- United States Social Forum – 2010
- Job Description: Communications Working Group Coordinator
- Position Timeframe: 12 months from September 2009
- Location: Regional/ National
- SUMMARY
The World Social Forum (WSF) model is spreading around the world. A wide range of grassroots organizations and networks have announced that Detroit, Michigan will be the location of the second U.S. Social Forum (USSF) next summer, June 22-26, 2010. The USSF is more than a conference, more than a networking bonanza, more than a reaction to war, repression and poverty. The USSF will provide spaces to build relationships, learn from other's experiences, share our analysis of the problems our communities face and begin to vision and strategize how to reclaim our world.
The Communications Working Group (CWG) is charged with the development and implementation of the media outreach for the US Social Forum. The CWG is comprised of individual and organizational members, and is accountable to the National Planning Committee of the USSF. The CWG coordinator will lead the work of the CWG, which is responsible for the critical role of developing specific communications, and leading communications outreach efforts for the USSF to the broad media, as well as local, national and international individuals and organizations interested in media outreach to build the USSF, and events leading up to the USSF.
- ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The primary role of the Communications Coordinator is to ensure that the major goals of the CWG are met. Those goals are as follows:
- Promote the USSF to broad likely “audiences” to dramatically increase the numbers of people aware of Social Forum process and movement; build on successes, victories and outcomes of USSF 2007 to increase further participation; Impact public narrative on USSF themes and issues; introduce the USSF process and goals to broader audiences
- Implement visible, innovative and synergized online/social networking/content strategy and presence
- Establish good working relationships with reporters, writers and editors to facilitate the outreach and coverage of USSF events, to supply background information on the 2010 USSF, and to facilitate placement of USSF news stories in the electronic, print and social media.
- Position USSF spokespeople as experts on social movements inside the US; position USSF spokespeople as “ahead of the curve” on grassroots issues (what’s the next big thing/issue?), especially in the Detroit region and the midwest
- Effectively frame International Social Forum Movement and USSF as democratic process for building long-term power for disenfranchised communities and marginalized perspectives, voices and groups, and addressing the solutions necessary to realize the theme that “another US/world is possible”
- Centralize media justice as an issue/theme in Social Forum Movement/USSF as a strategy to engage “allied” and alternative and ethnic media, and to centralize media coverage and space at USSF
- Assure that all materials used in outreach activities are translated into many languages, and assist in efforts to conduct the USSF 2010 in many languages
- Implement a visible and accessible low-technology communications strategy, especially in Detroit, that includes non-internet communications tools and materials (posters, leaflets, bus posters, etc.)
With the assistance, collaboration and guidance of the CWG, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for developing a simple yet sophisticated media plan, easily replicated from a regional to national strategy.
- o Develop strategy (with CWG and lead organizers) to sustain effective communication with speakers, facilitators and participants using various forms of media
- o Research, develop and implement a USSF Brand and Communication strategy
- o Development of key messages for all audiences to communicate the objective and values of USSF
- o Involve Anchor and D-LOC team members, where appropriate, in executing communication activities and public relations (marketing materials, advertising, organizational communications, direct mail, marketing campaigns, press releases, content for forum publications, etc.)
- o Coordinate the writing of press releases, copy for marketing materials, reports, advertisements, programs and other related material. When necessary, the Coordinator shall directly draft needed materials
- o Manage media relations, research editorial opportunities and build relationships with key industry media
- o Work closely with the Web Manager/ITC WG to ensure content is consistent with overall marketing and communication objectives
- o Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, especially other Working Groups to ensure proper messaging of forum beliefs and event offerings
- o Provide monthly reporting to the Coordination Team Will include but not be limited to reporting on the status of prioritized marketing and communication activities. Reporting will be both historical and forward looking
- o Develop and manage the communications budget
- o Contributes to the total effectiveness of the USSF, communicating openly, solving problems proactively, offering creative ideas and working as a positive, engaged team member
- o Performs related work as required
- o Work with lead staff organizers to develop the USSF program or events
- o Assist with fundraising
- Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience
- o A minimum of five years of professional services in marketing and communications leadership role
- o Proven experience in the creation of a variety of media information and news releases, and the development and management of media events, including press conferences
- o Familiarity and working knowledge of branding principles and tactics through multimedia including the Web and a variety of social media
- o Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic programs and supporting tactics
- o Superior written and verbal communications skills, coupled with highly developed interpersonal skills
- o Years of experience in the creation and distribution of news releases and the creation of media events such as media conferences
- o Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high client expectations.
- o Ability to quickly grasp complex technical and business concepts and express them in clear language
- o Flexible and open to changing priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously within compressed timeframes
- o High familiarity with the history of mass and organizational struggle in Detroit and the Midwest region
- o Diverse ties with communities and social movement organizations, and working knowledge of the current crisis’ facing Detroit and the Midwest region
- o Willingness to live and work in Detroit from the point of hire through the USSF 2010
- o Experience with collective team-building work
- o Grassroots fundraising experience
- o Established commitment to building a progressive movement for social justice
- o Proven ability to communicate well with diverse groups of people (i.e. racial, ethnic, economic, gender, etc.)
To apply for this historic opportunity, interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest to the Communications Working Group, USSF 2010 c/o Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or physical ability. Multi-lingual a plus.
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