Communications Associate
New Orleans, LA
Promise of Justice Initiative
Date Posted: 12/20/2024
Compensation: $50-$80,000 Salary levels are guided by PJI’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on years of relevant or direct experience.
Start Date: ASAP
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana. Frequent travel is required.
Deadline: Position is open until filled. Priority will be given to applications received before January 17, 2025.
About PJI
The Promise of Justice Initiative (PJI) is a New Orleans-based organization that stands at the forefront of the fight for the liberation, freedom, and autonomy of Black people and all those targeted and touched by the criminal legal system and mass incarceration.
PJI moves life-changing work:
Because racism and mass incarceration are entrenched and pervasive foes, PJI’s approach is multifaceted, including collective action, legislative advocacy, civil and criminal litigation, and reframing narrative discourse.
We challenge the notion that prisons keep us safe and that people with convictions should have no rights. We fight for freedom for people sentenced to die in prison. PJI blocks harmful legislation and pushes for dignity-advancing legislation. PJI partners on and co-strategizes social movement work with hundreds of currently incarcerated people. We advance the voices of survivors of violence and challenge the death penalty. Our work builds powerful authentic stories, pushes counter-narratives, and changes discourse.
The world that PJI pushes for is one where the legal system recognizes freedom and dignity as universal rights and embodies an ethos of transformation, restoration, and safety.
Summary of Position
The Communications Associate is a coordinating role on PJI’s Administration and Development Team. The Associate enthusiastically shares stories of PJI’s clients and impact, drives engagement, and helps to build support around PJI’s mission through proactive outreach and public education. The person in this role primarily writes/designs, edits, and publishes compelling written and visual content for both digital and print media and directly manages all digital platforms. The Associate collaborates with executive leadership and staff to support content development and overall communication objectives. The associate also supports news media engagement processes and events.
Who We Are Looking For
This work is hard on every level. PJI optimistically and strategically fights for a better future and requires staff who are committed to one another and to people who are incarcerated or otherwise harmed by the criminal legal system.
PJI is committed to hiring smart, talented, skilled people who have directly experienced the issues that we fight against. People who are formerly incarcerated, survivors of violence, working class, LGBTQ+, and people of color, particularly Black, are all strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities of the Position
Content Creation & Storytelling
Create and disseminate multimedia content, including written messages, graphics, photos, and video, across multiple digital platforms (web, social media, etc.) and via printed collateral.
Help transform the experiences of our client, impact metrics, and anecdotes into compelling narratives, drawing out the essential human experiences to develop persuasive messaging
Help develop and employ aligned messaging across various media and communications platforms, including messages framed to persuade stakeholders on challenging issues
Coordinate iterative writing processes that at times involves multiple contributors and/or editors and several rounds of revision and evolution
Digital Presence & Engagement
Actively maintain and regularly updates the PJI website including adding and enhancing content and improving the user experience
Develop and send engagement emails via Constant Contact to update supporters and spur action, monitoring and evaluating campaign effectiveness regularly.
Proactively leverage social media channels to broaden PJI’s base of support and drive engagement, including content planning, scheduling, and publishing processes.
Grow audiences and expand PJI’s digital footprint as measured by engagement metrics (clicks, impressions, etc.), overall reach of various channels, and responses to calls to action
News Media Relations
Disseminate press releases and other news media communications
Support logistics for press conferences and other public events involving news media
Update, maintain, and leverage PJI’s news media database
Compile and manage records of news stories, TV spots, mentions, and related content and leverage to support PJI’s overall communications objectives
Development and Other Communications
Support development communication processes including digital campaigns, mailings, etc.
Collaborate with the Administration and Development team to create both digital (e.g., web, socials) and print (e.g., brochures, posters) marketing collateral for revenue generation.
Collaborate with admin/ops team to improve internal processes, systems, and workflow
Other duties and responsibilities as required to meet PJI’s needs
Supervisory Responsibilities
May assist with limited supervision of interns
Key Qualifications
Anti-racist analysis and commitment
At least 3 years of professional experience
Experience in communications, digital platforms management, web and graphic design, writing and editing, and/or media outreach
Proficiency with Constant Contact, any graphic design platform, and the standard MS Office software applications, especially Outlook and Powerpoint
Basic knowledge of (or enthusiasm to learn) website maintenance and design principles
Highly organized and responsive with excellent verbal and written communication skills
Diligence, strong self-motivation, and a positive, solutions-focused attitude
Ability to work well with teams and collaborate both internally and externally, including regularly receiving and incorporating feedback from internal and external sources
Experience working with diverse groups of people and marginalized communities
Flexibility including an ability to work long, weekend, or impromptu hours when necessary
Ability and willingness to drive and possession of a valid driver’s license and insurance
Exceptional candidates will have:
Experience in nonprofit communications, marketing, and/or development
Excellent graphic design and/or audio-visual production skills
Proficiency with Squarespace or similar online website design platforms.
Experienced with project management software like Airtable and Planner
Demonstrated experience growing digital communities and/or effectively engaging supporters of an organization or cause
Experience in the criminal legal field or with people impacted by racism and carceral system
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range is $50,000- $80,000. Salary levels are guided by PJI’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on years of relevant or direct experience.
Flexible paid time off, most Federal holidays, Fridays in August, and winter holiday season off.
24 office closure days (almost 5 work weeks)
16 days of Paid Time Off initially; 25 days after 3 years
100% payment of health insurance (including partner and dependent insurance)
Health and Dependent Care FSA
5% 401k match after 6 months of employment
Short and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance
Union representation: The National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW) represents eligible employees at PJI. This role is a bargaining unit position.
How to Apply
Submit an application package containing the following:
Cover letter. The cover letter should be no more than 3 pages, and should include (but is not be limited to):
How your personal and professional experience intersects with people impacted by the carceral system and racism (both).
The skills or expertise that you are most excited to bring to this position.
Resume
Work samples:
Brief writing sample - can be a blog or social media post, press release, etc.
Graphic design sample(s)
Email address for 3 References:
2 people who can speak to your professional skills.
1 person who can speak to how you think about or engage in racial justice issues. (this can be family, friend, colleague, mentor etc.)
Deadline: Priority application deadline is EOD January 17, 2025.
