DESCRIPTION:  

The Treatment Advocacy Center, a national non-profit based in Arlington, Virginia that fights to bring effective treatment to people with severe mental illnesses, is seeking a dynamic person with significant experience in media and public relations to join our team as Director of Communications.   The Treatment Advocacy Center has facilitated legal reforms in 18 states, including Kendra’s Law in New York, that are designed to save lives.  The Treatment Advocacy Center has also established a strong national media presence, and the new Director of Communications will have the opportunity to build upon that foundation in developing and implementing communications strategies in close coordination with Treatment Advocacy Center’s ongoing grassroots campaigns and state advocacy efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Serve as senior advisor to the Executive Director in the planning, development, and  implementation of the organization’s communication and media strategies;
• Day to day interaction and coordination with other staff to develop and implement  effective communication and media strategies for state campaigns;
• Identify opportunities to engage media and to place information to raise awareness of organization’s mission, positions, and campaigns;
• Maintain ongoing relationships with key media contacts and cultivate new relationships with healthcare, legislative press and general interest media;
• Respond to media requests to determine appropriate responses, to identify best interviewees, and to personally engage in media interviews as appropriate;
• Write press releases, press kits, blogs, letters to the editor, op-eds, and other collateral materials that effectively promote the positions of the organization;
• Arrange for special events that may facilitate media coverage of issues relevant to the goals of the organization; 
• Monitor daily news to identify stories and incidents that may be relevant to promoting the mission of the organization;
• Track media placement and preparing periodic media tracking reports;
• Oversee Treatment Advocacy Center website and blog to ensure consistent and effective messaging to media and other major constituencies;
• Manage production of the organization’s flagship publication Catalyst in conjunction with a chief editor and a high level editorial committee;
• Work with Executive Director to complete a major upgrade of organization’s website.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field;
• 5 to 7 years minimum experience working within the media or communications field;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and strategic planning skills; 
• Demonstrated ability to build media contacts and record of media placements;    
• Good working understanding of legislative process and factors that motivate elected officials;
• Knowledge of mental treatment issues at the national, state and provider level is a plus.

REPORTS TO:    Executive Director

Salary: Commensurate with experience. Benefits include:  health, dental, 403(b) plan with employer contribution, free on-site parking, life disability insurance, and liberal vacation and leave policies.

Send Resume, cover letter, and salary requirements, if any, to Treatment Advocacy Center Search Committee, 8401 Connecticut Ave, Suite 220, Chevy Chase, MD or to jobs@stanleyresearch.org.  Note:  Jobsite is in Arlington, Virginia.   Position will remain open until filled. No phone calls please.