Deputy Communications Director

Food & Water Watch is a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that challenges the corporate control and abuse of our food supply and water resources.

Position Overview 

We are seeking a full-time deputy communications director to develop and implement messages and strategies for communicating with a variety of audiences including the press, Food & Water Watch members, and the public.

The deputy communications director works closely with the communications director and senior staff to develop and implement media and communications strategies on national, regional, and local issue campaigns that will enhance our organization’s reputation and further specific program goals.

This person will develop and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers for print, radio, television, and online news sources. The right candidate will be the primary communications strategist on one or more of Food & Water Watch’s priority campaigns, would mentor other members of the communications team, and would oversee media work of California-based staff.

Responsibilities:

•    Work with senior staff to plan, develop and implement national, state and local media campaigns, including supervising other staff on press outreach work.
•    Develop and service relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers, news and talk show producers, bloggers, and other new media practitioners.
•    Respond to press inquiries, pitch stories to reporters, and obtain editorial endorsements, op-ed placements and radio and television bookings.
•    Participate in message development for Food & Water Watch institutional identity and for campaigns.
•    Write and edit materials such as newsletters, press releases and advisories, editorial board memos, talking points, letters to the editor, opinion pieces or articles, website text, blogs, fact sheets and other materials for the public.
•    Supervise the media work of organizing and program staff including California-based staff.
•    Maintain in-house press lists and manage external media database.
•    Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education: College degree required or equivalent experience required.
Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy; familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media and new media; familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques, electoral organizing, and building organizational capacity.

Experience: At least five years (5) of relevant professional experience, at least three (3) of which should be in advocacy communications or field organizing campaigns with a strong media component. Other relevant experience includes: advocacy, organizing, non-profit work, journalism, or state or federal legislative experience. Proven experience in developing and executing state and local media strategies; field organizing and supervisory experience preferred.

Skills: Ability to coordinate multifaceted media campaigns and supervise a team for media outreach work; excellent interpersonal, writing, editing, and verbal skills are required; good computer skills necessary.

Capabilities: High energy and enthusiasm; ability to work well with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks at once, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.

Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Watch. Long hours possible.

Compensation:  Competitive salary, dependent on experience. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes 100% employer paid medical/dental/long-term disability, 403 (b) retirement plan and generous paid leave.

To Apply: 

Please email a resume, cover letter, two relevant writing samples, and three references to Deputy Communications Director. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  

Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.