Strategic Communications & Outreach Lead (Contract)

About the Mission

The open Internet faces unprecedented threats. Age verification laws are restricting access to vital content. End-to-end encryption is under attack through backdoor demands and defunding of privacy projects. Financial institutions are censoring sexual content using opaque moral standards. All justified by claims of “protecting children”—yet censorship and surveillance make no one safer while cutting people off from education, information, and community support.

The Center for Online Safety and Liberty (COSL) champions both safety and liberty online. We support independent projects defending the Internet we value while making it genuinely safer without sacrificing human rights.

We’re launching Drawing the Line, a seed-funded initiative to reshape global conversations around online speech, platform accountability, and protecting vulnerable communities. This includes expert-developed principles and groundbreaking legal research. We’re also expanding advocacy on freedom of expression and privacy issues.

The Opportunity

We seek a Strategic Communications & Outreach Lead to spearhead our Drawing the Line launch while building the relationships and reputation that will fuel COSL’s long-term impact. This external-facing role requires someone who can translate complex digital rights issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

You’ll also support COSL’s other initiatives: advocacy campaigns, our offshore free speech hosting platform Liberato, and Fan Refuge, a safe social network for fandom communities.

This role is perfect for someone who wants to shape the future of digital rights from the ground up.

What You’ll Do

Launch Strategy

• Design and execute communications strategy for Drawing the Line Principles and research paper
• Coordinate timing and messaging across multiple channels and stakeholder groups

Media & Thought Leadership

• Secure op-eds, interviews, and conference slots for COSL leadership
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists covering tech, human rights, and digital freedom
• Identify speaking opportunities at relevant conferences and events

Coalition Building

• Drive endorsements from nonprofits, academics, survivor advocates, and thought leaders
• Engage with online communities and advocacy networks
• Activate and grow our volunteer base

Fundraising Support

• Conduct outreach to prospective individual donors and institutional funders
• Prepare materials for donor meetings and grant applications
• Research and identify aligned funding opportunities

Content & Messaging

• Create accessible talking points and outreach materials
• Draft social media content that amplifies our message
• Leverage tools like Google Ad Grants to expand reach

Success Metrics (First 2 Months)

Visibility & Credibility

• 8+ organizational endorsements of Drawing the Line Principles
• 15+ individual endorsements from recognized experts or advocates
• 2+ op-eds or guest pieces in reputable publications
• 2+ podcast/webinar appearances for COSL representatives

Community & Growth

• 20% increase in social media engagement across priority platforms
• Establish relationships with 3+ potential institutional funders
• Generate $300+ in new monthly recurring donations

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds who share our mission. You might be:

• A nonprofit communications professional or campaign manager
• A journalist transitioning to advocacy
• A digital rights activist with media experience
• A content creator with deep expertise in relevant issues
• Someone with a strong online following in digital rights, creative freedom, or adjacent spaces

What matters most:

• Network and reach: Existing relationships OR demonstrated ability to build them quickly with media, advocates, funders, or online communities
• Mission alignment: Genuine passion for digital rights, free expression, and evidence-based approaches to online safety
• Communication skills: Ability to make complex topics accessible and compelling across different audiences
• Independence: Comfort working autonomously in a startup environment
• Sensitivity: Experience handling topics involving human rights, censorship, or survivor communities with care

Bonus points for:

• Experience with fundraising or donor relations
• Background in tech policy, digital rights, or free speech advocacy
• Existing media relationships or bylines
• Social media expertise and engaged following

Role Details

• Structure: Part-time contract (20 hours/week), reporting to COSL Chair
• Duration: 1-month trial, then a further month initial contract with strong potential for extension based on performance and available funding
• Location: Fully remote with flexible scheduling
• Compensation: $2,500-$3,500 for trial month, renegotiated based on scope if extended