Director of Communications

Communications Director

Full Time – Must be based in Washington, DC

$100,000 - 115,000 Annually, Based on Experience

About the Position:

Whistleblower Aid is seeking a motivated communications director to advance the organization’s mission to support whistleblowers in the public and private sectors coming forward to defend our democracy. The successful candidate will develop and lead a comprehensive media strategy through narrative building and media acumen that aligns with the organization’s goals and enhances visibility across all media channels. An ability to seize on media opportunities as they arise and sharp writing skills are high priorities.

Hybrid position, with minimum two days in the Washington, DC office per week. This is a full time employee position.

Responsibilities:

• Develop messaging that communicates the importance of whistleblowers under corporate and political pressures
• Develop and implement thought leadership strategy and tactics
• Identify and secure opportunities to drive the organization’s case narratives in earned media and through collaboration with validators and surrogates
• Develop detailed, thoughtful and thorough communications plans for each case
• Brief and prepare principals, stakeholders and clients for media interviews
• Draft and edit communications materials including press releases, social media, email newsletters, fundraising asks, talking points and speeches, op-eds, and more
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with members of the media 
• In conjunction with other team members, track media and social media developments relevant to our work and participate in the development of social media and email content 
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications for a successful candidate include:

• Ability to handle all information with absolute discretion and professionalism
• Spectacular writing ability for a variety of audiences
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to think strategically and proactively to seize the moment and parlay it into opportunities
• A strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience with crisis communications 
• An ability to multitask under time pressure and pivot in a dynamic environment
• Strong interpersonal skills, including client relationship-building and empathy 
• Experience with social media strategy and content 
• Experience working in pro-democracy organizations, political campaigns, or congressional offices 
• 7 years of experience in strategic communications and media relations, including generating earned media within a policy and legal advocacy environment.
• Strong technology skills with an aptitude to learn new platforms: media management (e.g., Meltwater); Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, employer sponsored 401K plan with company match, generous Paid Time Off policy

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

About Whistleblower Aid: 

Whistleblower Aid provides pro bono legal, advocacy, and communications support to government and private sector whistleblowers acting in the public interest. The organization’s lawyers have represented some of the most consequential national security and Big Tech whistleblowers in history, including the Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, the anonymous intelligence community whistleblower whose disclosures led to the first impeachment of President Trump, and others.

To Apply:

Email us at hiring@whistlebloweraid.org

Naomi Seligman, Chief Strategy Officer

Please include with your application:

• Resume/CV
• List of three references
• Two writing samples