The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its devastating consequences in the United States and around the world. Through strategic communications and policy advocacy campaigns, Tobacco-Free Kids works to change public attitudes about tobacco and promote proven policies that reduce tobacco use and save lives.

Tobacco-Free Kids is seeking a Director of State Communications to lead development and implementation of communications strategies in support of state and local policy advocacy campaigns. Responsibilities include managing multifaceted communications campaigns that include media relations, advertising, direct mail, social media, campaign websites, phone programs and other tools. The Director of State Communications should be a strong strategist, writer and manager of projects, teams and outside vendors.

This position is based in Washington D.C. and reports to the Vice President of Communications.

WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience.
• Lead the development and implementation of communications strategies in support of state and local policy advocacy campaigns, utilizing the full range of communications tools.
• Coordinate closely with Vice President of State Advocacy, Regional Advocacy Directors and coalition partners in developing and implementing these strategies.
• Oversee the work of communications vendors, including for earned media, advertising, phone programs and others.
• Manage the development of advertising (digital, print, radio and television) and direct mail.
• Draft, edit and distribute earned media materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor and editorial board memos. These include materials for use by both Tobacco-Free Kids and partner organizations/advocates.
• Work collaboratively with and provide strategic and technical assistance to state and local tobacco control advocates and coalitions, including the development of communications plans and materials.
• Conduct media outreach and field media calls on state/local issues and campaigns. Arrange interviews with appropriate staff and provide requested info to the media.
• Plan and implement press conferences and other media events.
• Manage communications activities for release of annual state tobacco settlement report.
• Draft and keep updated website materials related to state and local issues and campaigns, working with website development team.
• Stay current about tobacco control issues, advocacy campaigns and key messages. Identify potential news hooks and develop strategies and materials to achieve media coverage.
• As needed, manage election-related communications strategies of the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund related to state and local campaigns.
• Help with speechwriting for annual Youth Advocates of the Year Awards Gala.
• Help with reporting to funders on state and local activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 7 years of relevant communications/public relations experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies in a policy advocacy, political or government context.
• Excellent writing, editing and project management skills.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and coalition partners.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Some travel required.
• Commitment to the issue of tobacco control.