Please make sure to attach your resume to complete your application.
Summary:
The Senior Writer, Executive & Strategic Communications is responsible for the development and execution of communications strategies, tactics, and content that effectively leverage ASPCA executive and subject matter voices and strategically tell the story of the ASPCA’s work and impact, utilizing internal and external communications channels to share the ASPCA’s vision, mission, and impact with key internal and external stakeholders and audiences.
The Senior Writer works closely with the VP of Internal Communications, SVP of Communications, Communications Leadership Team, and the Executive Leadership Team to develop an executive communications strategy that supports our programmatic goals and priorities, operations, people, and the long-term change we are striving to make for animals. Operating within the Communications team, the Senior Writer will listen, learn, and build strong, collaborative relationships with executives, leaders, experts, and key stakeholders, teams, and individuals to develop and launch communications strategies and content that informs, inspires, and engages audiences to support our work, foster brand recognition, and aligns with our culture and values.
The Senior Writer serves as primary writer and editorial reviewer of communications authored by or with members of the ASPCA’s executive team or other highly visible subject matter experts. They also write for and manage multiple executives’ communication platforms, research new topics, copy-edit and proofread material, and recommend creative ways to share stories and messaging through different internal and external platforms. The Senior Writer will write, review, or edit key messages, speeches, blog posts, content for videos, board and staff memos, social media posts, press releases, and official statements that highlight the impact of our work and staff in consistent and compelling way.
The Senior Writer helps improve and elevate overall communications output for executive leaders, subject matter experts, and the organization overall by leveraging communications best practices and refining and evolving content including narratives and stories, key messages, speech content, and talking points for key internal and external events and forums. They also oversee or support special editorial projects and select editorial story production.
This is a hybrid in-person/remote position based in New York City. This position is expected to be in office 1-3 days per week, with flexibility needed for additional time on-site as necessary.
Responsibilities:
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Executive Communications: Written/Editorial, Speeches, Media, and Presentations (60%):
- Work closely with Communications leadership team to develop and implement internal and external executive communications strategy that strengthens the ASPCA’s voice and aligns with the overall organizational long-term strategy, integrated planning efforts, and brand narrative
- Develop and maintain knowledge of ASPCA strategies, programs, and impact, in concert with that of the animal welfare field overall and media landscape and trends, to ensure solid understanding of our organizational positioning, strengths, and areas of opportunity to guide executive communications strategies and content
- Conceptualize, draft, and edit external editorial materials including op/eds, letters-to-editor, blog posts, social media posts, email correspondence and letters, and video scripts for CEO and other senior executives
- Conceptualize, draft, and edit Board of Directors editorial materials on a monthly basis and as needed basis including reports, timely updates, correspondence, talking points, presentations, etc.
- Craft, edit and plan internal memos, Workplace posts, video scripts, and messaging for CEO and other senior executives that highlight organizational and staff accomplishments and contribute to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture
- Research internal and external communications trends and opportunities to identify and recommend strategies and tactics to foster employee engagement and strong workplace culture and amplify leadership’s voices with key external audiences
- Conceptualize, draft, and edit external and internal speeches and event remarks and talking points for CEO and other senior executives
- Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to identify the right presentation/speaking and other opportunities for ASPCA CEO and other senior executives to share compelling and impactful stories and insights from our work
- In collaboration with the social media team, strategize and oversee ASPCA executive online presence including internal and external social media pages, web content, and other online tools and spaces
- Oversee or support special video presentations or messaging for executives and ASPCA leaders
- Provide crisis and issues management communications support as needed
Strategic Editorial Development & Support (40%):
- Support development and writing of special projects including the Annual Report and 990 content, impact messaging, and other timely editorial needs
- Oversee, as appropriate, or edit external messaging and editorial products generated by the External Communications, Marketing Communications, Development, or programmatic teams, including but not limited to media quotes, impact content, narrative, and other critical content
- Work in close collaboration with Program, Communications, and Development teams to develop impactful messaging and content tied to ASPCA organizational strategy and priorities
- Provide editorial support for the Communications team to ensure editorial accuracy and consistency, including reviewing weekly digital internal newsletter, blog content, happy tails, impact narratives, etc.
- Serve on the internal Editorial Board to identify and address areas of opportunity to align on messaging across the organization
- Listen, help identify connections, and provide feedback to support strong storytelling and impact narrative messaging consistency internally and externally
Exemplifies the ASPCA’s Core Values:
- Has Commitment to improving the lives of animals
- Demonstrates Ownership and takes responsibility for outcomes
- Believes in Teamwork – that we are stronger when we work together
- Seeks to Elevate the outcome, the work of others, and reimagine what is possible
- Focuses on Impact – making significant and measurable change for animals
Additional Information:
A cover letter is required to complete your application.
Qualifications:
- Exceptional and proven writing, editing, and proofreading skills, supported by foundational journalistic skills
- Exceptional speechwriting skills
- Strong speech and presentation skills
- Strong listening skills, ability to effectively give and receive feedback, and a commitment to learning and professional development
- A detail-oriented, journalistic approach to writing ensuring accuracy first and foremost, with the ability to manage multiple, high-profile projects and deliverables
- A strong understanding of and interest in the ASPCA’s programs and ability to understand and effectively communicate complex topics
- Ability to perform the job in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality
- Strong interpersonal communications skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment and deliver accurate, quality work under pressure
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, as projects require
- Must be able to travel (up to 10%), if necessary
Compensation & Benefits:
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. The expected hiring salary range for this role is set forth below and may be modified in the future.
- The target hiring range for this role is $137,000 - $145,000 annually
For more information on our benefits offerings, visit our website.
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If you are interested in joining our team but do not see a position listed that fits your experience or interests, please join our Talent Community to stay connected to future opportunities with the ASPCA.
Qualifications:
See above for qualifications details.
Language:
English (Required)
Education and Work Experience:
Bachelors (Required)
8+ years of experience conceiving, drafting, writing, and editing communications, including executive content such as memos, reports, speeches, social posts, blogs, op/eds, press releases, and presentations for senior executives in a high-visibility organization, Experience leading projects involving multiple contributors/stakeholders and production deadlines, Minimum of B.A. or B.S. in English, communications, journalism, or a related field, News, agency, in-house public relations, communications, or corporate communications experience required, including direct work in media relations and/or a news-based environment, Published writing samples in accredited media outlets preferred, Video writing or production experience is a plus
Our EEO Policy:
The ASPCA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the ASPCA’s standard application process, which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on the ASPCA. Please inform the ASPCA’s People Team if you need an accommodation in order to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Individuals seeking employment are considered without regards to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, age, marital or domestic partner status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
ASPCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V).
Please don’t forget to attach your resume to complete your application.
