Press Specialist and Online Editor

Job Description

To apply, please visit: https://studentsforlife.bamboohr.com/careers/60?source=aWQ9MjM=

Students for Life of America/Students for Life Action, the nation's largest pro-life student organization, is seeking a Press Specialist & Online Editor, with a particular interest in the free speech and campus work of the pro-life movement as well as on political engagement. This individual will be responsible for communicating the mission and vision of Students for Life of America along with Students for Life Action, responding to breaking news by handling media inquiries and pitching, writing news releases, articles, and opinion content, and assisting with overall messaging. Reporting to the Vice President for Media & Policy at Students for Life Action, the team member will also work to edit and fact check other written content, provide talking points, draft and evaluate content and testimony from students and staff, as well as assisting in the strategy, creation, and distribution of SFLA/SFLAction's messaging and materials. Additional responsibilities include preparing students and staff for interviews as well as engaging with the media, as needed.

Essential Functions

Strategic Communications Duties:
A Press Specialist & Online Editor's biggest responsibilities include writing, editing and fact-checking content, managing the website, & writing copy, talking points, editorials for internal/external use. He or she also needs the skills to identify topics for stories, blogs or articles, as well as managing media related outreach. Other duties include:

-Learning the SFLA/SFLAction story/positions/policies for effective storytelling and advocacy, for both accuracy and advocacy.
-Creating content with correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
-Applying SFLA's style guide and identifying needs for expanded policies as they arise.
-Arranging page layouts to include written content as well as elements like photos and ads.
-Ensuring that the photos used are validly licensed.
-Training new Writers and Editors about the company's content creation process.
-Fact-checking all content that assigned to him or her.
-Ensuring content follows style guides, such as AP Style (with the exception of their language/messaging for pro-life groups)
-Article writing for internal/social media use.
-Script writing/list serv/other writing projects as determined for internal use, when needed.
-Op-ed writing for external use.
-Working with systems such as Asana, Cision, and others as identified etc. Microsoft office
-Developing and maintaining media relationships and lists.
-Developing and carrying out media pitches, to secure coverage

Competencies
The Online Editor must be an expert communicator and brand leader, have a solid understanding of Student for Life's target audience, have great attention to detail, and the ability and willingness to pivot to accommodate breaking news. They must be organized and able to manage several projects at once and have knowledge of grammar rules and utilize the oxford comma as well as enjoy working in a competitive environment.

Supervisory Responsibility
The Press Specialist & Online Editor will report to the Vice President of Media & Policy and collaborate with multiple departments within Students for Life and Students for Life Action.

Work Environment
Students for Life of America is a 501c3 not-for-profit charity that engages in education and activism. We are made up of Americans of all ages, although the majority of our team is in our 20s and 30s. We run a fast-moving, grassroots organization that strives to innovate, unify, and lead. We believe the ending of abortion will happen when both supply and demand for abortion are erased. We believe that this is a multi-front fight as we must engage to change our culture but also laws. We do not believe there is a silver-bullet to ending abortion. We do not accept mediocrity, and we value leadership amongst our team and volunteers.

It is preferred that the individual work out of our Fredericksburg, VA office, however a work from home office situation can be arranged for the right candidate.

Physical Demands
Must have the ability to operate technical equipment such as a computer and sit for extended periods of time as well as being on the move for 8+ hours. Must have the ability and flexibility to travel to manage media events, speaking tours, and grassroots activism. Must be comfortable with engaging with people, both to assist them and organize events.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time salaried position working 45 hours per week. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. with core hours being 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time. However, events can happen on weekends and after hour emergencies may occur so work hour schedules can shift to reflect unexpected workflow. Hours can be somewhat flexible by request.

Travel
Will be required to travel for bi-annual team trainings, and other events as required.

Required Education and Experience
The full-time position requires a minimum of an Associate's Degree, but a Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Experience with writing is required.

Work Authorization
Must be able to successfully complete an I-9. The I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About the Employer

Students for Life of America is the largest pro-life youth organization in the world, that seeks to abolish abortion.