Director of Communications

For decades, the right invested billions in capturing the judiciary—and succeeded. They packed the courts with extremists and anti-populist lawyers while progressives failed to mount sufficient resistance. Today we're living with the consequences: Donald Trump enjoys criminal immunity, Roe v. Wade was overturned, the Voting Rights Act stands gutted, and research shows that federal courts overwhelmingly rule in favor of corporations over working people.

Now Trump is taking it further. Run-of-the-mill extremist nominees are no longer enough—judicial nominees must now show their loyalty to Trump above all else. He is determined not just to break the law, but to dismantle it—attacking institutions, individuals, and anyone standing in his way. This moment requires aggressive, strategic, and disruptive opposition to the dismantling and corruption of the rule of law by Trump and his cronies.

Demand Justice's Core Mission:

• Expose Trump's court takeover: Force a public reckoning about the right-wing's capture of our courts and Trump's authoritarian grip on judicial power; shock, educate, and activate a progressive base to invest in the fight for our courts.
• Hold Democrats accountable: Ensure Democrats in power and running for office stand up and fight back—rewarding them when they do and fearlessly holding them accountable when they don't.
• Build support for bold reforms: Propose and build consensus around bold reforms to the Supreme Court, lower courts, and the judicial system generally.
• Fight Trump's Court nominees, including any second-term nominees to the Supreme Court.

Demand Justice is a bold, disruptive advocacy organization that wages advocacy and media campaigns. We use all our organizational tools — a c3, c4 and PAC — to stiffen the spines of those in power to fight for the rule of law and move the entire public discourse of the courts towards reform.

Position Overview

Demand Justice seeks a Director of Communications to drive the organization’s communications strategy to build public support for a judiciary that stands up to far-right extremists and giant corporations and to hold those who confirm dangerous judicial nominees accountable.

The Director of Communications will work closely with the President and senior leadership team to develop communications strategies that advance Demand Justice’s objectives and expand the organization’s reach and brand.

Reporting to the President, the Director of Communications will be responsible for leading a robust earned media plan, delivering high-quality, compelling content, and creating opportunities to insert Demand Justice’s voice into breaking news. The Director will manage a Press Secretary and will collaborate with senior leadership to further expand the communications team within Demand Justice.

This Director of Communications will drive overall execution through a variety of channels, including earned media, social media, and paid communications. The Director will utilize research, legal analysis, policy, and other data-informed resources to conceptualize messaging that appeals to a diverse set of audiences.

The ideal candidate is a tireless campaigner who brings a strong media relations background, a passion for justice and holding those in power accountable, and a knack for boldness and creativity.

This is an incredible opportunity to play a key role in an unapologetic, innovative organization fighting to make sure the courts work for everyone and protect our rights and democracy.

Key Responsibilities

• In partnership with the President, develop ambitious communications goals and strategies and drive implementation across a variety of channels, including earned media, social media, and paid communications.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure communications are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

• Identify and create opportunities to insert Demand Justice’s voice and perspective into breaking news and emerging courts-related issues.

• Drive a robust earned media plan that translates strategies and concepts into well-designed, compelling pitches that lead to placements in strategic outlets.

• Distill complex legal and policy information into accessible, compelling content, ranging from paid ads to policy reports to social media graphics, that elevates the issues and Demand Justice’s profile.

• Produce high-quality, timely written communications content, including press releases, media advisories, statements, reports, and talking points.

• Oversee Demand Justice’s website, branding, social media, and other owned platforms.

• Develop a comprehensive social media content strategy to define target audiences, increase reach and engagement, and maintain a consistent calendar

• Manage a Press Secretary, a website vendor, and closely collaborate with consultants.

• Cultivate and maintain strong external relationships with media and key influencers.

• Coordinate with external partners on joint press and media strategies and activities.

Key Qualifications

• 10+ years of communications experience, including electoral or advocacy campaign experience.

• A keen understanding of complex political environments and campaign communications.

• Demonstrated experience in managing strategic communications campaigns and media relations.

• Experience in digital and media strategy, with demonstrated experience in managing multi-channel content strategies, engagement efforts, and public relations.

• A strong instinct for powerful storytelling and how language motivates and persuades audiences.

• Track record of building relationships with reporters and successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements.

• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to tailor messaging and distill complex information into concise and compelling language and content.

• Adept in using research, legal analysis, policy, and other data-informed resources to conceptualize messaging that appeals to a diverse set of audiences.

• Superb interpersonal skills and the ability to cultivate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including media, influencers, and coalition partners.

• Skilled in distilling high-level goals and concepts into clear direction for direct reports and vendors.

• Results-oriented with a proven ability to perform well under pressure and excellent judgment.

• Willingness and ability to respond to breaking news, often outside the workday.

• Sense of humor and positive attitude.

• Commitment to the mission of Demand Justice.

Compensation and Location

Annual compensation for this role is between $175,000-$185,000 based on experience, as well as a generous benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance provided by the employer and matching 401K. Demand Justice is a hybrid workplace, and this role is expected to be in the Washington, DC office three to four days a week.

How to Apply

Demand Justice is partnering with Grossman Solutions in this search. To apply for this role, submit a resume and a compelling cover letter at https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com/apply

The cover letter should be concise, compelling, and outline the specific ways in which you would be a good fit for this position. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Demand Justice is dedicated to building a team of diverse individuals and committed to providing a workplace of mutual respect and inclusion.

Demand Justice’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.