Job Description

This position will be based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and/or Washington, D.C. FIRE operates on a hybrid work schedule that allows for a mix of in-the-office and remote work for eligible employees. This position is not eligible for fully remote work. 

At FIRE, we believe that free speech makes free people. The right of the individual to speak their mind is fundamental for a free society. So we're on a mission to promote and defend free speech — and we need an entrepreneurial and enthusiastic Communications Campaign Manager who can deliver those messages to the public. FIRE’s advocacy relates to on- and off-campus issues. In the higher ed context, we also defend other individual rights including due process, academic freedom, and freedom of association. Applicants should be familiar with FIRE’s work both on campus and in the broader society.

About FIRE:

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s mission is to defend and sustain the individual rights of all Americans to free speech and free thought — the most essential qualities of liberty. FIRE educates Americans about the importance of these inalienable rights, promotes a culture of respect for these rights, and provides the means to preserve them.

Position Description:

The Communications Campaign Manager is responsible for leading comprehensive communications strategy for FIRE projects and campaigns including lawsuits, reports, and campus advocacy cases. The Manager is assigned specific campaigns and serves as the point person in devising and executing the communications strategy for those projects. They work with FIRE staff, where necessary, to produce assets for each campaign and are primarily responsible for ensuring the campaign advances FIRE’s mission and goals and is launched on time and with the right strategy for success.

The duties for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Managing projects for select FIRE campaigns including major reports, lawsuits, and advocacy efforts, and developing comprehensive publicity plans using a variety of channels for each campaign.
• Working with other members of the communications team to ideate and coordinate creative communications components for each campaign including media relations, social media, video, graphic design, editorial content, and website updates.
• Drafting press releases, media advisories, op-eds, blogs, and statements.
• Identifying and prioritizing creative media opportunities, then developing an outreach strategy.
• Building relationships with members of the media to strengthen FIRE’s ability to maintain an active presence in the news.
• Working with FIRE staff across the organization to develop messaging, strategy, and goals for each campaign.
• Maintaining a “long tail” for rollouts by continuing to identify creative opportunities to bring attention to campaigns after they are launched.
• Responding, with other Communications Campaign Managers, to incoming media requests.

This position will also perform other support functions for the day-to-day operation of FIRE’s Communications department.

This position involves a limited amount of travel. Occasional work on evenings and weekends should be expected, including when responding to urgent media requests.

The expected start date for this position is as soon as possible.

Qualifications:

A successful candidate will have a good work ethic, be a self-starter, and have the ability to work independently. Most importantly, the candidate must demonstrate a knowledge and passion for FIRE’s mission and an ability to articulate that passion in a way that will make others enthusiastic about our cause. 

A candidate must also be able to demonstrate:

• Keen instincts for analyzing the news and developing strategies for how FIRE’s unique perspective can add to local and national conversations.
• Stellar knowledge of media relations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and general copy editing skills.
• An understanding of how creative components including social media, video, and design contribute to a successful campaign.
• Superb judgment.
• A proactive, self-starting attitude.
• Flexibility and creativity.
• Exemplary planning and organizational skills including an ability to handle dynamic, challenging, and changing situations without letting tasks fall through the cracks.. Experience with Monday.com or other project management software is a plus.
• A proven ability to collaborate with remote staff members successfully over email, video conferencing, and phone.
• Managerial skills with impeccable attention to detail. 
• The desire to join a dynamic Communications team that is focused on making a difference.

Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in media relations.

Salary and Compensation

Starting salary is negotiable and depends on experience and education level. FIRE conducts periodic evaluations where employees may receive raises or bonuses for outstanding and excellent work. FIRE also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance; a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account option; matching retirement contributions; and a generous paid time-off plan.

Applications

Applicants should provide a resume, cover letter, writing sample or other demonstration of work (a case study of a successful campaign, for example), salary requirements, and contact information for at least two professional references. All applications are confidential. Please address applications to Cait Scanlan, Chief People Officer.

FIRE is an equal opportunity employer.

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