Position Title: Communications Director
Reports To: Director of Marketing
Mission Statement: Thomas More Society (TMS) is a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to defending life, family, and freedom. Based in Chicago, Thomas More Society defends and fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro-bono legal services from local trial courts all the way to the United States Supreme Court.
Logistics: Position will be located on-site at the TMS headquarters in downtown Chicago.
Position Summary: The Communications Director is responsible for leading all TMS external communications: preparing media pitches and writing press releases; cultivating media relationships; developing media plans for cases; fostering client relations; coordinating interviews; monitoring TMS' media presence; proactively planning media opportunities and placements; and assisting in communications to donors and other stakeholders as needed.
Responsibilities:
• Lead planning discussions on potential external media communications opportunities to increase the visibility of TMS.
• Write and pitch press releases related to TMS case portfolio and relevant issues.
• Cultivate media relationships.
• Schedule and oversee media interviews of TMS spokespeople, including interview prep.
• Foster client relations through communication and engagement with clients served by TMS in the organization's case portfolio. Engage with TMS partners and fellow organizations in the pro-life ecosystem.
• Proactively develop media plans for TMS caseload.
• Consider and develop opportunities for thought leadership, including op-ed placements with a TMS byline in prominent mainstream media.
• Monitor media for TMS mentions, as well as stories directly related to issues of high importance to TMS.
• Work within the Marketing Team as needed to assist in other communications, e.g., writing items for the newsletter with tone and emphasis geared to donor audience.
Experience and Skill Requirements:
• Supportive of TMS positions and mission regarding pro-life, religious liberty, and related issues.
• Must have a strong knowledge of pro-life landscape and/or past involvement in pro-life organizations.
• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field. Master's Degree a plus.
• 3-5 years' experience in Communications or Public Relations.
• Must have excellent writing skills. Experience writing and pitching press releases a plus.
• Experience in media relations, coordinating interviews, and fostering relationships with media outlets. Experience with adversarial media relations a plus.
• Solid interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Highly organized individual with an ability to engage in rapid response communications.
• Ability to quickly grasp complex issues and communicate them in clear, easily understandable terms.
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve objectives and goals, balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• High level of personal energy and enthusiasm.
Mission Requirements:
• Supportive of TMS positions on life, family, and freedom.
• Active faith life in accord with Catholic-Christian teachings.
*Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@thomasmoresociety.org to apply!
