Communications Associate

The Communications Associate is responsible for bringing Freedom Reads’ initiatives, activities, and positions to the attention of news media and the public, through news releases, newsletters, letters to the editor, opinion essays, website/ blog postings, and the like. The Communications Associate will work with the Chief of Staff to maintain ongoing relationships with key media connections, provide background information and/or media referrals to Freedom Reads’ leadership, help to prepare spokespersons for media interviews, and engage in content creations. They are responsible for providing robust communications and other support and assistance for Freedom Reads’ various internal and external projects, including assisting with the management of relationships with outside public relations, marketing, and design consultants/firms.

Essential Functions

• Create and facilitate the conveyance of messaging in support of Freedom Reads’ mission, vision, and values, and deliver content to internal and external audiences with differing needs, motivators, and perspectives.
• Provide robust communications support and assistance to Freedom Reads’ initiatives.
• Lead the production of Freedom Reads’ monthly electronic newsletter, including formatting and dissemination.
• Maintain audio and video assets (e.g. audio from Freedom Library patrons, short films, etc.).
• Continually track media coverage of Freedom Reads, alerting staff and other audiences, as appropriate.
• Produce quarterly reports on media mentions and manage relationship with Meltwater.
• Assist in the drafting, editing and strategic dissemination of news releases, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces.
• Contribute to the maintenance of the Freedom Reads website.
• Assist in the building and maintaining ongoing relationships with reporters, providing background information and/or media referrals to Freedom Reads’ leadership, and helping to prepare spokespeople for media interviews.
• Manage media relations database.
• Work with the development department, library division, and others, to ensure accuracy and consistency of messaging across all platforms and contexts.
• Other comms tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of professional experience, volunteer work, coursework, and other transferable skills may be applied toward these qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in a field that requires strong writing, communication, and problem solving.
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience working in communications and/or public relations, or equivalent relevant transferable experience.
• 2 years of experience coordinating events or facilitating programs within correctional facilities
• Comfortable using and/or learning the Google Workspace Suite, Airtable, Marketing CRMs (such as Neon), Media Relations Platforms (such as Meltwater or Cision), Website Management (such as Kirby or Wordpress), and Social Media Management Platforms (such as Buffer or Hootsuite).
• Proficiency in short video (short form) production, and graphic design, as well as photography.
• Proficiency and experience with the Adobe Creative Suite or similar software for the above skills.
• Understanding of and/or experience working in systems associated with mass incarceration required.
• Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice and experience working with diverse communities.

Skills/Abilities

• Sound judgment, a high level of integrity, professionalism, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor. Ability to be persuasive in communicating ideas.
• Adaptable—manages a constantly changing business climate.
• Communicates effectively in different contexts, including those pertaining to various populations, persons, situations, or environments. Clear, direct, and succinct writer.
• Collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Versatile—a multidisciplinary and multi-constituency perspective with an ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Comfortable learning and using the digital tools that Freedom Reads uses—with little to no assistance, and willing to try out new technologies and work tools.
• Commitment to Freedom Reads' mission, values, and principles is required as is demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Primarily sedentary work. Often standing or sitting for prolonged periods; spending extended amounts of time working on computers. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as viewing a computer monitor, extensive reading; transcribing, etc.
• Activities that occur occasionally are moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another; adjusting or moving objects less than 50 pounds in all directions. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Work Environment/ Special Requirements

We proudly support and employ individuals who have been impacted by the justice system.

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed primarily in an indoor environment. May on occasion be exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels, such as from office equipment.
• Travel to the office or Library Openings or event on a quarterly and as needed basis.
• This position requires travel to local, state, or federal facilities to support programming and community engagement.
• Candidates must be able to meet the entry requirements of the relevant correctional institutions.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment, or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. Freedom Reads may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.

Freedom Reads is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state. or local law. We strongly encourage people with lived experience related to our mission, including those directly impacted by the criminal legal system, to apply.