Marketing and Communications Manager

The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is a national association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. ABOTA and its members are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the civil jury trial right provided by the 7^th Amendment to our United States Constitution.

The Foundation of ABOTA is an affiliated charitable entity, the mission of which is to support the purposes of ABOTA through education and research.

ABOTA membership approximates 7,000 lawyers and judges spread among all 50 States in 96 Chapters and the District of Columbia. The headquarters for the ABOTA National Office and the ABOTA Foundation are located in Dallas, Texas.

__________

Under the general and administrative direction of the Executive Director of ABOTA (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ABOTA”), the Marketing & Communications Manager:

Overview:

• Lead and manage our communications and marketing efforts. As a key member of our leadership team, plays a pivotal role in shaping the public image, brand, and messaging of ABOTA.
• Edits and publishes various ABOTA and ABOTA Foundation publications, brochures, flyers advertisements and other materials as necessary.
• Manages dynamic content for ABOTA’s digital and social media outlets, including www.abota.org, www.SaveOurJuries.org, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
• Distributes information to members, the public and various groups.
• Serves as Managing Editor of Voir Dire magazine

Oversight areas Responsibilities:

• The Manager will have oversight of the following areas:
• Visual art direction / visual branding
• All social media platforms
• Video development and management
• Website development and management
• E-newsletter communications
• Management of freelance writers, designers and proofreaders
• Video production and photography vendors / staff
• Elections, surveys and polls
• Budget review and recommendations

• Marketing

• Manage marketing and communications calendars for National and the Foundation.
• Draft and oversee marketing efforts (email blasts, brochures, collateral) for Civics Education and Professional Education
• Coordinate communication efforts with Civics Education and Professional Education teams.
• Manage messaging and marketing efforts for all Save Our Juries campaigns, including social media, web site, blogs, etc.
• Coordinate with vendors, including printing, mail houses, graphic designers, and strategy consultants.
• Research and purchase strategic mailing lists.

• Programs and Events

• Produce marketing and press materials for external/internal programs and events. This includes, but is not limited to…
  • Press releases
  • Brochures, advertisements, handouts
  • eNewsletters
  • Rapid response messages
  • Presidential statements
• Manage consistency of messaging in all of ABOTA’s communication; manage ABOTA Style Guide.
• Edit/revise materials as needed.
• Generate presentations (PowerPoint and other multimedia presentation formats) and accompanying materials for events, board meetings and other programs, as needed.
• The ability and willingness to travel in order to accomplish the duties of the position.

• Social Media Management

• Manage social media sites (Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter), Google+, Instagram) for multiple programs.
• Consistently generate fresh content
• Use social media campaigns and ads, as needed.
• Report on metrics of social media performance and develop content marketing plans accordingly
• Monitor and analze issues related to Artificial Intelligence as it relates to the legal field.

• Website management

• Generate and organize fresh content on ABOTA site pages and microsites
• Work with developers to troubleshoot site issues as needed.
• Review site content frequently for broken links, typos, formatting issues and other errors.
• Respond to site issues in a timely manner.

• Administration

• Perform administrative duties in cooperation with the Executive Director.
• Maintain administrative office support.
• Perform any and all other duties as may be considered necessary and appropriate by the Executive Director.

__________

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Publications, Marketing or Journalism from an accredited college or university.
• Not less than seven (7) years demonstrated and comprehensive work experience in preparing high-quality publications, brochures and other materials with preference given to working experience in a professional and/or trade association.
• Not less than seven (7) years demonstrated and comprehensive work experience in developing dynamic web content for, and the creative design and layout of, an organization’s website.
• Experience managing email marketing,
• Experience with social media and web site management
• Experience working in a legal bar or nonprofit organization is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with American legal system is highly desirable.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media platforms, and content management systems including tracking, reporting, and systems integrations.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and problem-solving abilities.
• High standards of civility and a commitment to ABOTA’s mission and values.

• Skills

• Proven computer skills and software knowledge of Adobe Suite, Microsoft applications, database management and spreadsheet software, with ability to construct reports.
• Experience using association election softeware, including VoteNet Soutions.
• The ability to work with a diverse group of volunteers, staff, and vendors in the timely and professional completion of day-to-day responsibilities and other responsibilities as may be assigned;
• Experience in managing client/customer relationships.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to deal professionally and effectively with stressful situations and demanding people;
• The ability to quickly identify and comprehend issues germane to ABOTA’s mission;
• Strong oral and communication skills with ability to articulate ideas in a compelling manner.

• Other Expectations

• The ability and willingness to travel to accomplish the duties of the position
• The ability to perform certain physical tasks including, but not necessarily limited to, the lifting of file and shipping boxes, etc.