Women Cross DMZ is hiring a Director of Communications

Posted in: News

 

About Women Cross DMZ

Women Cross DMZ is a US-based nonprofit organization that educates, advocates, and organizes for peace in Korea. We are a leading voice in the movement calling for a formal end to the Korean War and the replacement of the armistice with a peace agreement. At the core, our work isn’t just about ending the Korean War but about completely rethinking our approach to peace and security using a feminist framework. In 2019 Women Cross DMZ launched the global campaign Korea Peace Now! Women Mobilizing to End the War with the Nobel Women’s Initiative, Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF), and the Korean Women’s Movement for Peace. As part of this campaign, Women Cross DMZ leads the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network, which has grown to include ten chapters across the country. In 2020 Women Cross DMZ also launched the Feminist Peace Initiative with MADRE and Grassroots Global Justice Alliance. We are a small but mighty team that is committed to feminist, anti-militarist values. We strive to create an inclusive work environment that supports work-life balance, fosters community, and promotes the unique talents of each team member. 

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and communities to apply.

Position Overview 

Women Cross DMZ is seeking a Director of Communications to join our team of passionate activists dedicated to realizing peace in Korea. The Director of Communications serves a vital role in advancing Women Cross DMZ’s mission by raising the visibility of our organization and educating the public. Working closely with our Executive Director, the Director of Communications builds and refines the organization’s narrative, brand, and press strategy in alignment with our programmatic goals and target audience. The Director of Communications leads on all communications and plays a critical role in protecting and strengthening Women Cross DMZ’s reputation in the public eye. The Director of Communications also serves as the lead liaison with the media. The Director of Communications will also manage a part-time Communications Assistant and be responsible for hiring and managing freelancers, vendors, and other personnel as needed. 

Responsibilities

• Strategize: Devise and execute Women Cross DMZ’s media and communications strategy in alignment with our organizational and programmatic goals
• Writing and editing: Write and/or edit all communications, including press releases, monthly newsletters, statements, op-eds, speeches, media pitches, video scripts, etc.
• Project management: Oversee and manage the organization’s communications and media workplan using Asana; keep media/comms and organization’s calendars up to date 
• Engage and grow supporters: Use Action Network tools to engage and grow our grassroots base
• Social media: Devise and execute our social media strategy and manage social media accounts for Women Cross DMZ and Korea Peace Now (Twitter, FB, Instagram)
  • Identify key moments in the news cycle to share our messaging
  • Create original content and graphics to educate the public on Korea peace issues
  • Promote upcoming events, media, statements, reports, videos, etc.
  • Create messaging around important anniversaries 
  • Keep social media accounts active and engaged, increase followers and engagement, respond to inquiries, etc.
• Media relations: Serve as lead liaison with the media, cultivate relationships with reporters, identify moments in the news cycle to highlight our messaging through op-eds and letters to the editor, send out press releases, respond to media inquiries, etc.
• Websites: Drive traffic to and oversee websites for Women Cross DMZ, Korea Peace Now, and the Feminist Peace Initiative, ensuring they are accurate and up to date
• Events: Provide media and communications support for in-person and online events, including creating social media messaging, promotional materials, presentations, etc.
• Fundraising: Help support fundraising efforts, including drafting messaging to donors
• Staff Management: Oversee and manage a part-time Communications Assistant 
• Support Advocacy and Organizing teams: Edit the Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network monthly newsletter, memos to Members of Congress, and any other communications and promotional materials to our grassroots community 
• Graphic design: Design and produce Women Cross DMZ’s annual holiday card, business cards, brochures, one-sheets, flyers, presentations, social media posts, etc. using Canva. Occasionally work with outside graphic designers 
• Video editing and production: Create and edit videos, including analysis of breaking news, talking points at key moments, and clips of speaking engagements
• Budgeting: Determine and oversee Women Cross DMZ’s media and communications budget, track expenses, oversee communications tools, subscriptions, and billing 
• Staff meetings: Participate in weekly staff meetings, share communications updates with staff, occasionally facilitate and take notes 

Qualifications

• To be successful in this role, you must possess a high degree of sensitivity to the political nuances of Korea peace work, a firm understanding of US involvement on the Korean Peninsula and role in the division of Korea, a strong critique of US imperialism and militarism, and a passion for feminist framing of peace and security issues. (While we understand that not every candidate may possess these qualities initially, a successful candidate must be able to develop this capacity once in the position.)
• 3-5 years of experience in a communications role, preferably at a mission-driven organization. The ideal candidate has a firm grasp of the latest communication strategies and best practices and possesses a background in journalism and/or political or advocacy communications.
• Excellent and persuasive writing and communication skills 
• High degree of sensitivity to inclusive, feminist language
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse team members, partner organizations, grassroots constituents, and others
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; excellent project and time management skills, the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines at once 
• Ability to shift gears quickly as priorities change
• Self-starter; someone who is comfortable taking charge on projects
• High degree of creativity; ability to come up with new ideas and concepts
• Flexible schedule, some evenings and weekend hours required 
• Fluency in Microsoft Office, Excel

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for influencing US foreign policy
• Experience using Asana, Action Network, and Canva
• Fluency in Korean; familiarity with modern Korean history; connections to the Korean community
• Understanding of nuclear weapons issues
• Excellent design sense and graphic design skills
• Video editing skills

Compensation

This is a full-time contract position without benefits. Compensation ranges from $75,000-$85,000 depending on experience and location. 

This position is fully remote. Candidates may be located anywhere inside the United States. Travel may be required a few times per year, including international travel. Travel expenses will be covered by Women Cross DMZ.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in this position and why you’re a good fit to info@womencrossdmz.org with the subject line “Director of Communications application” by March 3, 2023. The position is open until filled. We hope to begin the first round of interviews by the end of February. 

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