Position: Communications Director
Organization: Equality California
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posted: January 16, 2014
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until position is filled

Equality California is the largest statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization in California. Over the past decade, Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for LGBT individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation. Equality California has partnered with legislators to successfully sponsor 96 pieces of pro-equality legislation and continues to advance equality through legislative advocacy, electoral work, public education and community empowerment.

The Communications Director will manage and coordinate the overall communications strategy and outreach activities for Equality California, Equality California Institute, and Equality California Political Action Committees with the goal of increasing the public's understanding and support for legal, civil and human rights for the diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Director will work collaboratively with senior leadership to develop and implement communication strategies to broaden the impact of the organization's programs and oversee organizational messaging.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a member of Equality California's senior management team and collaborate with the Executive Director and senior leadership to develop communications strategies that will broaden organizational and programmatic reach and deepen impact.
• Help to initiate, develop and execute strategic communications campaigns to raise the visibility and profile of Equality California and to increase organizational effectiveness.
• Develop and refine Equality California's core messages to ensure organizational consistency.
• Manage media and public relations strategies, including preparing press materials and responding to media requests (print, television, radio, online).
• Proactively pitch and engage both mainstream and LGBT media.
• Work with Spanish language media and press for other diverse communities.
• Create and expand relationships with key media outlets and representatives.
• Represent the organization in public venues and/or serve as a media representative and organization spokesperson as required.
• Identify significant media and public policy issues that can be leveraged to support Equality California's work.
• Oversee all content creation for the organization.
• Ensure that the content of all media, publicity, and promotional materials adhere to the highest standards of quality and effectively represent the organization's commitment to professionalism.
• Develop and ensure consistency in EQCA's publicity, marketing, branding, fundraising and training materials.
• Oversee online and member communications strategies.
• Assist with the development of special events, symposiums, regional meetings, town halls and panels throughout the state to promote the mission of the organization.
• Work in partnership with a variety of Equality California coalition partners to engage diverse communities in working to secure full equality for LGBT Californians.
• Supervise other communications staff, interns and consultants.
• Evaluate the progress of program initiatives and generate reports, develop and monitor annual work plan and budget, and submit annual summary reports.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing broad-based communications and media relations programs.
• Significant communications experience that includes a blend of advocacy work and media relations.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment and with diverse communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to LGBT issues, diversity, human justice, and social change.
• Excellent relationships with relevant mainstream and LGBT media.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people inside and outside the organization.
• Strong administrative skills, including the ability to manage many projects simultaneously and to set priorities.
• Successful experience managing, motivating, supervising, evaluating, and hiring staff, interns, and consultants.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to coach and support senior leaders as spokespersons.
• Experience with budgeting and fundraising.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Understanding of and experience with qualitative and quantitative research helpful.

COMPENSATION
Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full benefits include paid vacation and sick time, health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability and a retirement plan among others. 

APPLICATIONS
Please send your resume, cover letter, three writing samples and salary requirements to jobs@eqca.org. The position will be opened until filled.