Communications Specialist

About the Role

For The People (FTP) is seeking a self-motivated, high-achieving Communications Specialist who is passionate about elevating mission-driven stories and thrives in fast-paced, highly collaborative environments. This role is ideal for someone who has worked in settings like PR, communications, or creative agencies, where pivoting is part of the work, feedback is welcome as a tool for growth, and excellence is critical to impact.

This role plays a critical part in elevating FTP’s national thought leadership and bringing forward the human stories behind legal and policy innovations. You will work closely with the Communications Director to advance the organization’s communications goals and overall mission. Additionally, you will work closely with FTP’s leadership, formerly incarcerated advocates, prosecutors, and consultants to develop and execute high-impact media, events, awards, and creative communication strategies that advance this area of law.

Who Will Thrive in This Role:

• Ownership: You bring a strong sense of ownership and take pride in producing excellent work.
• Solutions-Oriented: You see possibilities where others see barriers, and seize solutions with relentless imagination.
• Iterative: You welcome feedback as part of the creative process, using it as a tool for growth. You find energy in iteration and refining ideas over time.
• Mission-First: You approach the work with humility, always keeping the mission front and center.
• Fast Learner: You learn quickly, ask strategic questions, and pick up context, nuance, and direction with ease.
• Adaptable: You are comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment where priorities may change.
• Close to the Work: You are motivated by proximity to impact, including collaborating closely with formerly incarcerated people and prosecutors.

Core Responsibilities

Media Strategy & Execution

• Maintain and evolve a robust media pitch bank, developing new ideas for pitches
• Research, pitch, and cultivate relationships with journalists at local and national outlets
• Coordinate media opportunities from pitch to publication—including executive prep and follow-through with press
• Support amplification of earned media opportunities on a rolling basis

Events

• Research, track, and submit applications for external events and speaking opportunities (e.g., TED, Aspen, national conferences)
• Produce prep materials and talking points for FTP leaders and partners who will be speaking at events
• Support the project management and execution of in-house events such as prison visits, film screenings, DA convenings, among others
• Source and coordinate logistics with vendors, consultants, and internal teams for in-person and virtual events

Awards & Recognition

• Identify awards and recognition opportunities that elevate FTP and its partners
• Draft and submit compelling award applications (similar to grant writing)
• Coordinate with staff to help amplify wins and recognitions
• Manage timelines and approvals to ensure submissions are strategic, on-brand, and polished

Creative Communications & Strategy

• Contribute original ideas to advance FTP’s narrative and national profile
• Brainstorm and help execute creative campaigns, partnerships, and storytelling initiatives
• Support light design needs, including on Google Slides and Canva, bringing a creative vision to manage external consultants to support a consistent brand
• Work with the Communications Director and Reentry Manager to gather stories for media, events, videos, and other communications opportunities
• Support amplification of communications wins across our monthly newsletter and other platforms, including developing copy and ensuring a consistent brand voice

Project Management

• Manage communications projects using Asana, Salesforce and other tools
• Develop and maintain trackers, timelines, and workflows
• Track projects efficiently and collaboratively across teams

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptionally strong writing skills across formats (pitches, press releases, briefs, newsletters)
• Familiarity with some of the following tools: Asana, Salesforce, Canva, Adobe
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
• Strong organizational instincts and attention to detail
• Familiarity with media, editorial calendars, and brand voice
• Willingness to learn new tools, systems, and subject matter

Location

This position will be hybrid and located in California’s Bay Area. The Communications Specialist will be required to work in our Oakland office a minimum of 2 days a week. The Communications Specialist will also be required to attend various in-person events, including prison releases, special events, and conferences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience; starting range $80-90K depending on experience
• 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
• Option to enroll in 403(b) retirement plan

How To Apply

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Submit the information below at:

https://fortheppl.bamboohr.com/careers

1. A resume;
2. A cover letter that describes why you are interested in the role and your qualifications;
3. Work sample: 2-3 work samples showcasing your communications strengths

Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity Statement

FTP works every day to serve justice and that begins with our team. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives creativity, understanding and effectiveness, so we are continuing to build a culture where difference is not only valued but sought after. We strive to create a team that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full authentic selves to work.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Request for Accommodations

If you require accommodations to review and/or apply for this position, please contact For The People at info@fortheppl.org and appropriate accommodations will be provided.

For The People is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants our staff to reflect the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including formerly incarcerated and/or system-involved individuals. We look at each applicant’s full experience and consider each applicant. We encourage people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system and its impacts are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience; starting range $80-90K depending on experience
• 100%-paid benefits package for the employee, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, holidays and paid time off
• Option to enroll in 403(b) retirement plan

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