Senior Deputy Communications Director

About NARAL Pro-Choice America

For more than 50 years, NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates and chapters have fought to protect and expand reproductive freedom —including access to abortion and contraception — for every body. We are powered by our more than 2.5 million members from every state and congressional district in the country, representing the 7 in 10 Americans who believe every person should have the freedom to make the best decision for themselves about if, when, and how to raise a family.

As the oldest and largest national membership organization primarily focused on advocating for abortion access, we organize and mobilize, galvanizing millions of people to take action to defend reproductive freedom, and shining a spotlight of accountability on bad actors who work to impose their ideological agenda on others. We also work to elect champions for reproductive freedom and advance state and federal legislation to safeguard it.

Summary

We are looking for a Senior Deputy Communications Director to join the communications team at NARAL. This individual will play a major role in the communications team, shepherding both state and national work and serving as an on-the-record spokesperson. The Senior Deputy Communications Director will work closely with the Acting VP for Communications and Research to develop and implement overarching communications strategies for state and federal legislative advocacy and electoral work and will manage several members of the communications team.

The ideal candidate will be organized, resourceful, and flexible, with a proven track record of crafting and executing high-impact communications strategies, excellent writing skills, and a top-notch understanding of the news cycle and media environment. They will work on multiple projects at once and must have the ability to excel in a fast-paced environment as well as a commitment to NARAL’s core values and integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into every aspect of our work.

You’ll be a great fit if you’re passionate about reproductive freedom, with 10 years of professional experience (including managing staff and on-the-record experience) and a commitment to working collaboratively, including with other departments, and helping contribute to a positive and high-impact workplace.

Location: Washington, DC preferred, but open to remote workers with the right experience.

Reports to: Acting VP for Communications and Research

This Position Is: Full-time, Exempt, Non-Union

Salary: $90,533- $117,333, depending on experience

In this role, you will:

• Create overarching state and national communications strategies in partnership with Acting VP for Communications and Research and Senior Writer to drive NARAL’s narrative and build NARAL’s organizing, electoral, and advocacy power across the country and reach diverse audiences;
• Serve as on-the-record spokesperson for the organization;
• Develop and cultivate relationships with reporters in states and nationally;
• Prepare executive NARAL staff for media interviews and appearances;
• Manage National Press Secretary, Senior Communications Strategist, and Communications Strategist, providing effective mentoring, coaching, support, and guidance;
• Work with Senior Communications Strategist, Communications Strategist, and Communications and Storytelling Associate to develop and implement communications strategies for NARAL’s electoral and advocacy campaign work in all 5 regions (West/CA, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast), in coordination with NARAL chapter and national staff, including developing overarching plans and strategies across all five regions;
• Lead national political communications strategy including endorsement rollouts and overarching strategy to elevate champions for reproductive freedom and hold opponents to account;
• Generate creative tactics to help state-level communications break through in a crowded media environment;
• Manage consultant(s) as needed to support on state-based and national communications strategy and ongoing media education and accountability work;
• Participate in ongoing planning activities with state chapters, national and regional staff, coalition partners, and key internal committees and task forces;
• Draft, deploy, and/or place letters to the editor, press releases, op-eds, and talking points in key regions and nationally;
• Willingness to work some irregular hours and travel as needed;
• And other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and strong news judgment;
• 8-10 years experience with a proven track record of executing high-quality communications work in a fast-paced environment (ideally political and/or advocacy);
• Proven track record managing effectively, working well across different teams and departments, and coaching and mentoring direct reports;
• Demonstrated creativity and strategic thinking in a range of communications projects;
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit material quickly and persuasively;
• Organized self-starter with strong time management and strategic planning skills, with the ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Familiarity with media databases like Cision and Meltwater a plus;
• A commitment to contributing to a workplace environment in which diversity is valued and supported;
• Willing to work as a team member and to contribute to a positive team environment;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle challenges and obstacles with tact, diplomacy, and flexibility;
• Ability to manage laterally, work well across different teams and departments, and excel in a matrix management environment;
• Commitment to NARAL Pro-Choice America’s goal of ensuring every person is able to make their own decisions about pregnancy and safeguarding reproductive freedom;
• Bachelor's degree.

Nice to haves (or excited to learns):

• Spanish language fluency is a huge plus

Note: these are not required. It’s possible that you’re a great fit for the role and do not have either of these things - but you might be excited to learn them!