Director, Communications

About Sandy Hook Promise

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings, and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Through its life-saving evidence-informed Know the Signs prevention programs, SHP educates and empowers youth and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others. SHP is a moderate, bipartisan organization that supports sensible policy solutions that address the human side of gun violence and make schools safer.

SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

Commitment to Racial Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

SHP strives to ensure its culture and work environment reflects the values of race, diversity, equity, and inclusion (REDI) and is responsive to the views and issues of the diverse communities with which we live and work. SHP encourages individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to equity and inclusion to apply.

About the Role

As the Communications Director, you will play a critical role in expanding and shaping the public perception of Sandy Hook Promise's nonpartisan approach to policy and movement building. You will be responsible for co-creating, developing, and executing a comprehensive strategic communications plan to shift media narratives; influence the conversations around gun violence prevention and school safety; secure positive coverage of our Action Fund, research, and expert opinions; and reach, engage, and mobilize our network to advance key legislative priorities.

The person in this role will partner with the Federal, State, Engagement, and Marketing Teams to be a persuasive ambassador and advocate for our nonpartisan movement, bipartisan policy and message strategy, and signature legislation. You will also support partners in cross-promotional campaigns and legislative endorsement opportunities. As the key Marketing department liaison between our Action Fund (C4) team and our Foundation team (C3), you will ensure that comprehensive, omnichannel plans are developed and executed to mobilize and organize constituents in support of policies the organization is looking to advance.

While this position in not a formal lobbying role, candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of the legislative process and political acumen, as well as an ability to successfully and strategically navigate partisan divides, strengthen bipartisan support, and adapt to an ever-changing policy landscape.

The role reports to the Associate Vice President of Communications and works closely with the Marketing and Action Fund departments, as well as interacting cross-functionally with the Development (Operations), Business Development and Partner Success (Programs) teams. This position has one direct report.

The ideal candidate must have exceptional communications skills including writing, speaking, and active listening and proven ability to collaborate, understand and incorporate feedback, and manage relationships to deliver measurable results. As a participant in the Rapid Response Team, this work requires quick turnaround on written materials while managing multiple on-going projects. Therefore, strong attention to detail and project management skills are paramount.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leaders on strategic planning, messaging, and measurement.
• Co-create and implement media and partner relations strategy based on organizational goals and Action Fund objectives.
• Write and edit opinion editorials, press releases, letters to the editor, fact sheets, media kits, speeches, petitions, email campaigns, and more to promote SHP and encourage action, adhering to specific editorial style guidelines and strategic, audience-centric messaging.
• Monitor news and lead media advocacy strategies to strengthen engagement and influence local and regional coverage.
• Serve as primary omnichannel campaign lead on Action Fund initiatives, liaising with Digital, Creative, and Comms teams within Marketing department to ensure integrated plans are developed and executed.
• Prepare spokespeople and subject matter experts for interviews and speaking engagements.
• Develop and produce monthly reports to evaluate ROI and refine SHP’s communication strategies based on time/effort tracking, coverage, reach/impressions, and audience engagement/conversion.
• Conduct media analysis and support coverage archives, highlights, and contact database.
• Manage and mentor direct report.
• Have a basic understanding of data literacy and willingness to use and refer to data.
• Other duties as identified given organizational needs.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Prior work with a policy and advocacy-based organization is required.
• 10+ years of experience in a role focused primarily on PR, communications, media relations or related journalistic experience. Background in working for an agency a plus.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical skills, and legislative fluency with ability to translate the complexity of lawmaking into strategic communication plans and easy-to-understand content and assets.
• Demonstrated writing, editing, and proofreading skills required. Familiarity with AP Style Guidelines.
• Proven ability to earn media required. Opinion editorial placements are a plus.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders and deliver on shared goals -- on time and on budget.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and deliverables.
• Embraces and values diversity of all kinds, does not shy away from it, is open to conversations about racism and equity, and is comfortable working cross-culturally and cross-community.
• Proficient at using Microsoft Office; familiarity with Cision is a bonus.
• A commitment to SHP’s mission and values.​​​​

Benefits and Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $93,000-$103,000.

(SHP follows a strict internal rubric to help guide salary placement and ensure equitable pay amongst new hires and current staff. New hires should expect to be brought on at the start of the range, except in extenuating circumstances.)

• SHP offers a competitive benefits package, including:
• Unlimited PTO
• Flexible schedules
• Paid holidays and 10 days sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision
• Employer paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability
• 401k match
• Professional development stipend
• Wellness & mental health support
• Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program.

Our organization operates within a distributed workforce, allowing for location flexibility across the country for most positions. We provide remote office support for all staff, which includes a laptop, home office reimbursement, monthly Wi-Fi reimbursement up to $40, and monthly cell phone reimbursement up to $50.

How to Apply

• Resume and Cover Letter should be combined and submitted as a single PDF document.
• Please submit two writing samples that are combined as a single PDF document with your application.
• The last day to submit applications will be on Thursday, July 25, 2024*

Equal Opportunity Employment

SHP is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be an employer of choice: where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and do their best work. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are focused on promoting diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion and believe deeply in having a workforce comprised of people of all beliefs and backgrounds who seek to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life. Members of all under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.