CAREERS

Communications Director

Fairness West Virginia, the state’s leading LGBTQ+ civil rights organization based in Charleston, seeks a full-time Communications Director to help guide our communications strategy, publicize our work throughout the state, and advance our public education programs in West Virginia. The Communications Director will report directly to Fairness West Virginia’s Executive Director.

Fairness West Virginia has been fighting for the Mountain State’s LGBTQ+ community for 17 years. Our mission is to ensure that LGBTQ+ West Virginians can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. We’re proud to offer a variety of public education programs and advocacy programs. Among our many programs, we help West Virginia communities to adopt LGBTQ+-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances – 21 and counting. We offer a comprehensive program, the Safe & Healthy Schools Initiative, to help educators and administrators improve their schools for LGBTQ+ youth. We train doctors and medical providers on how to provide competent, compassionate care to transgender patients. We’re looking for a dynamic, creative person to step into this role to continue improving our work.

Responsibilities

  • Manage all aspects of media relations, including writing and disseminating press releases and advisories, pitching stories to targeted reporters, fielding media requests, managing a media database, drafting talking points, arranging interviews with Fairness spokespersons, and coaching spokespersons.

  • Assist in the development, design, editing, finalizing, or production of eblast communications.

  • Develop and design brochures, fliers, fact sheets, t-shirts and other branded materials.

  • Help with communication needs for major events (Lobby Day, public hearings, press conferences, Pride festivals, gala, etc.)

  • Design gala program, including ads for our supporters, and facilitate the gala’s online silent auction

  • Support efforts to build and manage an online presence for Fairness, helping to ensure that content is engaging, up-to-date, and results in measurable action; develop and manage posting of content for website and social media.

  • Plan and execute public events to further educate the public on issues impacting the LGBTQ community as identified by the Executive Director.

  • Assist in communications efforts during the West Virginia legislative session.

  • Occasional speech and grant writing.

  • Occasional public speaking.

Qualifications

  • A few years of experience in communications/marketing and/or relevant academic experience is preferred.

  • Strong written and oral communications skills.

  • Familiarity with framing and messaging about LGBTQ people.

  • Commitment to Fairness West Virginia’s mission.

  • Strong project multi-tasking skills.

  • Personal enthusiasm and optimism, along with a sense of humor.

  • Creativity, results-oriented, self-starting attitude (someone who will proactively offer communications ideas); willingness to work evenings and weekends and travel the state as needed.

  • Proficiency with computers: Windows, Microsoft Office, familiarity with design software and video editing preferred.

Compensation

The position offers a minimum salary of $50,000, with the final salary determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and fit for the job. Benefits include medical and dental insurance (fully paid by employer), and generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave, and employer-match simple IRA retirement benefit.

How to apply

Please email cover letter, resume, writing samples, and three references to andrew@fairnesswv.org. Applications should include “Communications Director” in the subject field. Applicants are encouraged to apply by May 15 for priority consideration. We will continue to accept applications until the position is filled.

Fairness West Virginia is an equal opportunity employer.