Vice President of Communications
Legal Momentum
Advancing Women's Rights

Legal Momentum has an immediate opening for a Vice President of Communications to help the organization increase its visibility and brand identity using the widest array of effective communications techniques.

THE ORGANIZATION
Legal Momentum advances the rights of women and girls by using the power of the law and creating innovative public policies. As the oldest national organization in this arena, founded in 1970, Legal Momentum employs cutting edge legal, legislative and educational strategies to secure equality and justice for women. It operates programs that address violence against women; employment; child care; education; welfare and poverty; immigration; reproductive rights; lesbian and gay and transgender rights; and bias in the courts.

Legal Momentum is headquartered in New York City and also has offices in Washington, DC.

VISION STATEMENT
Legal Momentum has a large vision: a society in which women control their own lives and make their own decisions about reproduction, family life and work, and enjoy safety and economic security throughout their lives. Women define their own goals and success. Women enjoy full civil rights and participate equally in the responsibilities and rewards of all aspects of the nation’s governance, economic activity, social and cultural institutions, and family. Women are not marginalized as a fringe group nor as special interest group; women's priorities, work and success are valued and deemed central to our nation’s priorities, work and success.

You can learn more about Legal Momentum at www.legalmomentum.org.

THE POSITION
The Vice President of Communications will be responsible for strengthening the communications capacity and building the visibility and reputation of the organization in close collaboration with the President, other vice presidents, and program staff.

This individual will be responsible for initiating, organizing and executing all communications and marketing efforts, and maintaining the integrity of Legal Momentum's brand, vision and voice consistently across all promotional activities.

The Vice President of Communications must demonstrate passion for the issues addressed by Legal Momentum and be able to convey important ideas and information about the challenges women face to journalists, policymakers, current and potential supporters and other stakeholders. This individual will also work closely with coalition partners and communications consultants to build productive relationships with key constituencies.

The Vice President of Communications will manage a staff of three full time and one part time person in New York and Washington, DC and communications consultants.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for Legal Momentum.
• Advise senior staff on tactics and techniques to communicate information about their programs.
• Identify opportunities to increase visibility for Legal Momentum through the media, speaking engagements, and conference appearances.
• Create a strong web presence and programs to build traffic and relationships with web users. Apply the latest technology to the website to increase its effectiveness and use.
• Draft and edit written communications, including annual reports, speeches, op-eds, talking points, fact sheets, press releases, web materials, the newsletter and reports.
• Oversee all graphic design and production.
• Assist staff in preparation for media interviews.
• Strengthen the organization's visibility and strategic outreach efforts to its key audiences, including donors, funders, policymakers, and the media.
• Serve as the liaison with outside communications consultants.
• Develop relationships with members of the media (print, television, radio and Web) and manage inquiries about Legal Momentum.
  Organize events that engage the media (e.g., press conferences, press briefings).
• Oversee tracking of the organization's media coverage.
• Work with Development staff to promote special events and appeals.

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have:

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years in communications, public relations, or marketing, preferably with an advocacy organization. Prior work with an organization doing legal work is preferred.
• Experience generating media coverage for policy issues, and a proven track record of pitching and placing stories in local and national media outlets, including online venues.
• Commitment to Legal Momentum's agenda.
• Experience managing staff and consultants.
• Excellent writing, speaking and analytic skills; the ability to explain and interpret complex issues to the public.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with multiple target audiences, sometimes translating dense subject matter into accessible and compelling language.
• Ability to be a pro-active strategic thinker.
• Ability to train and prepare spokespeople.
• Experience in coordinating major events, such as press briefings and national conferences.
• Bachelor's degree or relevant educational attainment is preferred.
  Knowledge of publishing software.
• Track record of successful use of the Internet to build relationships.
  Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, a good sense of humor and flexibility.

COMPENSATION
Salary will be competitive and commensurate with background and experience. Legal Momentum offers a comprehensive benefits package.

DEADLINE
Applications will be reviewed immediately and will be accepted until the position is filled.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a cover letter with your resume and salary requirements to vp@douglasgould.com. Selected candidates will be invited to submit writing samples, documentation of media placements and references during the second phase of the search.

You may also apply by postal mail to:
Legal Momentum -- Search
c/o Douglas Gould and Company
145 Huguenot Street, Suite 312
New Rochelle, NY 10801

Legal Momentum is an equal opportunity employer.