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The Media and Democracy Coalition (MDC) is hiring a full-time Organizing and Communications Manager to oversee the organization’s field organizing, outreach and public communications.

MDC is collaboration of more than three-dozen organizations united to amplify the voice of the public in debates over media and telecommunications issues. Access to the media and modern communications tools such as the Internet and wireless devices determine who can speak, and be heard, in today’s civic society, have access to resources to improve their quality of life, and express their creativity. Yet far too many people lack access to the Internet, and mainstream media is often unresponsive to local community needs. The members of the Media & Democracy Coalition are working to ensure that all U.S. residents have an open, accessible and vibrant media and communications system.

MDC brings together leaders in the media policy and organizing fields to work together to achieve a shared vision. Visit www.media-democracy.net to learn more.

Job Responsibilities
The primary role of the Organizing & Communications Manager is to build public support for key media & telecommunications policies by reaching out to community leaders, advocacy organizations, and the media in certain geographic areas.

Organizing (roughly 75% time)
• Identify and build relationships with community leaders, advocacy organizations, and other key constituencies that could be supportive of public interest media & telecommunications policies in targeted states and regions across the U.S.
• Make a clear, compelling case for the connection between advancement of social justice agendas and the accessibility of communications & media tools, as well as relevant policy debates through development of messages and materials.
• Mobilize key organizations and opinion leaders to articulate strong support for public interest media & telecom policies.
• Share organizational management responsibilities with other MDC staff, including administrative, logistical and event support.
• Work with other staff to contribute to the organization’s broader goals of building a stronger movement for better media.

Communications (roughly 25% time)
• Develop messages and materials for distribution to the media.
• Maintain and cultivate a database of reporters and media outlets across the nation but with a particular focus on local and regional media. Communicate with these outlets regularly through issuing press releases, drafting opinion pieces, blog posts, etc.
• Update and maintain the MDC web site, as well as other social media tools such as Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, etc.

Qualifications
• Strong commitment to the public interest and advancement of social justice
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum 3 years experience in field, issue, community, political or labor organizing, including demonstrated experience playing a leadership role in organizing efforts, as well as crafting and implementing strategic campaign plans
• Ability to work with diverse communities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Basic technical knowledge of web site development, new media and on-line communications is a plus, but training can be provided in this area.

Location
This position is based in Washington D.C., and requires occasional travel.

Salary and Benefits
A competitive salary, commensurate with experience, is offered. A generous benefits package, including medical insurance and a retirement plan, is also offered.

To Apply
The deadline for applying is August 13, 2010. MDC values diversity in the workplace and encourages individuals that could bring such diversity to apply.

Send a resume and cover letter to (e-mail preferred):
Beth McConnell
Executive Director
Media and Democracy Coalition
1133 19th St., NW, 9th Floor Washington, DC 20036

E-mail with the subject line “Application for Organizing & Communications Manager” to bmcconnell (at) media-democracy.net