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 <span data-ccp-props="{"335557856":