Communications Associate for Social Media and Design

The Bronx Defenders – an innovative, progressive, holistic indigent defense office in the South Bronx – seeks a passionate communications professional with a commitment to using digital and design skills to advance social justice to fill a position as a Communications Associate for Social Media & Design.

The Bronx Defenders is a public defender non-profit that is radically transforming how low- income people in the Bronx are represented in the legal system, and, in doing so, is transforming the system itself. We seek thoughtful, creative, individuals with a strong commitment to social justice to join our dynamic and diverse staff. Our staff of over 400 includes interdisciplinary teams made up of criminal, civil, immigration, and family defense attorneys, as well as social workers, benefits specialists, legal advocates, parent advocates, investigators, and team administrators, who collaborate to provide holistic advocacy to address the causes and consequences of legal system involvement. Through this integrated team-based structure, we have developed a groundbreaking, nationally recognized model of representation called holistic defense that achieves better outcomes for the people we represent.

Each year, we defend more than 20,000 low-income Bronx residents in criminal, civil, family, and immigration cases, and reach thousands more through our community intake, youth mentoring, and outreach programs. Through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing, we push for systemic change at the local, state, and national levels. We use what we learn from the people we represent and communities we work with and launch innovative initiatives designed to bring about real and lasting change.

Strategic Communications

Our Strategic Communications Team plays a key role in realizing the mission and vision of The Bronx Defenders by transforming mainstream narratives about the communities we work with, elevating the stories of the people we represent, amplifying the work of The Bronx Defenders, and responding to media requests.

Responsibilities 

The Communications Associate for Social Media and Design will be responsible for promoting the work of The Bronx Defenders and amplifying the voices of the communities we work with through social media management, creative content creation, and database management. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Communications, the Communications Associate for Social Media & Design will work closely with all practice areas, including Policy, Community Organizing, Community Engagement, Impact Litigation, and other specialized projects to ensure cohesive branding, the execution of effective social media and digital advocacy strategies, and unified messaging. 

Creative Content 

 • Help identify opportunities for leveraging creative content to advance organization-wide campaigns, coalition campaigns, and other specialized actions or events 

• Develop creative content including but not limited to graphics, short videos, social toolkits, and infographics for our social media and digital channels that will increase the visibility and impact of our work

• Document in person events, workshops, rallies, and advocacy days in person in New York City and Albany through photography, video, and live social media posting (occasionally outside of regular, M-F, 9-5 work hours)

Public Relations 

• Manage the day-to-day operations of our social media accounts 

• Help write and edit social media content, email blasts, and one-pager copy for our audiences 

• Support all practice areas, including Policy and Community Organizing, Community Engagement, Impact Litigation, and other specialized projects, in executing rapid response strategies using our social media and other digital resources

Communications Database Management 

• Support management of the editorial calendar and input social media and digital tasks and strategies in relevant project management and database tools  

• Support management of the website, ensuring content is up to date and accessible 

• Monitor and evaluate performance of social media posts, emails, and media placements 

• Support with other communications administrative tasks such as task management, press tracking, and data entry as necessary. 

Collaboration 

• Collaborate with lawyers, advocates, and Directors of each practice area to edit, develop, and promote advocacy via social media and digital actions

• Work with staff members to draft and review promotional materials for events and announcements at The Bronx Defenders 

• Support the Deputy Director of Communications in delivering social media trainings to staff on an as needed basis

Qualifications 

To be eligible, candidates must have: 

 • Minimum of two years of work experience in communications, advocacy, journalism or media 

Candidates should demonstrate: 

 • Commitment to challenging systemic injustice and carceral systems through media advocacy 

• Commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in a way that is culturally conscious, respects their autonomy and consent, and captures their experiences authentically 

• Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate and connect with people with various backgrounds, identities and experiences 

• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively

• Strong writing, editing, and design skills 

• Ability to multitask, maintain order and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment 

• Meticulous attention to detail 

• Ability to receive constructive feedback, demonstrate introspection and shift behavior accordingly 

• Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion and confidentiality with sensitive matters 

• Commitment to raising one’s cultural consciousness and challenging oppressive practices on an interpersonal and institutional level 

Preferred, but not Required

We will give particular consideration to candidates who have graphic design experience, as well as knowledge of:

• Sprout Social, WordPress, Meltwater, MailChimp, and other media or social media management tools and platforms

• Experience with design and editing tools including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva, InDesign, Premiere

• Experience working in a social services or legal services environment

Salary is commensurate with experience. For candidates with 1-5 years of directly relevant experience, the salary range for this position would be approximately $57,343- $74,707. Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.  

This is a hybrid position that will require in-person work and contact with staff and community members.

Approximately 70% of The Bronx Defenders' staff, including attorneys and non-attorneys, are represented by UAW Local 2325 - Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AFL-CIO). This position is within the bargaining unit.

This position is non-exempt. By law, nonexempt employees are compensated hourly based on their annual rate and therefore are entitled to over-time, whereas exempt employees are not.

Full-time employees are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, dental and vision coverage; a 403(b) plan with employer contribution; a generous vacation, sick leave, and parental leave policy. More specific information about salary and benefits will be provided when and if an offer is extended.

To apply, please visit our Career Portal, select the position of interest and upload your resume and a cover letter in one document when prompted. If you would prefer to send in a video or audio statement in lieu of a cover letter, you may upload your resume as a document and separately upload a video or audio statement instead of a cover letter if that is more accessible to you. Your cover letter or video/audio statement should share why you want to do this work at our office, some key lived and/or professional experiences that have prepared you for this position, and any additional information you would like for us to consider. Your cover letter may be up to one page if written or up to 3 minutes if an audio/video statement. This information allows us to understand your distinct perspective, experience and potential beyond the work history summarized on your resume. Please remember that you may submit a written cover letter or an audio/video, but not both, and applications without either will not be considered. The start date for this position is immediate or as soon as possible.

Applications will be accepted through June 7, 2024. Please contact Anthony Chiarito, Managing Director of Strategic Communications, via email at achiarito@bronxdefenders.org with any questions regarding the position. 

The Bronx Defenders is an equal opportunity employer and is cultivating an anti-oppressive workplace that embraces staff with a diversity of backgrounds, identities and experiences. We acknowledge the ways in which systemic oppression and injustice can undermine access to professional opportunities and are committed to conducting hiring and promotion processes that are equitable and accessible to those commonly excluded from the workforce. We do not discriminate against and in fact specifically encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of color, queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, disabled, neurodivergent and those directly impacted by criminal, civil, family and immigration legal systems. We value lived as well as professional experience and particularly welcome applications from the Bronx community that we work with.