Full-Time Communications and Development Manager
Job Description
Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO)
Position Announcement
Communications and Development Manager
About IPNO
IPNO frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients’ stories in court, the legislature, the community and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.
Founded in 2001, IPNO has freed or exonerated 59 individuals from all across Louisiana. IPNO developed and teaches the first Wrongful Conviction Clinic at LSU Law School, built and is continually expanding the Louisiana Law Enforcement Accountability Database (https://llead.co/) to promote transparency and accountability, and advocates for sensible law and policy changes to make our criminal legal system more just and fair.
About the Position
The Communications & Development Manager develops, manages, and produces IPNO’s communication strategy (internal and external) and plan in concert with the Executive Director, and is responsible for event production and donor stewardship under the direction of the Development Director. The position requires an individual proficient in events, media relations, digital and print communications, and nonprofit marketing. The position requires an understanding of and passion for IPNO’s work, and excellent interpersonal communication and project management skills.
Communications Responsibilities
- Media Relations: Draft and distribute press releases, pitch stories to targeted reporters, field media inquiries, develop and manage media contacts, draft talking points and messaging for issues/cases, monitor media for media outreach and other opportunities to engage in order to continually gain a wider and more diverse audience for IPNO’s work. Be creative in directing media campaigns that further the mission of IPNO. Coach staff and clients in media interviews (podcasts, local/national/international TV, print, online, radio).
- Digital Communications: Generate regular digital content with a focus on furthering the mission of IPNO and its various programmatic goals. Be willing to innovate and measure reach and impact. Key digital platforms include website, email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and others.
- Print Materials: Conceptualize, develop and draft print materials such as annual report, newsletter, holiday cards, client/case one-pagers, and other materials. Work with IPNO’s contract graphic designer on all print needs.
- Events: Coordinate, attend, and table at community events and be a spokesperson for IPNO’s mission and work.
Development and Events Responsibilities
- Donor Stewardship: Manage thank you letters/postcards/notes, lapsed donor mailings, donor appreciation efforts, donor management software and online giving platforms.
- IPNO Events: Coordinate IPNO’s annual gala, patron party, regional fundraisers, supporter briefings, client release/exoneration related events, and others. Assist with quarterly board meeting logistics. Work with Client Service Division to coordinate client appearances at IPNO events as needed.
- Volunteers: Recruit and manage volunteers for events. Lead and manage IPNO’s Community Advocates (ICA) with the Chair of ICA, which includes scheduling regular meetings, fielding ICA’s input for events and other collaborative efforts, and making available volunteer opportunities on behalf of IPNO.
** IPNO is a small nonprofit legal office where, in addition to their primary duties, all staff is expected to assist as necessary with other aspects of IPNO’s work. IPNO is a client-focused office where teamwork and collaboration to ensure IPNO’s overall effectiveness and success is imperative.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), email and calendar management, Dropbox, Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, Canva, and basic office equipment. Also, some experience with event coordination.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful approach to identifying and resolving challenges and developing alternative solutions. Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive information. Has strong ownership over tasks, including follow-through, and willing to do what it takes to get the job done.
- Interpersonal: Ability to work effectively with racially and culturally diverse groups of people, including staff, clients and their families, students, volunteers, interns, board members, donors, supporters and community members. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally. Strong ability to be diplomatic and receptive to diversity of viewpoints, particularly when working with external partners.
- Organizational Skills: Proven ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet deadlines. Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and files. Able to set goals, manage time and prioritize tasks effectively.
- General Communication: Strong written and verbal skills. Able to draft and edit documents, reports, and correspondence.
- Passion for Non-Profit Work: Understanding and appreciation of mission and values of the organization.
- Driver’s License
Helpful but Not Required:
- Familiarity with donor and/or case management software (i.e. Bloomerang), databases, or other relevant tools.
- Proven track record of organizing and managing large-scale and small-scale events.
- Personal vehicle (for which IPNO fully reimburses work-related mileage).
- Interest and/or experience in criminal and social justice work or space.
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree
Salary and Benefits
The salary range is $44,000 – $54,000, commensurate with experience. IPNO offers a highly competitive and generous benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical/dental/vision, five weeks of paid vacation, Federal holidays, 401k match, and cell phone reimbursement. IPNO provides a work environment that encourages health and self-care. IPNO is a family and pet friendly workplace.
How to Apply
How to Apply Start Date: Immediate. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please e-mail a cover letter, a resume, and three references to openings@ip-no.org. In your cover letter, please provide your salary demand. Please include the job title in the e-mail subject line. Please do not call. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. IPNO is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse work force reflective of the diverse communities we serve and support, with regard to race, culture, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, caregiver status. IPNO works to advance racial justice and equity. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and legal system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.71 total views, 0 today