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:
CPJ seeks an experienced, mission-focused digital specialist to drive impact across the organization’s website and social media channels to reach target audiences, ignite or deepen their engagement and mobilize support. This role will oversee a small and mighty team to produce captivating videos and native social content while leveraging and enhancing CPJ’s authoritative reporting, data, and unique stories with a focus on growing organic traffic and supporting organizational priorities. The role leads web strategy -inclusive of UX, UI, analytics and KPI tracking, architecture and SEO- for CPJ.org and all of CPJ’s social media channels. A creative strategist and project manager who can deliver on multiple priorities, the Manager, Digital Communications will be responsible for balancing rapid response moments working closely with the editorial and communications teams, while providing technical support and leading daily operations across the organization’s social media channels and email products. The candidate must have in-depth social media experience and a working knowledge of websites run on WordPress with plugins.
In this highly collaborative and cross-functional role, the Manager, Digital Communications will collaborate with CPJ’s communications, editorial and program teams to determine and implement daily priorities across the web and social for a seamless and consistent digital presence and storytelling.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by the Writers Guild of America, East.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with the Deputy Director, Communications, leads strategy development across all aspects of digital platforms including web, social media engagement, rapid response, video and email marketing infrastructure
- Develops an audience engagement strategy and SEO activity growth plan for CPJ.org (including Google Ads grants); maintains the CPJ website to ensure user-oriented functionality, consistent branding and infographics; in collaboration with the editorial team, oversees placement of content on the homepage
- Oversees user experience; serves as a main point of contact for website development requirements, testing and Google Analytics; Oversees/conducts regular audits of the website content and structure; implements a consistent process across all departments for site content publishing based on best practices
- In partnership with the Audience Engagement Associate and the Video Producer, establishes and implements short and long-term plans, and appropriate protocols to leveraging and growing CPJ’s global and regionally-focused social media channels, in keeping with organizational priorities
- Oversees daily, pre-planned posts and campaigns on CPJ’s global social media channels while providing strategic and operational guidance to regional teams operating regionally-focused accounts
- Utilizes a combination of data sources and research techniques to measure, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of online audience engagement to inform user-experiences for all areas of web and social media outreach
- Prepares materials, reports and presentations related to web/social policies and best practices, and advises and coordinates with other departments regarding web, social (and mobile, if needed)
- Supports and coordinates with the fundraising and the emergencies/assistance departments on cross-platform efforts for targeted audience reach
- Manages a team of multimedia content producers; collaborates with the Deputy Director, Communications, to ensure consistent messaging for social media and video production.
- Works closely with various teams to launch reports, projects, or execute rapid response on breaking news across social media and/or video
- Monitors and evaluates digital trends to optimize multi-channel strategy and pursues new opportunities; keeps current with emerging web technologies, security etc., to maintain high standards and optimal performance across all digital assets
- Regularly reports on CPJ’s web and social media performance, refreshes, implements and regularly optimizes channel strategy and presents timely learnings to improve our digital reach as part of periodic reporting and/or quarterly metrics reviews; share timely learnings/important tech updates with the broader CPJ team as relevant
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Education/Qualifications & Work Experience:
Required:
- 5+ years of digital media experience, including management of at least two team members
- Demonstrated success working in an integrated cross-functional team environment, providing effective creative direction and strategic feedback to improve campaign performance
- Proficiency in WordPress and broader content management experience; experience liaising with external vendors for backend support and development
- Understanding of UX/UI design, digital design languages, GDPR, privacy, digital ADA compliance, and other mandatory website regulations; familiarity with database management/online display
- Prior experience implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and other website enhancement tactics
- Knowledge of HTML/CSS and ability to perform basic website coding tasks
- Experience reporting and data analytics to drive optimal website experience; deep understanding of social media analytics and trends; experience optimizing content
- Experience working across an organization and collaborating with other teams (editors, researchers, development, assistance programs, media) to ensure plans and end products are aligned and with clear objectives
- Ability to collaborate on ideation of successful social campaigns and initiatives to drive long-term goals
- Positive team player and an enthusiastic work ethic
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Strong editorial judgment
- Excellent organizational skills, focus, and attention to detail
Preferred:
- International nonprofit communications or journalism experience
- Understanding of mission-driven organizations
- Working or professional proficiency in Arabic, French, or Spanish
- Familiarity with AP style
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.
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.