Communications Strategy and Editorial Manager

Be a part of an organization making a difference in the Central Florida community. As an Orlando Business Journals2021 Best Places to WorkHonoree Orlando Sentinels 2022 Best Workplaces Honoree and a SHRM Mental Health AllyCommunity Legal Services (CLS) is a full service civil legal aid law firm that promotes equal access to justice specifically for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

CLS offers:

• 15 paid holidays and 24 days of paid time off
• 100% employer-paid health dental life and disability insurance plus vision coverage at minimal employee cost
• 100% 403B match up to 5% after 1 year of employment
• CLS pays Bar Dues and CLE Credits
• Student loan reimbursement for Attorneys
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Ability to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Fantastic work-life balance
• Various opportunities for upward mobility into leadership/more advanced roles
• Pet Insurance
• Wellness Committee dedicated to employee morale with events such as company wide retreats activities and challenges!

CLS is currently searching for a service-minded mission driven individual to fill the following position:

Communications Strategy and Editorial Manager

OVERVIEW

Community Legal Services seeks an experienced Communications Strategy and Editorial Manager to join the Communications and Marketing team as the organization celebrates 60 years of service and impact. This role will strengthen CLS public voice through strategic planning writing earned media editorial planning storytelling and content development. The position translates complex legal aid work into clear compelling and accessible communications for clients partners attorneys donors media and stakeholders across a 12-county service area.

RESPONSIBLITIES

1. Provide leadership on communications planning and strategy and support execution of campaigns events and organizational priorities.
2. Collaborate with the Director of Communications and Marketing and the Growth Team on communications strategy and priorities.
3. Serve as lead writer and primary editor for high-visibility communications ensuring consistent messaging across stories campaigns and executive communications.
4. Translate complex legal and programmatic content into clear plain-language messaging for multiple audiences and channels.
5. Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and journalists respond to inquiries and coordinate timely accurate messaging.
6. Proactively identify media opportunities write stories and pitch interviews op-eds and public education content.
7. Draft press materials including releases advisories statements talking points pitches and briefing documents.
8. Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and engagements and support overall media strategy for campaigns events and milestones.
9. Monitor and report on media coverage identifying trends risks and opportunities.
10. Identify and develop storytelling opportunities highlighting CLS impact while ensuring ethical storytelling practices aligned with consent dignity privacy and organizational values.
11. Coordinate interviews site visits and content gathering; attend events; and prepare participants for storytelling or media engagement.
12. Support integrated communications campaigns in collaboration with internal teams including donor communications impact storytelling fundraising materials and reports.
13. Coordinate with internal teams to elevate program visibility messaging and organizational milestones.
    
    

REQUIREMENTS

1. Commitment

1. Demonstrating commitment to promoting the mission vision and values of CLS (Community Legal Services).
2. Unwavering dedication to high-quality legal programs fiscal strength and organizational integrity.

2. Background and Experience

1. Bachelors degree in communications journalism public relations marketing English nonprofit management or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
2. At least 57 years of professional experience in communications journalism PR nonprofit communications or content strategy.
3. Exceptionally strong writing editing interviewing and storytelling skills.
4. Demonstrated experience in media relations including pitching stories managing press relationships and preparing spokespeople for interviews.
5. Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate complex or sensitive subject matter into clear audience-appropriate messaging.
6. Ability to move work forward independently while collaborating effectively across internal departments and external partners.
7. Strong discretion attention to detail and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential subject matter.
8. Experience in nonprofit public interest or legal aid communications preferred.
9. Familiarity with CMS platforms CRM systems email marketing tools and media monitoring tools preferred.

3. Physical Requirements

a. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

b. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

STARTING SALARY: $80000 more with experience.

GENERAL STATEMENT

CLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We value a diverse workforce and the promotion of inclusive culture at all levels.

CLS does not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant for employment from all qualified individuals on the basis of age race color creed national origin ancestry marital or familial status affectional or sexual orientation gender identity or expression sex disability socio-economic position religion political belief protected genetic information military or veteran status or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal or State law.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.