MPP (Marijuana Policy Project), the foremost cannabis policy reform organization in the nation, is accepting applications for the position of communications director. Based out of our D.C. office, this high-impact, high-profile position is ideal for a driven and skillful team player who is motivated by the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of one of the most exciting policy areas today. Being a part of MPP today means positively contributing to causes as diverse as criminal justice reform, patients’ rights, racial justice, civil liberties, and good governance — with outcomes that are touching countless lives and transforming communities devastated by decades of misguided prohibitionist policies.

This position requires both short- and long-term planning skills, superior oral and written communication skills, and the ability to swiftly and effectively respond to new and/or changing information. The ideal applicant must possess the ability to: rapidly respond to simultaneous inquiries/requests; manage multiple projects; and work with a range of internal and external stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

The position reports directly to the executive director and works cooperatively with senior leadership. The communications director is one of the principal on-the-record spokespersons for MPP. S/he works to support the vision, mission, and values of the organization and drive awareness of key issues in both medical and adult-use states.

The position requires the ability to travel occasionally, work after hours as needed, and flexibility to work some weekends. The position comes with a salary commensurate with experience and a generous benefits package, including paid time off, health/dental insurance, comp time, and a 401K plan.

MPP provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MPP complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications strategies to increase awareness around MPP’s current and future initiatives in the states and at the federal level
• Develop and pursue opportunities to position MPP as a key thought leader in discussions on cannabis policy, particularly with respect to racial equity and justice reform in the context of legalization
• Manage day-to-day media relations (proactive pitching, reactive handling) and identify and develop new reporter relationships, while maintaining existing ones
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders including partners, donors, agencies, and outside organizations
• Drive key projects, plans, event calendars and research in coordination with other team members at MPP and serve as a convener and resource 
• Supervise a small team of talented staff 

Requirements

• Six to eight years of communications experience — political, agency, or in house; experience supporting political or policy reforms and a belief that cannabis prohibition should end is essential
• Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic communications plans and demonstrate successful outcomes from communications activities
• Deep knowledge of drug policy, criminal justice, or relevant social justice issues
• Previous experience managing professional teams
• Genuine communications savvy — must have strong media relations skills, a deep network (trade, political, business, and/or mainstream outlets), solid copywriting and editing skills, as well as strong digital content generation skills
• Must be enthusiastic about proactively pitching on an ongoing basis
• Superior presentation/advisory skills — clear, concise thinking and sufficient gravitas to deliver meaningful advice to senior leaders on communications strategy in a timely fashion
• Strong project management skills — must be able to organize work in a methodical and rigorous manner but equally comfortable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Exceptional self-starter who knows how to operate effectively within a complex environment and is eager to make their mark in a dynamic organization
• Team player — low maintenance, no job too big or small, humble. We’re looking for someone who is energetic, positive, and who does not mind helping out to get a job done.  

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct reports: Social Media & Communications Manager and Web Content Manager

Application

To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and an example of your past work (e.g., an op-ed, press release, TV or radio interview, etc.) to resumes@mpp.org. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we aren’t able to respond to every one, but will contact applicants we want to invite to interviews. No phone calls please.