Digital Communications Strategist

Job title Digital Communications Strategist

Reports to Vice President of Communications

FLSA Status Exempt

Alliance for Justice (AFJ), a national association of 150 organizations dedicated to advancing justice and democracy, and Alliance for Justice Action Campaign (AFJ Action), an affiliated advocacy organization, are seeking a Digital Communications Strategist to join the Communications Department.

 AFJ envisions a vibrant, ambitious, multi-racial democracy where historically marginalized voices are amplified to upend exclusionary systems and center justice in our institutions of power. AFJ works towards that vision by building the strength of progressive movements with training and education for nonprofit organizations on advocacy, while harnessing their collective power to transform our state and federal courts. 

AFJ has two primary programs:

Our Justice Program works to ensure that the federal judiciary protects our democracy and advances other core constitutional values, preserves human rights and access to justice, and adheres to the even-handed administration of justice for all. An essential part of this program is working to vet and confirm a pool of diverse, highly qualified federal judicial nominees as well as lead a complementary and coordinated campaign to highlight the importance of filling vacancies. We also promote structural and policy reforms to ensure our courts provide equal justice under the law.

Our Bolder Advocacy Program works with nonprofits and foundations to help them navigate the rules surrounding 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PACs so they can be more courageous and effective in their advocacy.

AFJ Action promotes a national conversation about the importance of the courts by educating and mobilizing progressive advocates and voters. We educate voters and encourage them to fight for judges who will protect our rights. AFJ Action also holds elected leaders accountable for the judges they appoint to the bench. We conduct research and arm advocates, elected officials, political leaders, and the media with the tools to elevate the courts during elections.

Job Purpose

Alliance for Justice is seeking an experienced digital communications professional to join our team as a Digital Communications Strategist. The Digital Communications Strategist will manage all elements of the AFJ website, oversee the email program, and play a key role in expanding our digital fundraising program by working closely with our development team to improve the long-term sustainability of our fundraising program. In partnership with other members of the communications team, they help implement an overall digital media strategy, ensure digital properties align with AFJ’s overall strategy, and effectively engage key audiences around AFJ’s work.  

This position will report to the Vice President of Communications.

Duties and Responsibilities

·       Develop and implement strategies for growing the digital presence and advancing the work of AFJ, AFJ Action, and Bolder Advocacy across each of the organization’s major digital platforms (email, website, social media); 

·       Identify, recommend, and implement new digital media strategies and new digital platforms based on best practices in digital communications and progressive, nonprofit advocacy;  

·       Lead multifaceted digital campaigns designed to increase activist engagement around calls to action, grow organizational email lists, and drive small-dollar fundraising; 

·       Serve as strategic digital advisor to partner organizations or coalition members as part of our campaigns and movement partnerships; 

·       Create readouts and analytics reports on AFJ, AFJ Action, and Bolder Advocacy’s digital platforms (website and social media) and campaigns; 

·       Lead organizational SEO strategy and implementation; and

·       Support AFJ social media, branding, and messaging consistency across all media.   

Qualifications

·       5+ years of writing experience in nonprofit or advocacy organizations, Capitol Hill, or as a working journalist;

·       Knowledge and understanding of issues within the purview of AFJ and AFJAC, including the courts, legal issues, and nonprofit advocacy;

·       Strong understanding of the existing political and legal environment;

·       Knowledge and understanding of WordPress;

·       A demonstrated track record of effective fundraising using a list-based email program and digital fundraising best practices;

·       Experience managing email solicitations, segmenting, A/B testing, and other variables for the best recommendations and outcomes

·       Prior experience with EA/Bonterra is a plus;

·       Knowledge of social media’s latest trends;

·       Proven ability to build relationships across internal teams;

·       Ability to work on tight deadlines and after hours as needed; and

·       Willingness to work collaboratively and accept tasks not named in the job description.

Alliance for Justice provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other office equipment.

Compensation

This is a union position covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, CWA Local 32035, which includes salary minimums based on job position category. This position is in Grade 5 and has a salary minimum of $85,000.

AFJ also offers a comprehensive and generous benefits program:

 Health – We offer medical, dental, vision benefits, as well an employee assistance program for physical and mental well-being.

Savings – Save for retirement with our 401K plan with employer matching. Health savings account and flexible spending account. Other insurances include life and disability.

Time Off – We have a generous paid time off policy. Vacation: 11 days per year. Sick: 10 days per year. Bereavement: Employees 3 days per year for deaths in the immediate family (spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, grandmother, etc.). 

Family – We provide up to 16 weeks of parental leave and a range of paid and unpaid family leave programs that allow our employees to bond with and care for their children and other dependents.

Physical Requirements

 The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with staff, other departments, and outside organizations. The employee must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The person in this position will also need to move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, and other equipment; and will be constantly required to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine and computer printer.

Racial Equity

Our employees share our commitment to increasing racial diversity in our movement and organization, integrating justice and equity into the work we do, and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.

Direct Reports

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply

Qualified applicants please reference Digital Communications Strategist in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, resume and writing sample at www.afj.org/about/careers. (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE).

Alliance for Justice provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on 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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

 Disclaimer

This description is intended to provide an overview of this position and is not all-inclusive. The incumbent in this position will be expected to perform other duties as required. Responsibilities may change over time. This description is provided for informational purposes only and does not form the basis of a contract.