Campaigns, interface regularly with the president and CEO and the senior leadership team, and work often with colleagues across the institution who work on a variety of issues and in different functional areas. The Director also supervises the Media Director, Sr Manager, Manager, and Associate of Media Relations. 

Compensation & Benefits

A minimum salary of $158,104.00 will be provided to the successful candidate who has at least 15 years of experience directly relevant to this role, consistent with the National Women’s Law Center’s compensation framework.  

The Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, and four weeks of annual vacation.  

NWLC is a non-profit organization whose headquarters and staff are based in Washington, D.C., However, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, most NWLC staff are temporarily teleworking with the option to work from our office, which is located in historic Dupont Circle (moving to Franklin Square in early 2023). We continue to monitor public health guidance and keep safety, science, and flexibility top of mind as we evaluate what reopening looks like for our team. 

How to Apply

To apply, please forward a resume and a cover letter outlining how your professional background is a good fit for this position. Resumes should include exact start and end dates (month and year) of employment. Please send application materials via email to: [insert email address]  [email protected] and include the position title in the subject line. Applications accepted until position is filled. 

The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans.  

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email [email protected].