Director, External Affairs & Communications, Overdose Prevention

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Regular Full-Time Washington, DC, US

8 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. Through our Global Health Advocacy Incubator
, we tackle other critical public health challenges across the globe – including food and nutrition policy, injury and overdose prevention, and building resilient and equitable health systems.

Our vision is a healthier and more equitable future for all.

SUMMARY

DESCRIPTION:

With a deep commitment to improving public health globally, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) works toward sustainable and lasting change through targeted policy change campaigns and capacity building in low and middle income countries. GHAI is an initiative of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and draws on lessons from tobacco control and other public health advocacy campaigns in more than 50 countries to drive policy change around the globe to improve health.

The Overdose Prevention Initiative at GHAI advances policies that strengthen addiction treatment systems, eliminate barriers to care and reduce disparities. We turn research into action by championing policies that expand access to medications for opioid use disorder, support harm reduction strategies and promote recovery-oriented systems of care. Our team works closely with state and federal decision makers to help them understand the realities of the overdose crisis and the policies that work.

The Director of External Affairs, Overdose Prevention leads development and implementation of communications strategies in support of the Overdose Prevention Initiative’s advocacy campaigns, including partnerships and coalition management. Responsibilities include managing multifaceted communications campaigns that include media relations, social media, websites, and other tools. The Director of Communications is a strong strategist, writer and manager of projects, teams and outside vendors.

This position is based in Washington D.C. and reports to the Associate Vice President of Overdose Prevention.

• Lead the development and implementation of communications strategies in support of the Overdose Prevention Initiative’s advocacy campaigns, utilizing the full range of communications tools.
• Coordinate closely with CTFK and GHAI leadership, the Overdose Prevention Initiative team, and coalition partners in developing and implementing these strategies.
• Oversee the work of communications vendors, including for earned media, graphic design, and others.
• Draft, edit and distribute earned media materials, including press releases, statements, opeds, letters to the editor and editorial board memos. These include materials for use by both the Overdose Prevention Initiative and partner organizations/advocates.
• Oversee efforts to build strategic partnerships. Work collaboratively with and provide strategic and technical assistance to overdose prevention advocates and coalitions, including the development of communications plans and materials.
• Conduct media outreach and field media calls on substance use disorder issues and campaigns. Arrange interviews with appropriate staff and provide requested info to the media.
• Plan and implement press conferences and other media events.
• Draft and keep updated website materials related to issues and campaigns, working with website development team.
• Stay current about substance use disorder issues, advocacy campaigns and key messages. Identify potential news hooks and develop strategies and materials to achieve media coverage.
• As needed, manage election-related communications strategies of the Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund related to state and local campaigns.
• Help with speech writing and conference presentations.
• Help with reporting to funders on state and local activities.
• Other duties as assigned.