COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT

The Communications Assistant for Black Lives Matter Grassroots provides communications and media support for the organization. The position provides support to BLMG’s Communications Strategist to implement strategies, protocols and practices that effectively communicate the organization’s mission and work, both internally and externally. Collaboration with the BLMG leadership team, staff, contractors, partners, chapters, and additional staff/support is essential, as is communication with media, the broader Black liberation and social justice movement, and the public at large.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Outstanding problem-solving ability
• Resourceful self-starter
• Familiarity with various media platforms (print, television, online, radio, podcast)
• Strong technological skills, including websites, docs, spreadsheets, online meeting platforms, copy and rudimentary video editing, and social media, etc.
• Basic graphic design using platforms such as Canva
• Flexible schedule
• Ability and willingness to travel, including on short notice
• Deep understanding of Black radical tradition
• Adherence to security culture
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively and take direction

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Press contacts and relationships, especially Black media
• Experience working with press
• Command of press/marketing formats
• Fluency in social media marketing
• Knowledge of Black liberation, social justice, and political movements

ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Kind, teamplayer, smart, critical thinker, tech-savvy, good sense of humor, commitment to racial and social justice, courageous, spirit of service, low-ego, discreet.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Keep track of various communications stories, campaigns, and initiatives. Support with planning. Set reminders.
• Relationship building and updates to Black and general media.
• Maintain communications calendars. Coordinate with strategist and BLM Grassroots leadership to track comms events, interviews and other coverage.
• Coordinate with the communications strategist to field media requests and follow up on comms pitches and coverage.
• Regularly maintain and update all organizational websites and social media platforms.
• Create content and update comms posts to BLM Grassroots social media as directed
• Write and/or proof press releases, media alerts for BLM Grassroots, in support of BLMG chapters and on an emergency response basis.
• Draft and send correspondence as directed.
• Coordinate and handle invitations for media briefings and releases.
• Provide technical assistance and support.
• Attend meetings and events, keep accurate notes, and conduct follow-up as-needed.
• Confirm bookings for radio program.
• Tech role for radio program as needed.
• Conduct background research and prep packages for radio program and media appearances.
• Create postable/shareable radio program clips.
• Create postable/shareable organizational content.
• Manage press, communications, and general email accounts.
• Schedule and coordinate in-person and virtual meetings, including zoom platform.
• Coordinate comms event logistics for BLM Grassroots
• Work closely with Chapter and Campaigns Coordinators to ensure that logistics needs are met and that all are in the loop on comms initiatives and events.
• Required travel and field presence for on-the-ground action and events social and earned media coverage.
• Emergency response and additional duties as needed.

COMPENSATION:

Salaried employee $50-60k plus benefits

APPLY:

Please send brief cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references to: operations@blmgrassroots.org.