The Texas Freedom Network (TFN) seeks a full-time Communications Director in our Austin office. (All staff are working remotely during the COVID pandemic.) The Communications Director manages messaging and media strategies for the organization, which includes TFN and the TFN Education Fund (tfn.org), as well as our major youth-organizing program Texas Rising (TXRising.org) and faith-organizing project Just Texas (JustTX.org). The Communications Director works in collaboration with the Digital Director in advancing the vision and values of the organization across all communications channels.

 

TFN is a statewide, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that is building an informed and effective movement working toward equality and social justice.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, manage and drive TFN’s media and messaging strategy, coordinated through various channels, with input from the organization’s leadership and other program directors.

  • Develop and implement an integrated, organization­-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of TFN, TFNEF, Texas Rising and Just Texas and strengthen brand identity across key stakeholder audiences 

  • Build a narrative for the organization in collaboration with leadership and program directors that centers equity and social justice and situates TFN’s issues and work within the broader progressive movement.

  • Regularly survey the communications and narrative ecosystem to ensure that TFN’s messages, narrative and communications remain relevant within the dynamic political environment.

  • Engage in and direct appropriate research, testing and evaluation of TFN communications tools, strategies and tactics.

  • Coordinate with the Digital Director and the digital team in producing high-quality, timely, original social media and digital content.

  • Oversee TFN’s earned media strategy, including the creation and execution of media plans and preparing spokespeople for talking with the media and at public events (including testimony at public policy hearings).

  • Work with other staff to develop long-term communications strategies, including developing and managing future research ideas, identifying messaging opportunities, and building partnership opportunities.

  • Ensure that TFN has strong relationships with the media.

  • Collaborate with communications colleagues from allied organizations on TFN issues, particularly on (but not limited to) reproductive freedom, LGBTQ equality, and the organization’s broader work at the Legislature and the State Board of Education.

  • Write and edit content for collateral materials (including talking points, press releases and briefing papers) supporting various TFN programs and advocacy.

  • Serve as a spokesperson for the organization with the media and general public.

  • Identify and train appropriate spokespeople within TFN staff and activists. Expand and diversify the number of key spokespeople for the issues and work of the organization.


Qualifications:

  • At least five years’ working experience successfully building, managing and executing communications programs for a progressive organizing or advocacy environment or a political/issue campaign

  • Experience with developing/executing both digital and traditional media campaign plans.

  • Experience managing and building a high-performing team

  • Strong management, budgeting, analytical, and organizational skills, including relevant project management experience

  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral

  • Ability to work with diverse people and organizations

  • Excellent relationship-building skills with ability to influence others to move toward a common vision or goal

  • A strong track record of positioning an organization to achieve tangible communications goals in a competitive communications environment

  • Ability to train, coach and support spokespeople on a variety of issues and in a variety of settings

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in journalism/communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field

  • Commitment to social justice and experience with social change organizing

  • Spanish-language fluency is desired but not required.

 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary range is $75,000 - 85,000 per year, depending on experience level. Excellent benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) plan, generous paid time off.

Applicants will be considered and interviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline to apply is January 22, 2021.

 

Texas Freedom Network is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. TFN encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, or disability.
This position has been filled. Would you like to see our other open positions?