Public Affairs Director, Overdose Prevention

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

403b plan

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Sick days

Personal days

Job summary

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is seeking a Director of External Affairs & Communications, Overdose Prevention to lead strategic communications for a global public health initiative based in Washington, DC. The role drives policy advocacy campaigns, media outreach, and coalition management to reduce overdose harm.

You will oversee vendors, coordinate with leadership, draft press materials, and support funding reports while advancing communications strategies across our overdose prevention

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of relevant communications/public relations experience.
• Experience in developing and implementing communications strategies in a policy advocacy, political or government context.
• Excellent writing, editing and project management skills.
• Excellent communications, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and coalition partners.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to the issue of overdose prevention.

Responsibilities

• 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 speechwriting and conference presentations.
• Help with reporting to funders on state and local activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Organization skills

Multitasking

Collaboration

Overdose prevention commitment

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is seeking a Director of External Affairs & Communications, Overdose Prevention to lead strategic communications for a global public health initiative based in Washington, DC. The role drives policy advocacy campaigns, media outreach, and coalition management to reduce overdose harm.

You will oversee vendors, coordinate with leadership, draft press materials, and support funding reports while advancing communications strategies across our overdose prevention