The American Association for Justice (AAJ®) works to preserve the constitutional right to trial by jury and to make sure people have a fair chance to seek justice when they are injured by the negligence or misconduct of others - even when it means taking on the most powerful corporations.

AAJ is seeking a Press Secretary for its Communications department. The Press Secretary role focuses on generating media coverage and publicizing AAJ’s civil justice advocacy.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Communications Team to develop and implement strategies to support AAJ’s legislative agenda in the media.
• Serve as the lead point of contact for incoming press inquiries.
• Assist with building lists of key influencers, stakeholders, partners, and media.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters and pitch stories to local, state, and national outlets.
• Write press releases, opinion pieces, talking points, and other content.
• Work with state affiliates and members to identify press opportunities and coordinate responses to inquiries.
• Engage grassroots activists and stakeholders and provide them with tools to take action in support of or opposition to legislation and policy.
• Monitor civil justice news and trends across a variety of outlets and platforms. Work with Communications Team to develop and execute rapid response media strategies.
• Manage clips database of relevant and earned media stories.
• Propose new initiatives and ideas in strategy sessions and daily communications planning meetings.
• Train and advise AAJ members and stakeholders on media best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications and/or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
• Experience in media, campaign, or Capitol Hill environment is preferred.
• Knowledge and understanding of public relations and communications best practices, trends, and analytics.
• Familiarity with the inner workings of news organizations.
• Ability to build relationships with journalists and media outlets, while maintaining a strong track record of conducting on-background communications with reporters and outlets.
• Innovative self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to promoting and strengthening civil justice.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, superb attention to detail, and good judgment.
• Ability to work independently, take on responsibility, and use initiative to prioritize and work effectively, under pressure and under tight deadlines for multiple concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with how newsrooms work with strong experience in conducting on-background communications with reporters and outlets. On-the-record experience preferred.

Salary Range: $77,500 - $96,000

Benefits and Perks for Working with AAJ:

• Hybrid work schedule, onsite Tuesday through Thursday and 100% remote work for the month of August (for most employees)
• Comprehensive health insurance which includes, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, flexible spending account (FSA), and 401K with an employer match
• Generous paid leave (e.g., vacation, sick, personal, parental), 11 federal holidays, and paid time off between Christmas and New Years
• Subsidized metro transit and/or parking benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• Company social events
• Office conveniently located ½ block from Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in downtown Washington, DC

AAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No phone calls please!

About American Association for Justice

American Association for Justice (AAJ) delivers Exceptional Education, Unparalleled Advocacy, and a Dedicated Community of Trial Lawyers Fighting for Justice. AAJ promotes justice and fairness for injured persons, safeguards victims' rights—particularly the right to trial by jury—and strengthens the civil justice system through education and disclosure of information critical to public health and safety. With members worldwide, and a network of U.S. and Canadian affiliates involved in diverse areas of trial advocacy, AAJ provides lawyers with the information and professional assistance needed to serve clients successfully and protect the democratic values inherent in the civil justice system.

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