📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead, Public & Media Relations Strategist
🔹 Company: Southern Poverty Law Center
🔹 Location: Atlanta, GA, Jackson, MS, Miami, FL, Montgomery, AL, New Orleans, LA, Washington D.C.
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Law Practice
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Local Remote (attend work-related activities at SPLC offices or in states where SPLC operates)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic public and media relations plans
- Securing high-profile media coverage and managing press interactions
- Collaborating with internal and external colleagues to strategize and plan messaging
- Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers
- Monitoring breaking news and creating rapid response communication tactics
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement targeted public and media relations plans to support organizational goals
✅ Secure high-profile political and issues-based media coverage and manage press interactions
✅ Coordinate with internal and external colleagues to strategize and plan for issue-specific messaging
✅ Draft materials such as press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, and talking points
✅ Book organizational experts in print media, radio, and TV to elevate the organization’s work
✅ Field press inquiries daily and manage earned media events such as press conferences
✅ Build, develop, and maintain relationships with regional and national news media members
✅ Track breaking news associated with litigation, legislation, and public policy
✅ Train, mentor, and coach other staff and may supervise interns
ASSUMPTION: This role may require working some evenings and weekends in the event of breaking news.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High School Diploma or GED
Experience: Minimum seven (7) years of public relations agency, media relations, and public education campaign work
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to translate complex narratives into compelling media stories
- Experience in crafting and executing effective and strategic public and media relations campaigns
- Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers
- Experience in measuring PR campaign impact and using data-driven insights to refine tactics
Preferred Skills:
- Knowledge of mission-driven nonprofits and effective communication strategies
- Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and fostering an anti-racist work culture
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the nonprofit sector and a strong commitment to racial justice are highly encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $73,832 annually (commensurate with experience)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- And more (click here for details)
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week (with some flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed)
ASSUMPTION: Salary range provided is the minimum starting salary and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is a nonprofit organization focused on racial justice, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.
Company Size: The SPLC has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized organization structure with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: The SPLC was founded in 1971 and has since become a leading advocate for civil rights and racial justice.
Company Description:
- Focuses on four major areas: protecting voting rights and civic engagement, eradicating poverty, dismantling white nationalism and protecting democracy, and decriminalizing and decarcerating Black and Brown people.
- Works in partnership with communities to advance the human rights of all people.
- Emphasizes intersectionality and the importance of addressing multiple forms of discrimination and oppression.
Company Specialties:
- Immigrant Justice Project
- Hate and Extremism Research
- Children’s Rights
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Economic Justice
- Voting Rights
- LGBTQ Rights and Special Litigation
- Learning for Justice
Company Website: http://www.splcenter.org
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC's work is driven by a commitment to racial justice and a focus on intersectionality, making it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about these issues.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in public relations and media relations.
Reporting Structure: The Lead Public and Media Relations Strategist reports to the Deputy Director, Public & Media Relations.
Work Arrangement: This role has a hybrid work arrangement, requiring employees to work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and allowing for two days of telework per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a director-level position or take on additional responsibilities within the organization
- Opportunities for professional development and training, including mentorship and coaching
- Chance to work on high-impact campaigns and initiatives that drive meaningful change
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC values internal promotion and provides opportunities for employees to grow within the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The SPLC has multiple offices across the Southern United States, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.
Office Location(s): Atlanta, GA, Jackson, MS, Miami, FL, Montgomery, AL, New Orleans, LA, Washington D.C.
Geographic Context:
- The SPLC's offices are located in diverse urban areas, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities.
- The organization's focus on racial justice and civil rights makes it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about these issues.
- The SPLC's commitment to intersectionality and addressing multiple forms of discrimination and oppression creates a unique and impactful work environment.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is full-time, with some flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed.
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC's work environment is driven by a commitment to racial justice and a focus on intersectionality, making it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about these issues.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with a panel of SPLC staff members
- Final interview with the Deputy Director, Public & Media Relations
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and planning skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple tasks
- Knowledge of mission-driven nonprofits and effective communication strategies
- Commitment to ideals of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Be prepared to discuss your commitment to racial justice and the SPLC's mission
- Research the SPLC's work and be ready to discuss how your background and experience align with the organization's priorities
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organization
ATS Keywords: Public relations, media relations, strategic planning, communication, journalism, nonprofit, racial justice, civil rights
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and fit with the organization's mission and values.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- CMS and website management tools (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC uses a variety of tools and technologies to support its work, and candidates should be comfortable learning and using new platforms as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Commitment to racial justice and intersectionality
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Excellence and professionalism
- Accountability and transparency
- Inclusion and respect for all people
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on quick decision-making and adaptability
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on collective impact
- Mission-driven and results-focused, with a commitment to achieving tangible outcomes
- Supportive and inclusive, with a focus on fostering a positive and respectful work environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach working on issues related to racial justice and civil rights?
- How do you balance the need for quick decision-making with a commitment to inclusivity and diversity?
- How do you prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously?
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including journalists, editors, and influencers?
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC's work environment is driven by a commitment to racial justice and a focus on intersectionality, making it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about these issues.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working on high-profile and sensitive issues related to racial justice and civil rights
- Managing media interactions and securing coverage in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Balancing the need for strategic planning with the demands of breaking news and rapid response communication
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including journalists, editors, and influencers, with varying levels of understanding and support for the organization's mission
- Navigating the complexities of working in a hybrid or remote work environment
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC's work can be challenging and demanding, but it also offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on racial justice and civil rights.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to related roles in public relations and media relations, this role places a greater emphasis on strategic planning and a commitment to racial justice and civil rights
- Unlike other roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the complexities of working on issues related to racial justice and civil rights
- Career paths in this role may lead to advancement within the organization or to related roles in other nonprofit or advocacy organizations
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on racial justice and civil rights, making it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about these issues.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic public and media relations plan to support the launch of a major report or initiative
- Securing high-profile media coverage for an organizational expert or spokesperson on a breaking news story or issue
- Managing a press conference or media event, including coordinating logistics, drafting talking points, and briefing spokespeople
- Creating and executing a rapid response communication plan in response to a breaking news story or crisis
ASSUMPTION: The SPLC's work involves a wide range of projects and initiatives, offering opportunities for candidates to gain experience in various aspects of public relations and media relations.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Public & Media Relations department?
- How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the organization, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does the organization approach collaboration and teamwork across departments and offices?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization and helps you make an informed decision about your fit.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for your phone or video screen by researching the SPLC's work and mission and practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
