ADC Employment Opportunity: Communications Director

posted on: Sep 14, 2012

Overview

ADC seeks a full-time Communications Director to join the ADC National Office in Washington, DC. The Communications Director will be responsible for planning and executing overall communications strategy of the organization and advance ADC issues through a wide range of media outlets. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with the ADC team to accomplish goals and will have the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced atmosphere. This position will require some travel as well as occasional evening and weekend hours. The Communications Director reports directly to the ADC President.

About ADC

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which is non-profit, non-sectarian and non-partisan, is the largest grassroots Arab-American civil rights and civil liberties organization in the United States. It was founded in 1980 by former Senator James Abourezk. ADC protects civil rights, promotes mutual understanding, and preserves the cultural heritage of Arab Americans.

ADC is committed to diversity; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socioeconomic circumstance.

Core Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day outreach efforts with press, cultivate relationships with reporters from national and local media outlets, conduct news conferences, monitor media (print, electronic, web), and provide on-the-record comment to press as ADC spokesperson with the media including video interviews.
Strong writing skills and extensive experience creating press releases, editorials and message documents. Also, write, review, oversee design of publicity related materials, action alerts, media advisories, blog entries, op-eds, letters to the editor, reports, issue papers, and other documents.
Works with communications staff to oversee online engagement strategy (digital, social media, blogging); website development, and initiatives using new media platforms (strategy and execution). Development of ADC-TV (YouTube channel).
Participate in regular strategy sessions about organizing, legal, membership, development, and ADC initiatives; also assist chapters in marketing, communications, and public relations.
Introduce new and creative approaches designed to expand ADC’s name recognition and reach key audiences (members, donors, policymakers, government officials, advocates, women, youth).

Ideal Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or other applicable field required. Graduate degree in related field desirable.
At least 5 years of relevant work experience in communications, policy, legal, or government settings.
Ability to keep organized in a fast-paced environment, to manage several projects simultaneously, and to adjust to frequently changing demands.
Candidate should possess knowledge of and commitment to ADC issues and the Arab American community.
Excellent command of the English language, in both speaking and writing; ability to articulate complex legal or political matters in concise, everyday language; strong ability to communicate in Arabic preferred, but not required.
A team player that inspires collaboration and functions decisively; flexible and well organized. Strong interpersonal, communication, and team-building skills.
Emotionally mature and self-confident, ability to maintain balance and perspective at all times. Creative, result-oriented, self-starter, and willing to learn.
Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including some evening and weekends.
Experience with video production and editing preferred.
Ability to prepare graphic presentations and conduct internet research.
Proficient with Mac OS and Microsoft Windows platforms, Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, HTML
Compensation & Benefits

Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and generous paid holidays.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, send a letter of interest (with salary requirements), resume, and two (2) references via mail or email to:

Warren David, ADC President
c/o Marielle Costanza
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
1990 M Street, NW Suite 610 Washington, DC 20036
mcostanza@adc.org

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, preference will be given to applications received by October 1, 2012.