Job Description
Company Description
Established in 1970, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (Reporters Committee) provides pro bono legal representation, _amicus curiae_ support, and other legal resources to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists. Reporters Committee serves news organizations, reporters, documentary filmmakers, media lawyers, and many more who use its online resources.
Job Description
The Communications Coordinator will support the day-to-day execution of the Reporters Committee’s communications work, with a primary focus on social media content creation and media relations.
This is a role for someone who can break down a federal appeals court ruling into a single post, identify the three reporters who need to know about it, and help build and maintain the relationships with those reporters to keep the Reporters Committee top of mind as a resource. This person loves being online, understands what resonates with audiences there, and is genuinely curious about press freedom and First Amendment issues impacting journalists.
Working as part of a small, collaborative communications team, this person will report to the Deputy Communications Director and work closely with legal, policy, and development colleagues to ensure the organization’s work reaches journalists, news organizations, media lawyers, policymakers, and the broader public.
The Reporters Committee is based in Washington, D.C. Applicants based in the Washington, D.C.-metropolitan area are strongly preferred but stellar remote applicants will be considered. If hired in D.C., the expectation would be a hybrid work schedule. Starting salary, based on experience, will range from $63,200 - $68,500. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Key Responsibilities
Social Media
- Create, schedule, and publish daily content (original copy, graphics, short-form video, threads) across the Reporters Committee’s core platforms on X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, tailored to the distinct audiences and formats of each.
- Translate the Reporters Committee’s complex legal work (such as case filings, court decisions, amicus briefs, FOIA litigation, and policy positions) into accurate, accessible, and shareable content.
- Manage a social media editorial calendar in coordination with broader communications strategy timelines.
- Potentially expand the Reporters Committee’s social media presence to other platforms, such as reddit and TikTok, as well as monitor emerging platforms for new opportunities.
- Occasionally develop deeper, coordinated social media strategy and content around high-profile projects and initiatives.
- Build out and set up targeted social media ad campaigns across multiple platforms.
- Support high-visibility moments, including breaking news, with timely content development that highlights Reporters Committee statements, resources, and legal action.
- Produce regular analytics reports tracking audience growth, engagement, reach, and content performance; use data to inform and iterate on strategy.
- Monitor social media conversations around press freedom, media law, and First Amendment issues; identify and act on opportunities for timely engagement.
- Respond to comments, mentions, and direct messages in a manner consistent with the organization’s voice and values.
Media Relations
- Build and maintain current media contact lists across relevant coverage and issue-area beats.
- Assist senior communications staff with proactive outreach to reporters covering key issues and case developments.
- Monitor news coverage of the Reporters Committee and for press freedom stories that warrant a response or offer an opportunity to amplify our work.
- Maintain existing monitoring tools, alerts, and dashboards tracking news coverage of the Reporters Committee’s work, and produce regular reports assessing key metrics.
- Help field incoming press inquiries, including providing background information and connections to expert spokespeople in a timely manner.
- Draft pitches, press releases, and preparation materials for subject matter experts for review by senior communications staff.
Qualifications
Required
- At least 2 years of experience in communications, social media, or media relations at a nonprofit, legal organization, journalism outlet, or advocacy group.
- Demonstrated ability to write in a clear, accurate, and compelling way about complex legal, policy, or public affairs topics for a general audience.
- Proven track record managing multiple social media platforms simultaneously with a consistent voice and high editorial standards.
- Proficiency with social media management and scheduling tools, such as Sprout Social.
- Experience with graphic design tools, such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Strong news judgment and comfort working in a fast-moving, news-driven environment.
- Familiarity with AP style and commitment to editorial accuracy.
- Experience using platform-native and third-party analytics to inform content strategy.
- Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
Preferred
- Background in or familiarity with media law, First Amendment issues, or press freedom advocacy.
- Experience working with or for journalists or news organizations.
- Short-form video production skills, including basic editing (transitions, captions/subtitles, audio levels) on native tools, apps like Edits, or services like CapCut.
- Comfortable appearing on camera and providing voice work for social media videos.
- Experience supporting media outreach, including pitching and press list management.
- Familiarity with or experience using communications tools like MuckRack, Slack, Monday.com, and Trello.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate brings both a creative and an analytical mindset. They can produce polished, platform-native content and evaluate what’s working and why. They understand what makes something newsworthy, and can explain why it matters in a concise and compelling way. Equally important is an editorial sensibility: our organization’s credibility depends on accuracy, and you must be comfortable working closely with lawyers and policy experts to get complex issues right. A genuine commitment to press freedom and the mission of public-interest journalism is essential.
Additional Information
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and operate computer equipment. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Compensation: RCFP is committed to offering competitive pay and generous benefits, including group medical insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, retirement benefits, health-reimbursement accounts, and paid family leave. The salary range for this position is 63,200 - $68,500.
How to apply: Submit a resume and cover letter, and three work samples that demonstrate your social media writing or strategy work. Please submit materials in one PDF file. Only complete applications will advance in the hiring process. We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
RCFP Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. At the Reporters Committee, we celebrate the diversity of our employees and our leadership. RCFP is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
