Communications Director

Job Description

Position Title: Communications Director

Reports To: Director of Marketing

Mission Statement: Thomas More Society (TMS) is a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to defending life, family, and freedom. Based in Chicago, Thomas More Society defends and fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro-bono legal services from local trial courts all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Logistics: Position will be located on-site at the TMS headquarters in downtown Chicago.

Position Summary: The Communications Director is responsible for leading all TMS external communications: preparing media pitches and writing press releases; cultivating media relationships; developing media plans for cases; fostering client relations; coordinating interviews; monitoring TMS' media presence; proactively planning media opportunities and placements; and assisting in communications to donors and other stakeholders as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Lead planning discussions on potential external media communications opportunities to increase the visibility of TMS.
• Write and pitch press releases related to TMS case portfolio and relevant issues.
• Cultivate media relationships.
• Schedule and oversee media interviews of TMS spokespeople, including interview prep.
• Foster client relations through communication and engagement with clients served by TMS in the organization's case portfolio. Engage with TMS partners and fellow organizations in the pro-life ecosystem.
• Proactively develop media plans for TMS caseload.
• Consider and develop opportunities for thought leadership, including op-ed placements with a TMS byline in prominent mainstream media.
• Monitor media for TMS mentions, as well as stories directly related to issues of high importance to TMS.
• Work within the Marketing Team as needed to assist in other communications, e.g., writing items for the newsletter with tone and emphasis geared to donor audience.

Experience and Skill Requirements:

• Supportive of TMS positions and mission regarding pro-life, religious liberty, and related issues.
• Must have a strong knowledge of pro-life landscape and/or past involvement in pro-life organizations.
• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or related field. Master's Degree a plus.
• 3-5 years' experience in Communications or Public Relations.
• Must have excellent writing skills. Experience writing and pitching press releases a plus.
• Experience in media relations, coordinating interviews, and fostering relationships with media outlets. Experience with adversarial media relations a plus.
• Solid interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Highly organized individual with an ability to engage in rapid response communications.
• Ability to quickly grasp complex issues and communicate them in clear, easily understandable terms.
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve objectives and goals, balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• High level of personal energy and enthusiasm.

Mission Requirements:
• Supportive of TMS positions on life, family, and freedom.
• Active faith life in accord with Catholic-Christian teachings.

*Please send your resume and cover letter to employment@thomasmoresociety.org to apply!

About the Employer

The Thomas More Society is a not-for-profit, national public interest law firm dedicated to restoring respect in law for life, family, and freedom. Based in Chicago, the Thomas More Society defends and fosters support for these causes by providing high quality pro bono legal services from local trial courts all the way to the United States Supreme Court.