Director of Communications and PR

About Us:

The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) are non-partisan 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations opposing the legalization of marijuana and working on drug and marijuana policy issues, respectively, located in Washington, DC.

SAM was founded in 2013 by, among others, former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and senior editor of The Atlantic David Frum to advocate for a science-based approach to marijuana policy. You can learn more about us and our mission at http://www.learnaboutsam.org. FDPS was founded in 2022: www.gooddrugpolicy.org. Despite our organization's age, we have an outsized profile in the media, frequently interacting with the press and the public at large, and have grown to be one of the go-to voices on the marijuana and drug issue nationally and internationally. 

About the Job:

The Director of Communications and PR will be at the forefront of one of today’s most visible and dynamic issues: drug policy. This person will work to fight drug legalization (including marijuana), work for better drug laws, and educate citizens and lawmakers on the harms of drugs. You will be one of just a handful of highly visible people driving the discourse on a policy matter of international importance. 

We need someone with a lot of ideas, initiative, and savvy to help cultivate even stronger relationships with the media, issue press releases, manage social media, design new and inventive outreach campaigns, and work closely with SAM's management. Due to the interest in drug policy, there is never a dull moment. Success in the position also means a genuine interest in the policy issues at stake, and a willingness to become an expert in the area very quickly. You will be collaborating daily with experts, be they journalists, policy experts, or people working on drug issues in the field. 

This position is based in Washington, DC and will necessitate availability and responsiveness beyond traditional working hours. It may also require periodic travel. This position will be required to work in-person in our soon-to-be completed Capitol Hill office and will report directly to our Chief of Staff.

Essential Duties:

• Planning and implementing SAM/FDPS’ communications strategy, including securing earned media coverage, overseeing a strategic mass communications plan, and executing a targeted social media plan.
• Develop and cultivate media contacts in relevant media markets.
• Serving as a formal spokesperson and media liaison for the organization.
• Drafting press releases, media advisories, talking points, and op-eds.
• Fielding all incoming press inquiries, including interview requests for TV, print, radio, and other media and proactively pitching to press to support organizational priorities.
• Generate and disseminate online content that engages our audience and leads to measurable action including creating and editing digital communications content, including social media copy, videos, graphic design, and occasional updates to the website.
• Organize media events in collaboration with SAM/FDPS staff.

Requirements:

• Minimum 7 years’ experience working with members of the press surrounding government affairs.
• Relevant, current media contacts throughout all levels of media including podcasts, print media, digital media, and TV media.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Organized and proficient at multi-tasking.
• Experience developing and executing a cohesive communications strategy.

Personal Contacts:

Current media contacts are a requirement. Other contacts should be with officials and staff of the Executive Office of the President and Federal agencies and departments within Congress, state governments, and various advisory committees and councils. Business and private sector, media, academic, and general public contacts may also be appropriate. You will need good powers of persuasion, awareness, and tact, including appreciation of the various responsibilities facing your interlocutors.

Additional Guidelines:

The Communications Director must function independently with guidelines that are often only broadly stated and with issues for which precedents may be few or lacking. In other words, you need to be a self-starter, have good judgment, and be independently motivated. Also, you will need to know how to address and complete sensitive work with the appropriate discretion.

You must also be able to maintain a confidential relationship with FDPS/SAM leaders and its board and advisors, and provide expert, comprehensive assistance to high-level FDPS/SAM officials and staff. You may also need to work with or lead other staff in initiatives and be able to function well within a team, either as a leader or a follower. In addition, you will be expected to develop and maintain expertise in the field of drug policy, remaining knowledgeable about current events.

Compensation:

Pre-tax/withholding salary of $110,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on qualifications, for a full-time employee. Employee health and dental insurance plans are offered as well as a flexible time off policy.

Be prepared to submit:

A cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample upon outreach.