Communications Coordinator

SUMMARY:

The Communications Coordinator will play a key role in engaging, cultivating, and growing MJC’s audiences through digital channels and multimedia content. The successful candidate is passionate about using digital strategies and tactics to grow relationships and move people to action. They must also be able to translate complex legal frameworks or policy ideas into digestible written, visual, and video content for online channels. The position will report to the Director of Communications and will help advance communications efforts to position MJC as a thought leader on issues relating to criminal legal reform.

A successful candidate must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) and should have the flexibility to occasionally work outside of normal business hours. MJC currently has a hybrid work arrangement, with some days in-office required. The candidate should be able to work in person at MJC offices in either Washington D.C., Chicago, IL or St. Louis, MO.

The Communications Team oversees outreach, thought leadership, media relations, and digital communications efforts across all offices, working with attorneys and staff to shape strategies that support litigation, share clients’ stories, educate on key issues, and engage with communities.

Who We Are:

MJC is a national nonprofit civil rights law firm. We represent people who have been harmed by America’s criminal legal system, seeking to vindicate their rights, elevate their story, and hold people with power accountable. We do this primarily through cutting-edge litigation and advocacy across the country, on end-to-end issues in the criminal legal system, from policing, to prosecutorial discretion, to rights of indigent defendants, to mass incarceration, to prison conditions, to wrongful convictions and the death penalty. For more information on our work, visit www.macarthurjustice.org.

The criminal legal system disproportionately harms people of color, people from low-income communities, people who were formerly incarcerated, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage people who identify within these and other communities underrepresented in the legal profession to apply. All applicants must have and be committed to the cultural competence required to work with clients, co-workers, and community partners who come from different backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do:

Digital Communications and Content Production

• With guidance from the Director of Communications, be the primary content creator for MJC’s social media channels. This includes developing, scheduling, publishing engaging content across MJC’s social media platforms, and engaging with/reposting content from partners or news organizations, in alignment with our organization’s values, brand, and messaging.
• In collaboration with a digital communications consultant and with guidance from the Director of Communications, coordinate and execute digital campaigns to support organizational initiatives, advocacy efforts, and events.
• Monitor social media channels daily, responding to messages and comments in a timely manner, and reporting back to the Communications Team any sensitive or timely feedback.
• Work with a digital communications consultant to analyze and report on key digital and social media metrics, providing recommendations for new content ideas and other tactics to increase growth and engagement.
• Collaborate with MJC staff to identify stories, ideas, visuals, etc. as sources for compelling social media or online content.
• Assist in updating MJC’s external website (macarthurjustice.org) and internal staff website (The Loop).
• Effectively influence and contribute to a digital strategy for the organization that drives growth and engagement across digital communications channels.

Special Projects and Communication Admin Support

• Support the development and implementation of communications initiatives, campaigns, and web projects that advance litigation, thought leadership, and fundraising objectives.
• Support MJC initiatives by drafting and/or editing content for a variety of communications projects, including web posts, blogs, newsletters, etc.
• Provide technical assistance, content creation, and communications support for webinars, in-person events, and other outreach activities.
• Support with the Communications team’s administrative tasks, including preparing and submitting expense reports, tracking departmental credit card usage, and ensuring timely reporting in compliance with organizational policies.

Other Job Duties

• • Provide coverage for essential tasks and communications support, as needed.
  • Participate in office planning meetings and training related to office-wide practices and technology, and professional best practices;
  • Attend MJC organization-wide meetings and training.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in PR, communications, and marketing preferred.

Skills and Experience:

A successful Communications Coordinator will quickly learn and embody MJC’s voice, and create content that reflects MJC’s values around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although familiarity with issues related to the criminal legal system is preferred, the ability to translate complex ideas to broader audiences is critical. Other key qualifications include:

• At least two years of experience required (inclusive of internships and fellowships) in PR, communications, and marketing, preferably in a non-profit or advocacy setting. Three or more years of experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of racism and oppression (especially as it related to the criminal legal system), and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Commitment to MJC’s mission and client-centered approach.
• Ability to exhibit culturally competent approaches to working with survivors of violence and people with historically marginalized identities.
• Demonstrated success in managing organizational social media accounts, including creating and scheduling posts, designing simple graphics, and producing short-form video content to engage online audiences.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; experience generating engaging content for broader audiences.
• Strong planning and time management skills; deadline-driven; strong attention to detail.
• Ability to receive and incorporate feedback effectively, translating guidance into clear next steps to strengthen communications projects and content.
• A quick thinker, adaptable, flexible, and a fast learner.
• Can work independently and collaboratively, depending on the project’s or team’s needs.
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team, adapting to the needs of the project or team.
• Ability to work within a team environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming, and a willingness to honor the diverse experiences and perspectives of MJC staff and clients.

TO APPLY

Please include a resume, writing samples, and three references (at least two should be from previous or current supervisors). In addition, please complete the Screening Questions in lieu of a cover letter. Applications will be considered incomplete unless the Screening Questions are completed. Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted through June 20, 2025 or until the position is filled.

The starting salary range for this position is $66,000 – $73,000, commensurate with years of experience and includes an excellent benefits package that includes employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, EAP, FSA plans, 401K, and a generous paid-time-off policy. Learn more about our benefits at macarthurjustice.org/benefits/

MJC is a PSLF eligible employer. For more information visit:

studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment