Food & Water Watch is a leading national organization that mobilizes regular people to build political power to move bold and uncompromised solutions to the most pressing food, water, and climate problems of our time. We work to protect people’s health, communities, and democracy from the growing destructive power of the most powerful economic interests.
This position achieves organizational and campaign-specific goals by implementing creative, ambitious traditional and digital communications plans that support the organizing and/or policy initiatives of Food & Water Watch/Food & Water Action (FWW/FWA). This position works closely with policy directors, communications directors and the organizing team to strategize, plan and implement communications tactics that forward the campaigns and elevate the strength of the organization, locally and nationally. This position is the day-to-day communications lead for California and other Western states where we work and manages a specific portfolio of national policy advocacy we are pursuing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with senior state and national staff to develop and implement communications strategies that will forward the goals and campaigns of the organization, with particular focus on California and Western Region-based work.
- Manage the creation and distribution of all public-facing content (including media, member, and donor outreach through traditional print outlets and digital tools like social media, email, SMS, and the web) specific to California and the Western Region, and some nationally-oriented content.
- Develop communication strategies and tactics to boost member acquisition and retention in California and other Western states.
- Plan and/or implement national, state and local earned and social media campaigns and tactics.
- Build and maintain relationships with media personnel, respond to press inquiries, pitch stories and place our news and opinion in desired media targets.
- Plan and write press materials, including press releases, news advisories, pitch letters, editorial board memos, notes to press, talking points and digital content.
- Collaborate with senior FWW/FWA staff to develop and implement communications strategies and tactics to support organizational initiatives (including fundraising, political and organizing campaigns, policy initiatives, research initiatives, etc.).
- Work with communications team to devise and execute innovative new media initiatives.
- Help create and implement communication trainings for FWW/FWA staff.
- Carry out other projects, as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must have proven previous experience with media, public relations, publications, and team management. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education/Experience: B.A. degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field; 7-10 years of communications or journalism experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Ability to work both independently and in a team setting with staff across the country.
- Proven success in creating and implementing multifaceted communications strategies, including traditional media relations, social media, digital member outreach, donor/development outreach and solicitation, etc.
- Knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy; familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media; familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques.
- Knowledge of digital content strategies, tactics and best practices.
- Knowledge of donor/development outreach and solicitation strategies, tactics and best practices.
- Proven capacity to successfully frame and translate complex policy issues for both journalists and the public.
- Knowledge of food, water, and climate issues preferred.
- Experience with congressional and/or regulatory process a plus.
Computer Skills: An individual should be able to work in a computerized environment and have adequate knowledge of word processing, email, internet and spreadsheet software; in particular have coursework or certification in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point and proficiency with all other Microsoft Office products.
