About the Institute for Free Speech:
Founded in 2005 by former Federal Election Commission Chairman Bradley A. Smith, the nonpartisan Institute for Free Speech promotes and defends First Amendment rights to freely speak, assemble, publish, and petition the government. Pulitzer-prize-winning columnist George F. Will called the Institute “the gold standard of public advocacy in defense of the most important provision of the Constitution.”
Litigation and legal work comprise about two-thirds of our program activities. We believe we are litigating more cases defending political speech than any other organization. The Institute also conducts traditional think tank work, such as research, education, communications, and external relations.
About the Role:
The Institute for Free Speech is seeking a skilled communicator with experience in media relations and a proven record of developing relationships with journalists and influencers. This role will support all aspects of the Institute for Free Speech’s work. The Communications Director will understand both traditional media outreach efforts and social media to share the Institute’s pro-speech message.
This position demands a candidate who has an in-depth understanding of what drives news stories and can use the news cycle to educate the public on the threats to and the importance of free speech. In short, you will help spread the Institute’s message and fight for the First Amendment’s speech freedoms and a culture of free speech in the court of public opinion.
This person will report to the President of the Institute for Free Speech. This role can be executed from Washington, DC or virtually from anywhere in the United States.
You must have strong writing ability and be able to build and maintain trusted, positive, and productive relationships with media outlets. Your goal is to promote the Institute’s work to drive public understanding about the importance of free speech to our nation and our future.
The Opportunity to Fight for Free Speech:
This is a rare opportunity to work with an organization on the front lines of fighting for free speech. We challenge laws, practices, and policies that infringe upon First Amendment freedoms, such as speech codes that censor parents at school board meetings, laws restricting people’s ability to participate in the political process, and any intrusion into people’s private political associations.
Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain productive relationships with reporters, bookers and producers, columnists, editorial staff, and social media influencers in this space
- Aid staff in targeting their work to ensure maximum impact
- Write and effectively distribute press releases about new lawsuits, developments in cases under litigation, and research reports
- Write or edit and place op-eds
- Create powerful messaging for free speech
- Edit blog content, position statements, and other written products as needed
- Manage inbound press inquiries
- Organize press conferences, press availabilities, media briefings, etc.
Position Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must have:
- A passion for our mission to defend and expand political speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment
- Demonstrated experience in driving successful communications campaigns for products, issues, nonprofits, or candidates
- Exceptional writing and editing skills
- A proven track record as an innovator and self-starter
- Good judgment
- Familiarity with Word, WordPress, Constant Contact/Mail Chimp, Cision, etc., or an aptitude for using such technology
Additionally:
- Working knowledge of free speech issues is a strong plus
- A substantial number of social media followers is a strong plus
If you read through this job description and think you are a strong candidate, regardless of how many years of experience you have, we welcome your application.
Compensation:
We will pay a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Our comprehensive benefits package includes an excellent health insurance plan, dental insurance, vision care, health savings account, 16 days of paid office holidays, paid time off, paid parental leave, long-term disability insurance, commuting benefits, and a 401(k) with low-cost funds and an employer match.
To Apply:
Candidates should submit the following in one PDF file with your name in the file:
- Cover letter detailing interest in the position and why we should hire you. Please also explain your interest in the Institute for Free Speech’s mission. Be sure to include your salary requirements, your preferred work location, and your interest, if any, in working full-time from our headquarters.
- Resume
- At least two writing samples; writing samples relevant to IFS’s work are preferred, but any writing sample is acceptable.
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Network Engagement of Talent Market, who is assisting with the search: katy@talentmarket.org.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
