Job Description

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.

Leads media advocacy efforts for assigned territory of Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Puerto Rico, 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.

***Candidates must 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.***

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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 of Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and Puerto Rico. (30%)
• 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, speeches, presentations and other media material as needed, ensuring appropriate review for subject matter accuracy and brand standards. Plan and manage media events, including press conferences and editorial board meetings. (30%)
• 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. (20%)
• Coordinate activities with ACS Marketing & Communications staff, as well as with ACS CAN media advocacy colleagues as needed. Manage media activities to support ACS CAN fundraising. (5%)
• Conduct media trainings as needed for volunteers and staff. Identify and/or vet and train staff and volunteer spokespeople with personal stories related to ACS CAN’s policy campaigns. (5%)
• Represent ACS CAN in coalitions for priority campaigns to ensure coordination and brand recognition with joint media activities (5%)
• 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. (5%)

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Degree Required: ​Bachelor's Degree​
• Preferred Degree: ​Bachelor's Degree​
• Certificate(s) or License(s): N/A
• Years of experience: 2-3 years

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

• Spanish language proficiency required
• At least 2-3 years of experience in journalism or public relations and/or legislative communications.
• 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 complete work in a timely and efficient manner and ensure work is accurate.
• Ability to utilize available technology to perform position responsibilities.
• Self-starter and proactive with creating ideas and messaging
• Adept at working independently in a remote setting.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some overnight travel for meetings required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Limited lifting for media event setup may be required

The starting rate is $73,000 to $83,000 annual. The final candidate's relevant experience/skills will be considered before an offer is extended. Actual starting pay will vary based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

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.