Director of Marketing and Brand Partnerships
ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT
The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in antiracism.
Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director of Marketing and Brand Partnerships (DMBP) oversees a range of marketing and brand opportunities to deepen and grow the reach of the organization and strengthen its work and reputation with a wide variety of audiences.
Specifically, the DMBP oversees the Ambassadors program and Speakers Bureau, two key initiatives that are primed for further expansion and development. Both programs offer rich opportunities for building community, expanding our support and advocacy base and deepening the understanding of wrongful conviction in every sector and at every level of our society.
The role also has responsibility for building out special projects and seeking out brand partnerships with external organizations and individuals that both share, and can advance, our mission and values. These projects and partnerships have included collaborations with Netflix, Storycorp, and The Moth as well as other media and non-profit organizations.
The DMBP is a key player in the Communications team, working closely with colleagues who handle media, visual design, paid and organic multimedia content, and advocacy campaigns, along with institutional efforts. They will partner with teams across the organization – particularly those driving policy change, advocacy, and fundraising.
The DMBP will be a consummate team player, who embraces a collaborative work environment, is generous with their knowledge and ideas, and takes time to nurture and encourage team members. They will bring unique skills and expertise to the team, including in the management of high-profile relationships, celebrity engagement, marketing materials, and best practices.
The DMBP has two direct reports, the Assistant Director of Ambassadors and External Programs and a Speakers Bureau Associate who coordinates the bureau.
As is expected of all Innocence Project employees, the DMBP will embrace, respect, and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.
We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.
The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. While the Innocence Project has supported remote work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently committed to a hybrid workplace with mandatory three days per week in-office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate is a strategic and thoughtful leader who is focused on driving initiatives forward. They have excellent communication skills and are comfortable and skilled at speaking with varied audiences, including celebrities, board members, and internal stakeholders.
In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Oversee the running of the Speaker’s Bureau and Ambassadors programs – two key brand assets – ensuring they are aligned with strategy and maximizing opportunities.
- Oversee the vision and strategy of the Ambassador’s Program and, in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Ambassadors and External Programs, develop a comprehensive plan for the building out the Ambassadors Program, growing the number of Ambassadors, upping their engagement, and raising the organization’s profile with their audiences and followers.
- Work with the Speakers Bureau Associate to ensure the continued growth and impact of the program, identifying new target audiences who can help advance the work of the Innocence Project.
- Identify and develop marketing opportunities for the organization, particularly as they relate to partnerships and special events.
- Serve as the communications lead for special projects, partnerships, and collaborations with organizations, individuals, and media entities (Story Corps, Netflix, etc.)
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- Experience working with celebrities and their teams
- Graduate degree in communications, journalism, masters in business, writing or a related degree preferred, or Bachelors degree plus equivalent experience
- 9+ years of experience working in marketing, advertising/public relations or a related field, or proven experience specifically in celebrity-talent acquisition and management, including with talent agencies and/or individual agents and managers. Previous work experience with a non-profit organization preferred.
- Previous supervision experience preferred
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system or the law preferred
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES
- Excellent writing and verbal communication skills a must
- Sophisticated grasp of brand qualities and expression both visual and tonal
- Flexible and collaborative work style, resistance to stress, and proven ability to set and meet deadlines
- Superior skills in organization, planning and attention to details
- Demonstrated initiative and reliability
- Superior quantitative and computational skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite
- Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
- Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS
The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please visit JazzHR. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.
**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**
SALARY RANGE
$110,500-$130,000