Assistant Communications Director

The New York State Youth Justice Institute (YJI) seeks to hire an Assistant Director of Communications. The Institute is a collaborative initiative between the University at Albany and the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

We're looking for a hands-on strategic communicator and storyteller to develop effective messaging and communication strategies on youth justice topics aimed at a variety of stakeholders. The Assistant Director of Communications will create and share high-quality content and connect with our key audiences through media, social media, listserv outreach, press releases and public announcements, editorial placements, events, conferences, and other opportunities.

Under the supervision of the Institute’s Executive Director and working collaboratively with the Director of Research and the Director of Training and Technical Assistance, the ideal candidate for this position has:

• a strong record of written and oral skills and experience with diverse audiences and outreach strategies
• an insatiable curiosity about criminal and/or juvenile justice systems, child welfare, and other relevant areas impacting youth at-risk of justice-involvement
• experience crafting data-driven stories that call for action
• innate political savviness and ability to craft messaging that aligns with different stakeholders’ interests
• a teams-oriented approach to day-to-day work and a collaborative mindset
• ability to embrace equity as a central point in all of the content generated for public outreach

This is a full-time position beginning October 1, 2024 or later, and it is based in Albany, NY. Salary ranges from $60K/year to $65K/year based on demonstrated experience.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage media relations for the Institute and develop/foster contacts with media members, State partners, community leaders, and units within the University.
• Collaborate with Institute’s researchers and training/technical assistance teams in developing and disseminating research findings and public information materials.
• Lead the preparation of and manage all communications materials, including:
• creation of digital, video, and print content.
• establishment and implementation of a multi-channel communications strategy/plan; and
• Track engagement across various platforms and make data-driven decisions.
• Ensure continuity of brand voice and maintenance of brand integrity across different platforms and outreach tools
• Oversee one graduate student and help develop their communication, marketing, and design skills.
• Assist with virtual and in person events

Requirements:

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in data journalism, communications, marketing, or a related discipline AND 3-5 years of communications, marketing, public relations, or related full-time experience; OR graduate degree in any of these areas AND 3-plus years of communications, marketing, public relations, or related full-time experience
• Demonstrated experience creating digital, video, and print content.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro), Canva, video editing software (e.g. Camtasia), and mail outreach software (e.g. Mailchimp)
• Demonstrated experience producing data-driven content for public dissemination.
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills, including demonstrated copy-editing abilities.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and social media marketing

Preferred qualifications:

• Established peer relationships in New York State demonstrated through collaborative publications or work history
• Established knowledge of criminal justice/juvenile justice issues demonstrated through relevant publications or work history
• Strong track record in data journalism and familiarity with Tableau, Flourish, or other data visualization tools

Additional Information:

• Professional Rank and Salary Range: SL3, Senior Staff Assistant; $60,000 – 65,000 (commensurate with experience).

Travel may be required and shall not exceed 10% of FT appointment.

Notes: A one-year commitment is required with the option to continue contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.