Director, Media Strategy & Campaigns

vera.org
34 35th Street, Suite 4-2A,Brooklyn, New York,11232,United States
Phone : 2123341300
Web :
Company Profile
Contact Email : sharty@vera.orgSend Private Message
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Job Category: Newspapers, Television, Online | New Media, Magazines, Graphic Design, Photo, Public Relations | Marketing, Media Business Positions, Academia,
Employment Type:
Salary: $140,000 - 160,000 per year
Posted: 08.07.2026
Job Description About the role: The Director of Media Strategy & Campaigns reports to the Managing Director of Communications & External Affairs partners with colleagues across Vera Institute and Vera Action to conceive and implement strategic campaigns, owns Vera’s consistent presence in high-profile media and targeted local and regional outlets, shapes the Institute’s messaging, and influences public conversation on Vera’s issues.
Set and execute media strategy to advance Vera Institute and Vera Action’s priorities
Strengthen a rapid response operation to activate around newsworthy moments on Vera’s issues
Track daily media coverage and public sentiment on Vera Institute and Vera Action’s issues to continuously inform and shape campaign strategies
Lead the drafting of talking points and messaging framework on Vera’s priority issues and campaigns
Oversee the development and distribution of talking points, press releases, pitches, memos, background briefings, fact sheets and other materials
Partner with colleagues in Advocacy, Research, and Initiatives to build overall media and communications strategy
Ensure staff are prepared for media and public appearances via formal media training and informal prep sessions
3. Media relations
Cultivate,maintain, and expand relationships with journalists, producers, bloggers, and other influential media figures who regularly cover criminal justice and immigration issues
Proactively pitch media engagements across print, digital, radio, podcast, TV, and new media
Draft and place op-eds and LTEs bylined by internal spokespeople and partners
Provide journalists and staff with concise, compelling messages and summaries
4. Effectively supervisethemedia team
Train, mentor, give feedback, and evaluate media specialists;effectively assign workloads, set clear project deadlines, and hold team accountable for KPIs
Foster collaborative culture that emphasizes independent problem solving; guide team in interpreting analytics andutilizetools tooptimizecampaigns and improve ROI
ability to manage high-pressure situations, negotiate effectively internally and externally, and serve as a strong bridge between departments and partners
Job Requirements What qualifications are we looking for? Required :
At least10years of experience with successfultrack recordof conceiving, developing, and executing innovative and effective strategies for engaging media at the national, regional, and local level for a government office or elected official
At least 8 years of experience leading advocacy campaigns
At least 5 years of experience as a supervisor managing at least 3 people
Strong experience managing crisis communications
Preferred :
Advanced degree a plus. In lieu of degreerequirement, applicable work or life experience may be considered. Experience should include media, journalism, or public relations work, includingsignificant experiencesupervising and managing media relations personnel as a director.
Ability to work under tight deadlines, draft near-final copy, and adept at being able to adjust effectively in a fast-changing work environment.
Excellent writer and communicator who can adeptly distill research into public facing messages and take storytelling to the next level
Location: Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.
Compensation and Benefits: The compensation range for this position is $140,000 - $160,000 .Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institute’s total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field, supporting Vera staff - both personally and professionally - is a priority. To do this, we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including
merit pay
generous paid time off
a comprehensive health insurance plan
student loan repayment benefits
professional development training opportunities
up to $2,000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work
employer-funded retirement plan
flexible time

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