Communications Director, Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR)

Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR)   Little Rock, AR   Full-time     Advertising / Marketing / PR Work Remote
Posted on January 31, 2025
Note: This employer is open to candidates who want to work remote.

Job Title: Communications Director
Organization: Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR)
Reports To: Executive Director

Job Description:
Are you passionate about restoring public trust in journalism? The Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Communications Director to lead outreach efforts, serve as a national spokesperson, and promote ethical journalism across the United States.

This is not a desk job—our Communications Director will travel extensively to meet with news organizations, to deliver presentations to civic organizations, guest lectures at journalism schools, and represent CFINR on various media platforms. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of American journalism history, exceptional public speaking skills, and a commitment to advancing the credibility of news reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

Public Engagement and Outreach:

  • Deliver presentations to civic organizations (e.g., Rotary, Kiwanis) in mid-sized U.S. markets (ranked 25-75 by the National Association of Broadcasters).
  • Engage with local and national TV, radio stations, and other media outlets to promote the Center’s mission.
  • Represent CFINR at conferences, journalism schools, and industry events.

 

Advocacy and Education:

  • Explain the vital role of ethical journalism in democracy and the impact of bias.
  • Advocate for the adoption of ethical guidelines in news organizations.

Media Relations:

  • Secure appearances on national broadcast and cable platforms like ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and podcasts.
  • Foster relationships with journalists and media organizations.

 

Content Development:

  • Create engaging speeches, presentations, and educational resources tailored to diverse audiences.

Strategic Planning:

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director to align communication strategies with organizational goals.

Fundraising Support:

  • Promote awareness of the Center’s mission to support fundraising efforts.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
  • A minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or media management.
  • Exceptional public speaking, writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated success in managing media relations and building strategic partnerships.
  • Familiarity with the journalism industry and its evolving challenges.
  • Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
  • Commitment to Non-Partisanship: The Communications Director must embody and uphold CFINR’s commitment to being, and appearing to be, non-partisan. This includes adherence to the same standards and code of ethics as the Society of Professional Journalists, including:
  • No political donations, endorsements, or displays of support such as yard signs or bumper stickers.
  • Refraining from social media posts that could reflect partisanship or ideological bias.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Deep understanding of journalism ethics, including the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics.
  • Familiarity with data on public trust in journalism.
  • Exceptional public speaking and media relations skills.
  • Ability to communicate complex ideas impartially.

Personal Attributes:

  • Enthusiastic about rebuilding public trust in journalism.
  • Professional demeanor with a commitment to impartiality.
  • Willingness to travel extensively and work independently from a home office near a hub airport.

Additional Requirements:

  • Extensive U.S. travel for speaking engagements and outreach.
  • Availability for public speaking auditions as part of the hiring process.

 

Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Remote (near a hub airport)

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Salary Range: Commensurate with experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive medical plan, generous vacation policy, and opportunities for professional growth.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of relevant work to: info@cfinr.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Join us in shaping the future of journalism and making a lasting impact.

About CFINR: www.cfinr.org    
At the Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR), our mission is to restore and maintain public trust in news reporting. We are dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and excellence in journalism.

Interested in working from home? This employer is open to candidates who want to work remote.