What are the responsibilities and job description for the Press Secretary position at NAACP?
Position Summary
The NAACP is seeking a strategic, media-savvy Press Secretary to serve as the primary spokesperson and media liaison for the Association. This role requires a skilled communicator with a deep understanding of racial justice, policy advocacy, and the media landscape. The Press Secretary will develop and execute media strategies that amplify the NAACP’s mission, protect its brand, and proactively shape public narratives on key civil rights issues.
Key Responsibilities
Media Relations & Messaging
- Serve as a principal spokesperson, managing rapid response and proactive media engagement on behalf of the NAACP.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with national, regional, and local media, ensuring widespread and accurate coverage of the organization’s initiatives.
- Develop and pitch compelling storylines to drive coverage of NAACP’s policy priorities, campaigns, and leadership.
- Draft, edit, and distribute press materials, including statements, op-eds, talking points, media advisories, and press releases.
- Monitor news cycles, identify opportunities for strategic media engagement, and provide rapid response communications as needed.
Crisis Communications & Reputation Management
- Lead crisis communication strategies, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to potential reputational risks.
- Act as a key advisor to leadership on sensitive media matters, providing strategic counsel on public positioning and messaging.
- Coordinate with legal and policy teams to align messaging and public statements on critical issues.
Media Engagement & Event Support
- Prepare and brief NAACP leadership, including the President & CEO and other key spokespeople, for media interviews, public speaking engagements, and press conferences.
- Organize and facilitate press briefings, interviews, and media availabilities at major NAACP events, including the National Convention and advocacy summits.
- Manage media accreditation and coordination for key NAACP initiatives, rallies, and partner events.
Strategic Communications & Digital Amplification
- Work closely with the digital and social media teams to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
- Identify opportunities to leverage digital storytelling, influencer engagement, and multimedia content to expand the NAACP’s reach.
- Analyze media trends and coverage data to inform communications strategies and improve message effectiveness.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Affairs, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of experience in media relations, journalism, public affairs, or political communications, preferably in advocacy, civil rights, or government sectors.
- Proven track record of securing high-impact media coverage and managing press relationships.
- Strong crisis communications experience and ability to navigate complex media environments.
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
- Deep understanding of racial justice issues, public policy, and the political landscape.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Experience with digital media strategies and social media engagement is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with leadership, internal teams, and external partners.
