The SPLC is seeking a Deputy Director of Public & Media Relations who is passionate about racial and social justice!

The Deputy Director will be responsible for managing day-to-day media and public relations activities across the organization’s legal, legislative and programmatic work, guiding a small team of communications professionals in outreach efforts at the state, regional and national level.

Who You Are

Experienced. Demonstrated track record of developing and successfully implementing strategic PR plans. Skilled in rapid response and crisis communications and working with state, regional and national news media and online media.

Communicative. Exceptional communications skills, including clear, concise writing and editing with the ability to frame complex issues for the media and public.

Proactive. Ability to advocate and successfully pitch and place stories in news and online media that prominently position the organization’s initiatives and thought leadership.

Resourceful. Ability to identify, research and cultivate prospective contacts with niche media outlets while managing and building relationships with individuals in state, regional and national news and online media outlets.

People Manager. Experienced manager with proven success in leading, training, and developing teams. Clear communicator of goals and priorities, organizational policies and processes, keeping the SPLC's best interest at the heart of all communications, decisions, and actions.

Mission, Vision & Culture Alignment. Demonstrates an awareness for SPLC's mission and vision; and a commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

What You'll Do

Manage daily media and public relations priorities and assign duties, ensuring adequate staffing and workflow across the organization’s legal, legislative and programmatic portfolio.

Track breaking news and work within team and across departments to effectively implement rapid response and crisis communications.

Conduct high-level press outreach and secure quality interviews and consistent coverage across print, digital and broadcast media.

Build and leverage relationships with key journalists at the state, regional and national level.

Supervise press inbox and ensure all incoming media inquires are properly vetted and directed to the appropriate spokesperson.

Provide regular media training for spokespeople, create and review press materials to ensure message consistency and organize and ensure the success of press events.

Hire, train, and monitor staff performance and development, and conduct performance reviews.

Ensure team, department and organizational processes are followed and provide coaching when and where necessary. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification Uphold SPLC's JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and department's goals.

Minimum Qualifications 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of public relations experience in a fast-paced agency, in-house or nonprofit setting;
• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience; and
• High School Diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $112,286 annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience. 

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You'll Work 

This role has the following work designation options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities at the SPLC offices or in the states where the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• This position reports to the Director, Public and Media Relations.

Other Special Considerations 

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Works some evenings and/or weekends in the event of breaking news.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.