Director of Communications

We are seeking a Director of Communications!

The North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) includes 28 partner organizations and thousands of individuals committed to ending North Carolina’s death penalty. We envision a North Carolina free from state killing where justice is rooted in racial equity, healing, and addressing harm without perpetuating it. We work with and educate lawmakers, communities, and the public about the racist, unjust and ineffectual death penalty. We advocate for equitable alternatives, rooted in restorative justice, that promote healing and increase public health and safety. We center the voices of people most proximate to the death penalty: homicide survivor family members (including executions) and individuals living on or exonerated from death row and their families. We believe their leadership and stories are key to transforming our system.

NCCADP has experienced exciting growth and success since 2024 when Gov. Roy Cooper commuted 15 death sentences at the conclusion of a two-year campaign led by the organization. North Carolina has not executed anyone in more than 20 years, yet some lawmakers are eager to resume, even in the midst of failed executions in other states. We seek a strong, creative leader and team player to build on this momentum at a critical time for our movement. The ideal candidate will have a passion for criminal justice reform, exceptional communications skills, and at least three years of relevant experience.

NCCADP strongly encourages applications from people who have direct experience with the carceral state in North Carolina, including people who are formerly incarcerated themselves or those who have incarcerated loved ones. We also encourage applications from people who have survived violence, as well as those who have lost loved ones to violence, including homicide and execution. NCCADP strives to create a team that reflects our commitment to racial justice and equity; and therefore, we especially seek applications from Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, and people who identify as LGBTQ.

The Director of Communications must live in North Carolina and will work remotely, with some travel for in-person events and meetings across the state as required.

Key Responsibilities

Direct and implement NCCADP’s communications:

• Serve as primary writer and content strategist across NCCADP’s communication platforms including social media, email, and website.
• Manage and grow NCCADP’s email list and optimize email communication, including design of digital newsletters and engagement campaigns.
• Create strategic communications such as petitions, targeted messages, and calls to action.
• Liaise with partner organization communications staff to facilitate sharing events and information and deepen engagement from their memberships.
• Develop and implement a digital organizing strategy in collaboration with staff and coalition partners.
• Maintain and update NCCADP’s WordPress website.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories; maintain and expand press lists; track and share relevant media coverage.
• Design digital and print communications materials, including graphics, event flyers, reports, and campaign toolkits.

Develop and maintain NCCADP’s databases, including:

• Donors and donor acknowledgement.
• Media outlets.
• Volunteers, coalition members, and partners.

Support NCCADP events and programs:

• Collaborate with staff and volunteers on planning and promotion of in-person and virtual events.
• Represent NCCADP at community events and coalition gatherings.

Serve as an active and collaborative member of a small, high-functioning team:

• Take initiative to strengthen organizational systems and offer support across program areas when needed.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning, infrastructure development, and sustainability planning.
• May include onboarding and supervising interns and volunteers supporting communications, research, and outreach initiatives as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant previous experience developing and executing communications strategies and ability to shape narratives that drive social change including strong storytelling, research, writing, and editing skills. Preferably with an advocacy or social justice-oriented organization.
• Previous experience managing a CRM and using digital organizing strategies, including social media platforms.
• Personal commitment to NCCADP’s mission to end the death penalty and to NCCADP’s core values of racial justice, centering the voices of people most proximate to the death penalty, and restorative justice.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Self-motivated and ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Proficient with computer and office software, social media, and basic graphic design.
• Ability to photograph or video events.
• Familiarity with the death penalty landscape, the criminal legal system, the decarceration movement, and North Carolina political dynamics is a plus.

Hours and compensation : This is a remote, full-time position (37.5 hrs/wk) with traditional daytime hours and occasional evening or weekend hours. It will also require occasional in-person meetings and events, sometimes in different areas of the state. We highly value a “can-do” attitude, and we also strive to support our staff in their work-life balance through our benefits package and positive, passionate work environment.

• Annual salary is $64,000.
• 15 paid holidays in addition to a total of 22 days combined paid time off and health care leave.
• Health care stipend and retirement benefit (total $11,120 annually) and reimbursement for travel and some home-office expenses.
• Salary and benefits with pro-rated paid leave will commence upon hire. The position also includes a three-month probationary period.

To Apply

• Please complete our initial application, which includes a request for a writing sample and resume.
• This position will be open until filled and applications reviewed on a rolling basis; those interested are encouraged to apply immediately.