Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations

POSITION TITLE: Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations 
REPORTS TO: Director of Communications, ADL Centers 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None 
LOCATION: New York, NY preferred, or wherever ADL has an office. 
Grade/Class: Grade F, Exempt, PSA-Eligible 
 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. 
 

PRIMARY FUNCTION: 

The Associate Director, Communications and Media Relations is a member of the team that coordinates ADL’s response to the media on breaking news issues and in planning and strategizing for the public release of major reports and announcements. The Associate Director provides counsel and support to ADL’s CEO and subject matter experts in preparing for high-profile media interviews; pitches ADL stories and leaders to top-tier TV producers, podcasts and digital media; and cultivates and maintains relationships with reporters and producers. This position also assists with editing daily clip reports and maintaining and developing news-related statements, press releases and related content.

Primary: 

• Pitch news stories and features to the media. Coordinate interviews and media events. Schedule and staff press conferences and provide support during national meetings and summits. 
• Serve as a communications partner to ADL’s Centers and affiliates translating complex research, data and policy work into clear, compelling and accessible content for a wide range of audiences.  
• Draft written content to clearly and cogently represent ADL’s positions on breaking news issues and navigate the internal review process. 
• Produce internal media briefings for agency subject matter experts and spokespeople. 
• Staff, brief, and advise CEO and members of senior leadership team for media interviews. 
• Lead and participate in strategic planning for the rollout of major reports. 
• Liaise with internal staff on content and maintain and update content on web site. 
• Monitor and flag relevant breaking news stories. Create clips packets and distribute. 
• Maintain data on the organization’s media hits and share of voice using various online metrics tools and platforms. 

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed. 

Skills:

• Strong relationships with top tier media. 
• Familiarity with a wide range of media and an in-depth understanding of news 
  cycles. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; adaptable tone/style for diverse audiences. 
• Crisis communications and rapid-response experience a plus. 
• Interest and understanding of national and international events and issues of 
  concern to the Jewish community. 
• Thorough understanding of ADL’s positions and ability to articulate them effectively 
  to the media and the public. 
• Experience and passion for policy and issues advocacy a plus.  

Work Experience:

• The ideal candidate has several years’ experience in communications and/or journalism with demonstrable experience in strategic communications and public messaging, including pitching and landing major feature stories in top tier publications.
  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications or equivalent degree, or equivalent experience.
  

Work Environment:  

• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role will require 3 days in person.  

Compensation:  

• This position has a salary range of $85,000 to $95,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in (New York, NY). Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers. 

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.      

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at talentacquisition@adl.org.      

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws.   

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.