Deputy Director, Communications

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1981, the Committee to Protect Journalists (“CPJ”) is an independent, non-profit organization defending journalists worldwide without regard to their political ideology. Through its work to safeguard journalists, CPJ protects the rights of all people to have access to diverse and independent sources of information. For nearly four decades, CPJ has helped win the early release of imprisoned journalists, secure convictions in journalist murders, and enable positive legal reform in countries where the climate for free expression has deteriorated. Learn more about CPJ’s fight to defend freedom of the press here: http://cpj.org/

Job Summary:

The Deputy Director, Communications develops and implements organization-wide and project specific communications strategies to ensure CPJ’s research, data and analysis propels change both in regards to individual cases of journalists targeted for their work and the broader issues on which CPJ campaigns. The role directly supports the Director, Advocacy & Communications identifies the best ways to leverage CPJ’s research and work for maximum influence and impact on a global scale. An empathetic people manager, the Deputy will be an operationally astute strategic thinker with global expertise who is able to implement effectively.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Director, Advocacy and Communications to grow CPJ’s profile, protect and enhance the organization’s reach and reputation; establish and implement a content ecosystem approach allowing for integrated, cross-channel communications; Engage in a broad range of work including special events, report launches and crisis response, among others.
• Ensure consistency of messaging by leading coordination and information sharing on external communications products and initiatives across departments: regional, development, emergencies and editorial.
• Work in tandem with the Deputy Director, Advocacy, to ensure that initiatives, policy priorities, and alliances are proactively reflected with consistency and cohesion across outputs.
• Support the Director in the development and implementation of public campaigns, participating in conceptualization, execution, quality control, and evaluation.
• Manage a small team with a global scope, plus consultants or interns, as needed, guiding the workflow within the team with clear responsibilities and timelines.
• Implement branding and design across channels, including print/online publications (such as CPJ special reports), collateral, CPJ’s website and social media channels, in alignment with the organization’s priorities.
• Oversee media outreach, including rapid response to breaking developments as well as the routine production and distribution of news releases, statements, advisories, and other printed, filmed or recorded material for press.
• Monitor developments about press freedom and related issues and identify opportunities for strategic action by CPJ independently or in alliance with others.
• Implement a metrics and analysis framework that captures impact and feeds into data-informed decision-making.
• Draft or oversee project and campaign briefs in partnership with colleagues across the organization and develop work plans against them.
• Serve as a media spokesperson and represent CPJ at external events, as needed.
• Support the Director and team to craft annual priorities/work plans and assist in overseeing the annual budget; conduct performance reviews.
• In collaboration with the Director, Advocacy & Communications, manage the department:
• Recruitment: Select high-caliber candidates.
• Performance Management: Ensure staff is provided clear goals and regular performance feedback (including performance reviews).
• Development: Provide staff with appropriate career and professional development opportunities as well as meaningful coaching and mentoring.
• Engagement: Ensure staff is effectively connected and motivated to perform at their highest levels of achievement and contribute to the creation of a positive organizational culture.
• Administration: Oversee (review/approve) administrative processes (e.g., time off, expense reports, travel plans, employee data/records, etc.)
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Education/Qualifications & Work Experience:

Required:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of experience in communications, with at least 3 years in a management role
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications plans, campaigns, and materials
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-channel outputs, including websites, social media platforms and in overseeing both earned and owned media
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills; ability to draft press releases and marketing copy
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously
• International work or study experience; understanding of the global media landscape
• People management skills (e.g., hiring, training, communicating, supervising, mentoring, and appraising personnel)
• Able to work independently and excel in a fast-paced environment with the ability to course correct on short or long-term activities/goals
• Able to lead a team and processes while maintaining positive, respectful professional relationships
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and external relations

Preferred:

• PR or journalism experience
• Fluent or advanced-level Arabic, French, or Spanish

Additional Qualifications, Characteristics, and Competencies (Key Behaviors):

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills
• Impeccable organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively with senior managers to guide the organization

Vaccination Requirement:

Employees who work in our office must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they qualify for reasonable accommodation for medical or religious reasons. Accordingly, new employees must submit proof of vaccination prior to the commencement of employment, unless a reasonable accommodation is granted.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands of this position are reflective of work in a typical office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Typical percent of travel required: 20%

Benefits:

• Health Care Plans (100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision plans for employee coverage)
• Health Reimbursement Account (employer-funded HRA of $5,000 annually)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan (employer contribution of 4%. Additional employer dollar-for-dollar match of elective employee contribution up to 3%)
• Life Insurance and AD&D Plans (100% employer-sponsored with the option to elect additional voluntary plans)
• Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, and 13 paid holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability (employer-sponsored with the option to elect additional voluntary plans)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Accounts (medical, dependent care, and commuter expenses)
• Voluntary benefits plans (accident, hospitalization, critical Illness, pet, and legal insurance)
• Flexible Work Schedules

Location:

We promote a flexible working environment that allows for work-life balance, with opportunities for hybrid and flexible work schedules. Our newly opened NYC office, located in Midtown Manhattan, was designed to be a place where we can work effectively and collaboratively, bringing energy, inspiration, commitment, and deep learning to our mission. The CPJ offices are currently working on a hybrid schedule of two days in-office (Wednesday and one other day of the employee’s choosing), with the option of working three days remotely.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

Application deadline: August 11, 2023

CPJ provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.