Public Information Officer

Summary

Join Lambda Legal, a national advocacy organization dedicated to achieving full civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV, as a Public Information Officer. This role involves coordinating news media activities, establishing Lambda Legal as a go-to source for legal information, writing press releases, and cultivating reporter relationships. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in creating effective messages for breaking news, strong pitching skills, excellent writing skills, and experience conducting media training. This position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience demonstrating increasing responsibility in creating effective messages for breaking news, cultivating relationships with journalists, and proactively securing media coverage
• Strong pitching skills required, particularly with broadcast outlets
• Must have excellent writing skills, with the ability to translate complex legal material into concise, accurate, and compelling language for the general public including press releases, op-eds, blog posts and essays
• Experience conducting media training for organizational spokespeople and clients
• Knowledge of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy as well as demonstrated understanding of messaging and communications for a mission-driven organization
• Experience and fluency with digital communications tools including social media platforms
• Experience in identifying and effectively communicating with diverse audiences
• Excellent planning and project management skills to help lead and support a talented team of professionals

Responsibilities

• Facilitate comprehensive communication strategies that effectively convey the organization's mission, values, and initiatives to the media, public, and internal audiences
• Write and place press releases, op-eds, and internal communications, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational messaging
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts, proactively securing media coverage, managing media inquiries, and serving as a spokesperson for the organization
• Develop and conduct media training sessions for organizational leaders, plaintiffs, and spokespeople, equipping them with the skills needed to effectively communicate with the media and the public
• Secure significant long-lead and broadcast coverage of Lambda Legal’s work
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure cohesive messaging and alignment with overall organizational goals, providing communication support for various programs and initiatives
• Coordinate closely with the organization’s digital team to support the distribution of communications and content

Preferred Qualifications

Spanish language proficiency a plus

Benefits

• Medical benefits that begin on your start date
• Dental, Vision, and Life insurance (effective 30 days from your start date)
• Short & Long-Term Disability plans (effective 30 days from your start date)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (employer contribution and matching program begins after 90 days of employment)
• Paid Time Off: Paid Vacation (15 Days)
• Sick Leave (12 Days)
• Personal Leave (3 Days)
• Religious Observance Leave (3 Days)
• Bereavement and Bereavement Anniversary Leave
• Floating Holiday (1 Day)
• 12 paid holidays and 5 early office closures
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA/DC FSA) and Commuter Benefits
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Annual professional development fund
• Summer Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day
• Premium subscription to the Calm App
• Paid sabbatical after 7 years of service at Lambda Legal (4 weeks for non-exempt positions and 8 weeks for exempt positions)