Vera Institute

  • Brooklyn, NY


  • Permanent

  • Full-time
Who we are:

The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and activists working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. Learn more about life at Vera; click .

What You’ll Do:

Reporting directly to the Media Strategy Director and working closely with the members of the media team, the Communications Associate, Rapid Response will primarily be responsible for communications work around legislation, developing rapid response strategies, statements, and talking points, and developing campaign framing and messaging materials for initiatives and place-based work at Vera. The Communications Associate, Rapid Response will manage the day-to-day media outreach for various initiatives and help develop the messaging strategy for various projects and report releases.

1. Communications Strategy Support

  • Build communications strategies and pitch local and national media and cultivate and build Vera’s relationships with reporters.
  • Create communications plans that help identify how Vera can gain traction across a set of priority issues and/or respond to specific events in the press.
  • Build target media lists based on journalists’ previous coverage and current reporting beats.

2. Journalist-facing Correspondence

  • Respond to media requests, ensure journalists have the correct information to report a story, and coordinate interviews with Vera staff as necessary.
  • Prepare briefing documents for Vera spokespeople before their interviews.
  • Draft responses to reporters in the case of written interviews.

3. Writing Responsibilities

  • Draft written materials, including pitches, press releases, and media advisories.
  • Become proficient in drafting envelope statements to be used in rapid response or crisis communications scenarios.

4. Rapid Response Protocol

  • Monitor news developments and track justice-related news, seeking opportunities to bring Vera’s work to diverse audiences.
  • Propose creative, new media strategies that help generate traction in media outlets that Vera has not been featured in in the past.

5. Media Database Maintenance

  • Manage pertinent press lists and guarantee that they remain up-to-date and relevant.

What qualifications you will need

Required:

  • 1-3 years of professional experience in media relations, public relations, or communications and/or equivalent experience in an advocacy group or in government.
  • We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace-specifically, we value diverse experiences regarding educational background and justice system contact.
  • A passion for social justice movements centered around race equity;
  • You pay attention to detail. You have excellent organizational skills, and the ability to manage work on multiple projects efficiently;
  • You understand the media and the media understands you. You’re comfortable reaching out daily to reporters and producers to pitch, confirm, and coordinate media hits.
  • You’re social media savvy and well-versed enough in the media landscape that you’re able to take a topic or issue and dig until you find the exact reporter at the exact publication that would be the best person to tell a particular story;
  • Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills;
  • Ability to work effectively with and without close supervision;
  • Diplomacy. You are open to feedback and see it as an opportunity to grow and learn;
  • A demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds;

Preferred:

  • Experience with policy analysis and rapid response planning a plus.

Required Software applications:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and familiarity with content management platforms. Ability to learn how to use media databases like Cision.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Online submission in PDF format (through Vera’s career page) is preferred. No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

ATTN: Human Resources / Data Engineer

Vera Institute of Justice

34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Fax: (212) 941-9407

Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.

No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit

Vera Institute

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