What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Specialist position at National Legal Aid & Defender Association?
Position Description
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.
Job Summary
The Communications Specialist leads internal and external communications for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO). This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications that elevate our mission, amplify client stories, and engage key audiences, including the public, funders, and community partners. This position collaborates across departments to manage media relations, digital platforms, branding, and storytelling efforts that strengthen visibility and impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other Duties As Assigned)
Strategy & Planning
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals
Create and manage content calendars, campaigns, and communications plans
Track and analyze engagement metrics to improve reach and effectiveness
Content Development & Storytelling
Write and produce content for websites, social media, annual reports, fundraising materials, and client communications
Translate complex legal and advocacy work into clear, compelling messaging
Maintain consistent brand voice and organizational identity
Digital & Media Relations
Manage websites, social media platforms, and email communications
Build and maintain relationships with media and support proactive media outreach
Advise leadership on media strategy and public relations matters
Collaboration & Support
Partner with internal teams to highlight programs, cases, and impact
Support development and grant efforts through strategic communications
Coach staff on messaging and media engagement best practices
Operations & Projects
Lead communications projects from concept through execution
Establish and maintain communications policies, processes, and tools
Ensure consistency and compliance with organizational standards
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
3-5 years of experience managing social media, digital content, or communication campaigns
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across teams
Preferred Requirements
Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, or legal services environments
Familiarity with media relations and public relations strategy
Experience with design, branding, or multimedia content (photo/video)
Knowledge of email marketing and website management tools
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Work is performed in a normal office environment.
Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable.
May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.
New staff are required to work in the office full-time during their first 90 days of employment. Following this onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is available with a minimum of two in-office days per week.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The starting salary for this position is $60,000.00 and increases depending on experience. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position is based out of our Toledo office.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.
Job Summary
The Communications Specialist leads internal and external communications for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO). This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic communications that elevate our mission, amplify client stories, and engage key audiences, including the public, funders, and community partners. This position collaborates across departments to manage media relations, digital platforms, branding, and storytelling efforts that strengthen visibility and impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other Duties As Assigned)
Strategy & Planning
Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with organizational goals
Create and manage content calendars, campaigns, and communications plans
Track and analyze engagement metrics to improve reach and effectiveness
Content Development & Storytelling
Write and produce content for websites, social media, annual reports, fundraising materials, and client communications
Translate complex legal and advocacy work into clear, compelling messaging
Maintain consistent brand voice and organizational identity
Digital & Media Relations
Manage websites, social media platforms, and email communications
Build and maintain relationships with media and support proactive media outreach
Advise leadership on media strategy and public relations matters
Collaboration & Support
Partner with internal teams to highlight programs, cases, and impact
Support development and grant efforts through strategic communications
Coach staff on messaging and media engagement best practices
Operations & Projects
Lead communications projects from concept through execution
Establish and maintain communications policies, processes, and tools
Ensure consistency and compliance with organizational standards
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
3-5 years of experience managing social media, digital content, or communication campaigns
Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across teams
Preferred Requirements
Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, or legal services environments
Familiarity with media relations and public relations strategy
Experience with design, branding, or multimedia content (photo/video)
Knowledge of email marketing and website management tools
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Physical Demands/Work Environment
Work is performed in a normal office environment.
Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable.
May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.
New staff are required to work in the office full-time during their first 90 days of employment. Following this onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is available with a minimum of two in-office days per week.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The starting salary for this position is $60,000.00 and increases depending on experience. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position is based out of our Toledo office.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.
Salary : $60,000