Press Specialist & Online Editor

Overview of the Position Students for Life of America is seeking a Media Specialist & C4 Online Editor/Staff Writer to create innovative content - sourced, fact checked, clean copy – used to drive the narrative for SFLA/SFLAction’s brand through media engagement, through vehicles such as news releases & media pitches, social media messaging & post text copy, and articles that includes reports on activities, analysis, and creative content. In addition, as an online editor, this position also assists other staff and students with SFLA/SFLAction story telling, with a special emphasis on the political s issues faced by the Pro-Life Generation. The role also includes preparing students for media engagement and assisting in booking and managing interviews. The staff member will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of assigned content within media plans, contributing, and coordinating with the team and consultants as needed. This person will also be a bridge between Students for Life of America and the Communications & Marketing teams, including monitoring & engaging with the latest in pro-life news and events. Part of the outreach in this role includes representing SFLA/SFLAction to the media, in particular podcast pitching. Experience in working with media, writing, pitching, and storytelling highly valued. 5+ years of experience required for a position that offers the opportunity to run state-based campaigns. This position reports to SFLA/SFLAction’s Vice President for Media & Policy to assist in a team effort to tell our story.

Responsibilities

Article Writing and Editing

• Write original content/analysis - of critical importance
• Ensure copy accuracy
• Edit original content/analysis from other staffers and students. Ensure grammar and punctuation rules are followed and that content is SFLA stylebook compliant
• Post press releases and blogs on the C3 and C4 blogs
• Keep the c4 or c3 press page updated
• Keep the Press section updated
• Write blogs on pop culture, apologetics, campus events, and campus issues
• Provide research on different points of interest as requested by higher-ups
• Write op-eds for Kristan, other team members, and sometimes under own name

Media

• Write press releases on c3 or c4 events and initiatives, campus issues, and campus tours
• Send press releases through Cision to targeted lists of reporters
• Call reporters to pitch our stories, offer additional details, and set up original comments/interviews
• Assist reporters as they cover SFLA/SFLAction
• Track medi as needed
• Act as point person for the media as directed, including on location when needed
• Answer, vet, & accommodate media requests, especially when asking to talk with students

Student Engagement

• Keep in good contact with various departments to ensure we are connecting with our student leaders across America
• Identify and Prep students before interviews and third-wheel with them on interviews while maintaining text chain if needed. Give follow-up call afterwards to discuss call and give pointers for next time
• Write talking points for campaigns/student engagement/political efforts as needed
• Keep an eye out for article needs.
• On the c3 side, that includes identifying content that students can write, send article opportunities through Mary Briganti, edit student copy and educate students on SFLA style & writing tips for next time
• Train students for effective media engagement

Political

• Maintain good relationship with c4 team and contractors
• Track media needs and breaking news in the states and federal governments as needed
• Pre-write copy or prepare breaking news content
• Assist in social media creation and fact checking of media for political purposes.

Other

• Write media statements for Kristan and get them approved by her before sending to reporters
• Write interview talkers for Kristan and other staffers/students as requested
• Book media as needed
• Vet media opportunities for its value to the organization.
• Stay up to date on legal issues, especially those regarding free speech
• Write the IN THE NEWS report as needed

Position Details Position Type

• This is a full-time salaried position working at least 40 hours per week. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours can be somewhat flexible by request.
• After-hour emergencies may occur with schedules to reflect unexpected workflow.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Press Specialist & Staff Writer will report to the Vice President for Media & Policy and will collaborate with multiple departments within Students for Life, without direct supervisor responsibilities.

Physical Demands

• Must have the ability to operate technical equipment such as a computer and sit for extended periods of time.

Travel

• Travel to bi-annual team trainings in January and July as required
• Able to assist at events at various locations as needed

Work Authorization

• Must be able to successfully complete an I-9. The I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Qualifications: 1-5 years' experience preferred

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Knowledge of grammar rules such as the Oxford comma and the AP stylebook
• Ability to manage workflow and prioritize requests
• Ability to be proactive, to work a problem to resolution or to identify when supervisor help needed with the goal of completing the work, rather than just moving it forward and waiting for the next meeting.
• Ability to work within project management tools such as Asana and media monitoring tools such as Cision
• Ability to handle fast paces and breaking news environment
• Ability to communicate well, making media pitches, and calls
• Able to communicate issues as they arise to find creative solutions
• Experience in working with a team
• Relentless diligence to upholding the SFLA/SFLAction brands

Who Are We Looking For

• A positive attitude, good problem-solving skills, and a passion for serving in the pro-life field are a must.
• Must be teachable to learn SFLA technologies and platforms.
• Candidates must be self- motivated, a good problem solver, an entrepreneurial spirit, expert multi-tasker, maintain confidentiality, able to work independently, and be a highly-organized person.