The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is the nation's leading cancer advocacy organization. Together with our charitable partner, the American Cancer Society, we work in Congress, state legislatures and local jurisdictions to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.
This is a permanent remote position that can be home-based anywhere in the territory of Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Puerto Rico.
Leads media advocacy efforts for assigned territory, both in English and Spanish, providing input into campaign planning, implementing tactics to support policy and revenue activities, driving relevance, and enhancing ACS CAN brand recognition in support of local, state, and federal priorities. Provides a full range of media outreach including developing target media lists and building relationships with key capitol press corps, health reporters and diverse news outlets. Drafts talking points, fact sheets, news releases/advisories as well as opinion editorial articles and letters to the editor. Secures editorial meetings and earned media placement by leveraging digital media skills and selling story ideas by phone and electronically to print, radio and TV newsrooms. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, proactive with creating ideas and messaging, and adept at working independently in a remote setting.
***Candidates can be home based in one of these following states/territories: Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Puerto Rico. Must be a strong communicator with excellent writing and verbal skills in English and Spanish.***
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist in drafting and implementation of strategic media advocacy plans for local, state and federal policy campaigns, to demonstrate broad based public support for cancer-related policy initiatives. Assist in occasional ballot and electoral campaign planning. Draft and implement such plans directly, in assigned multi state geography.
Develop messaging that is tailored to the specific political environment and attuned to the rapid pace of legislative activities.
Write and coach others to enhance their writing of press releases, media advisories, letters to the editor, op-eds, talking points, FAQs, fact sheets, and other media material as needed.
Develop and maintain relationships with press corps in assigned multi state geography, and proactively engage these reporters on legislative issues as well as responding to media inquiries.
Track and report media results and trends.
Coordinate activities with ACS Marketing & Communications staff, as well as with ACS CAN media advocacy colleagues as needed.
Plan and manage media events, including press conferences and editorial board meetings.
Conduct media trainings as needed for volunteers and staff.
Represent ACS CAN in coalitions for priority campaigns to ensure coordination and brand recognition with joint media activities
Help draft speeches, presentations and other materials for state team colleagues and review staff’s written materials for quality and form (as well as performing other internal communications roles as needed).
Identify and/or vet and train staff and volunteer spokespeople with personal stories related to ACS CAN’s policy campaigns.
Elevate the profile of ACS CAN, by working through the media to ensure that opinion leaders are aware of ACS CAN legislative activity and voter education activity.
Collaborate with Associate Director, Multicultural Media Advocacy to build relationships with and secure coverage in new and diverse media outlets
Manage media activities to support ACS CAN fundraising.
Apply and follow ACS CAN policies and guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.
FORMAL KNOWLEDGE
Spanish language proficiency required
Bachelor’s degree preferred in communications, public relations, journalism, political science or related field.
At least 2-3 years of experience in journalism or public relations and/or legislative communications.
Strong communicator with excellent writing and verbal skills.
SKILLS, SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR KNOWLEDGE
Familiarity with the legislative and/or political process a must; familiarity with reporters and/or media outlets in the covered markets preferred.
Political campaign or legislative experience preferred.
Knowledge of health care policy preferred.
Excellent written, oral, interpersonal and computer skills required.
Ability to work independently with minimum direction as well as work as a member or leader of a team.
Demonstrated ability to work on fast-paced, time-sensitive matters with internal and external constituents.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and communities.
Ability to complete work in a timely and efficient manner and ensure work is accurate.
Ability to utilize available technology to perform position responsibilities.
Some overnight travel for meetings required.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).
ACS CAN provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.
