Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), a statewide legal services non-profit that ensures access to justice for people experiencing poverty across New Jersey. To carry out its mission, VLJ operates 8 distinct programs serving clients with a full array of civil legal needs. VLJ makes the most of our resources by partnering with lawyers and other volunteers across the legal community and beyond. VLJ has 20 staff members, including 12 attorneys, and a panel of more than 1,500 volunteers. More information about VLJ can be found at: www.vljnj.org.
The Bershad Communications Fellow will lead VLJ’s communication effort, developing strategies that are accessible, compelling, useful, and targeted to VLJ’s key stakeholders. Working directly with the VLJ leadership team and Board of Trustees, the fellow will be responsible for the daily execution of VLJ’s communications strategy, including creating social media posts, newsletters, press releases, written collateral, and other materials. The fellow will run point on VLJ’s website and work with staff to ensure that timely edits are made to content. This is an ideal role for a creative and media-savvy individual who would enjoy translating legal topics into stories that both inform and entertain. The fellow will develop a clear vision of marketing growth and strategic communication that will result in increased awareness of VLJ, increased volunteer engagement, and increased funding from individuals, and corporations. This is a full-time, limited duration position funded for 18 months.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
The fellow’s duties will include:
• Together with VLJ’s leadership team, develop and implement a communications plan with a clear vision of marketing growth and strategic communication that will result in increased awareness of VLJ, increased volunteer engagement, and increased funding
• Manage VLJ’s social media accounts to support outreach, advocacy, and fundraising
• Oversee VLJ’s website to ensure that content is current, reaches the intended audiences, and is tells a visually engaging story
• Work with VLJ’s leadership team to create, design, and publish a yearly annual report
• Lead VLJ’s efforts to develop and publish compelling client and volunteer stories
• Establish and maintain relationships with key media outlets, serve as a key VLJ media contact for breaking news, and publicize VLJ through press releases and story pitches
• Create content for and design communications materials, including, newsletters, client and/or volunteer outreach flyers, fundraising appeals and brochures, event collateral, award nominations, speech content, and other materials as needed
• Maintain an annual communications calendar integrating the materials listed above, and including opportunities for external exposure, such as awards and speaking opportunities
• Serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Trustees Communications Committee and ensure the implementation of the communications priorities in VLJ’s strategic plan
Ideal candidates will have:
• University graduation or 3+ years of communications experience
• Capacity to create a goal-based communications strategy, identify target audiences, implement multiple tactics, tell stories with impact, and evaluate the effort
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex legal issues in a compelling way for the general public
• A professional portfolio of work, including, cross platform social media campaigns, writing samples, and impactful graphics
• Insight into issues affecting VLJ clients that will bring a new perspective to VLJ, which may be based on experience working in the areas of social justice, economic justice, and racial justice
• Prior experience working in a legal services or community-based organization is a plus
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to manage several projects simultaneously
• Candidates should be detail-oriented, have the ability to work both as part of a team and independently and have the flexibility to attend morning or evening meetings/activities
• Proficiency in applicable computer applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft and Google suites, social medial platforms, and graphic design programs (Canva, Publisher, InDesign, and/or Photoshop) is required
To be considered for this position, send a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and a resume to [email protected]. Please include "Bershad Fellow” in the subject line of your email. This position will remain open until filled and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. People of color, women, LGBTQI+ people, people with disabilities, and other persons in underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.