Communications Manager

IPNO frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients’ stories in court, the legislature, the community and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.

Founded in 2001, IPNO has freed or exonerated 75 people from all across Louisiana. IPNO developed and teaches the first Wrongful Conviction Clinic at LSU Law School, built and is continually expanding the Louisiana Law Enforcement Accountability Database (https://llead.co/) to promote transparency and accountability, and advocates for sensible law and policy changes to make our criminal legal system more just and fair.

About the Position

The Communications Manager develops, manages, and produces IPNO’s communication and outreach strategy (internal and external) and plans in concert with IPNO’s Executive Director and Deputy Director. The position requires an individual either proficient in or willing to learn media relations, digital and print design and communications, and nonprofit marketing. The position requires an understanding of and passion for IPNO’s work, and excellent interpersonal communication, project management, and graphic design ability for social and print media. Because it may require being responsive to case- and news-related events, availability after business hours is necessary at times.

As IPNO prepares a major rebranding rollout this fall, this is an exciting opportunity to join our team as we re-introduce ourselves to supporters, donors, stakeholders, and the community.

Communications Responsibilities:

• Digital Communications: Generate regular digital content with a focus on furthering the mission of IPNO and its various programmatic goals. Be willing to innovate and measure reach and impact. Key digital platforms include website, email, Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Ability to write longer materials on specific issues, including for e-blasts and newsletters and ability to creatively use video for storytelling.
• Print Materials: Conceptualize, develop and draft print materials such as annual report, newsletter, holiday cards, client/case one-pagers, programmatic brochures, and other materials.
• Media Relations: Draft and distribute press releases, pitch stories to targeted reporters, field media inquiries, develop and manage media contacts, draft talking points and messaging for issues/cases, monitor media for media outreach and other opportunities to engage in order to continually gain a wider and more diverse audience for IPNO’s work. Be creative in directing media campaigns that further the mission of IPNO. Coach staff and clients in media interviews (podcasts, local/national/international TV, print, online, radio).
• External events and organizing: Identify, attend, organize, and table at community events across the state, and be a spokesperson for IPNO’s mission and work. Connect with and outreach to other organizations, students, coalitions, and community members interested in learning more about IPNO and getting involved in our work.
• * IPNO is a small nonprofit legal office where, in addition to their primary duties, all staff is expected to assist as necessary with other aspects of IPNO’s work. IPNO is a client-focused office where teamwork and collaboration to ensure IPNO’s overall effectiveness and success is imperative.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: Familiarity with Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Tiktok. Proficient in Canva, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Adobe, email and calendar management, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, and basic office equipment. While formal graphic design experience is not necessary, some demonstrated ability is.
• General Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal skills, including in how to reach wide audiences on different platforms with messages about social and racial justice issues. Able to draft and edit documents, reports, and correspondence.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving challenges and developing alternative solutions. Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information. Has strong ownership over tasks, including follow-through, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Interpersonal: Ability to work effectively with racially and culturally diverse groups of people, including staff, clients and their families, students, volunteers, interns, board members, donors, supporters and community members. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally. Strong ability to be diplomatic and receptive to diversity of viewpoints, particularly when working with external partners.
• Organizational Skills: Proven ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, take initiative in completing necessary tasks, and meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and files. Able to set goals, manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Passion for Non-Profit Work: Understanding and appreciation of mission and values of the organization.
• Driver’s License

Helpful but Not Required:

• Personal vehicle (for which IPNO fully reimburses work-related mileage).
• Experience in criminal and social justice work or space.
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree

Salary and Benefits

The salary range is $42,000 – $56,000, commensurate with experience. We are seeking either a highly motivated individual with limited experience but with a deep interest in learning about nonprofit, mission-driven communications and development, or someone with 2-4 years of experience in these areas of work. IPNO offers a highly competitive and generous benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical/dental/vision, six weeks of paid vacation, Federal holidays, 401k match, and cell phone reimbursement. IPNO provides a work environment that encourages health and self-care. IPNO is a family and pet friendly workplace.

How to Apply:

Start Date: Immediate. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please e-mail a cover letter, a resume, and three references to openings@ip-no.org. In your cover letter, please provide your salary demand. Please include the job title in the e-mail subject line. Please do not call. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

IPNO is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse work force reflective of the diverse communities we serve and support, with regard to race, culture, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status. IPNO works to advance racial justice and equity. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and legal system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.