Press Secretary Job Description (Temporary / Full Time) with the North Carolina Association of Educators
The Position
The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) seeks a talented, dedicated, and experienced communicator that carries the voice of North Carolina public school educators, students and community allies through press, digital media and other tools and tactics.
The Press Secretary will report to the Communications Director to devise and implement a proactive earned media strategy across local, state, and national outlets, while managing NCAE’s media response and serving as junior writer.
About North Carolina Association of Educators
The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is building a movement to defend and transform public education in our state to ensure all students and families have access to quality public education that ensures they have the opportunity to meet their full potential. In the last three years we have led the largest educator walkouts in state history and mobilized thousands of voters across the state to the polls as part of our successful campaign to halt the privatizer-controlled General Assembly’s eight-year legislative assault on our educators, students, and communities.
We are on the cusp of restoring North Carolina as a national leader in education policy and are making moves from the Sandhills to the Mountains to win the schools our students deserve.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
- Create and implement media outreach strategies, including researching target media, building press lists, and communicating directly with reporters.
- Write press releases, background documents, advisories, fact sheets, talking points, and other news-related information for internal and external audiences.
- Respond to inquiries from journalists.
- Monitor media coverage and provide updates to NCAE staff and leadership on how the organization is presented in the news.
- Proactively pitch events and stories to appropriate media and outlets.
- Develop and execute plans to communicate regularly with NCAE’s statewide membership through various channels including print publications, email, texting, and social media.
- Create content to be shared on NCAE’s news and social media channels, including member success stories and policy/legislative updates.
- Assist with copywriting, posting content, and ensuring NCAE’s media strategy is aligned with digital strategy and overall communications strategy.
- Write and place Op-Eds, mass emails, and other public-facing content.
- Assist in maintaining up to date website content on priority issues.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 2-3 years of experience in communications with a nonprofit organization, agency, media institution, government office, political campaign, or equivalent environment.
- Experience in labor organizing or comparable environments in electoral, community, or movement organizing preferred.
- Experience creating and implementing strategic communications campaigns.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of AP style.
- A strong understanding of principles of effective communication to members, potential members, and the public.
- Established media contacts and understanding of the media landscape in North Carolina.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive.
- A deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in the work and demonstrable experience centering the voice and experiences of marginalized communities.
- A demonstrated ability to develop content and messaging for different audiences, social groups and organizing targets.
- Strong interpersonal skills: a deep understanding of trust-building, maintaining strong relationships, and communicating with people across differences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and project manage, prioritize, and execute to meet frequent and tight deadlines with keen attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to be adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment.
- A track record as an excellent collaborator and team player.
- A willingness to work nights and weekends when needed.
- Familiarity with public education and public education issues.
- A deep commitment to elevating workers’ voices.
Location: Position is based at NCAE headquarters in Raleigh. May require infrequent travel around the state.
Compensation: This is a temporary Professional Staff Step 0 position of the NCAE/NCSO staff union contract with an annual salary of $61,681.00 plus benefits.
Required Materials: Please submit your resume, at least 3 references, cover letter and a short writing sample or problem of practice that demonstrates skills relevant to this role to https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=59fc7f52-c895-4bef-90c4-acedc2089c6b&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US
Benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage available
- Employer provided FSA/HRA monies
- Cell phone and internet reimbursement
- Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
- 401k Plan
- Pension Plan (if a temp. position-not eligible until 1/1 or 7/1 after 1 year of service)
- Paid holidays, employer paid life and LTD coverage, voluntary life insurance
- A generous personal, sick, and annual leave policy, and more
NCAE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression,
gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected.
Current and former/retired NCAE members and applicants committed to a strong public educators’ association who meet many, but not all, of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process, please call Angela Schell in Human Resources @ 919-755-5541.
