Communications & Policy Manager

Since 1968, Build Up Justice NYC has provided free legal services for low- and moderate-income individuals and families throughout New York City.  Our clients live in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods where many residents and small business owners have been displaced or are facing displacement and harassment. For over half a century, Build Up Justice NYC has provided high-quality, low-barrier neighborhood-based legal services to individuals, families, nonprofit community-based organizations, community development corporations, coalitions, and small business owners, interested in developing and sustaining vibrant, healthy communities.   Build Up Justice NYC has three core departments - Preserving Affordable Housing (PAH), Consumer & Economic Advocacy (CEA), and Community Economic Development (CED) - each of which has unique initiatives and plays a vital community role to ensure basic needs are met and fundamental rights affirmed.

Position Summary:

The Communications & Policy Manager will lead the organization's communications, media relations, and policy advocacy efforts. They will develop and implement communications strategies that raise BUJNYC's visibility, support fundraising and advocacy goals, and advance public understanding of issues affecting low-income New Yorkers. The role serves as BUJNYC’s primary media contact and works closely with leadership and program staff to translate legal expertise, client stories, and program outcomes into compelling communications and policy initiatives. This position reports to the Director of Development & Communications and works closely with the Executive Director, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, program leadership, and other staff.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Communications & Media

- Develop and implement BUJNYC’s communications strategy, including messaging, media relations, public education, and communications priorities;

- Serve as BUJNYC's primary media contact, cultivating relationships with reporters, responding to inquiries, and securing media coverage that highlights the organization's expertise and impact;

- Draft and oversee communications materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, articles, website content, social media content, email communications, impact report, fact sheets, flyers and other printed materials as needed;

- Identify opportunities to elevate BUJNYC leadership, and staff as subject-matter experts and prepare them for media interviews and public appearances;

- Collaborate with program staff to develop communications that leverage client stories, data, and legal developments while ensuring consistent organizational messaging and client confidentiality;

- Track and analyze website, social media, and communications metrics to evaluate performance and inform communications strategies; and

- Other related projects as requested.

Policy & Advocacy

- Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, judicial, and policy developments affecting low-income New Yorkers and BUJNYC's work;

- Research and develop policy positions and advocacy strategies in collaboration with BUJNYC leadership, attorneys, and program staff;

- Draft policy briefs, testimony, comment letters, legislative summaries, talking points, and other advocacy materials;

- Represent BUJNYC in coalition meetings and advocacy efforts, working with coalition partners to develop joint testimony, public comments, and other policy and advocacy materials

- Build relationships with policymakers, government agencies, advocacy organizations, community partners, and coalition members; and

- Other related projects as requested.

Education & Experience:

- At least five years of experience in communications, media relations, public policy, advocacy, government affairs, or a related field; experience in both communications and policy is strongly preferred;

- Demonstrated experience developing communications or media strategies, pitching reporters, and securing media coverage; and

- Experience researching and analyzing public policy, legislation, regulations, or issues affecting low-income communities.

Qualifications and Skills:

- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to make complex legal and policy issues clear and compelling to different audiences;

- Strong relationship-building, organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines;

- Sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive legal, client, and organizational information;

- Self-directed, creative, and persistent, with the ability to identify opportunities and see projects through to completion;

- Experience using digital communications tools and platforms, including social media management, website content management, email marketing, and tools such as Hootsuite, Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Constant Contact, is preferred;

- Commitment to economic, racial, and social justice issues and to advancing the interests of low-income New Yorkers;

- Experience working in a nonprofit, legal services, advocacy, government, or community-based organization is strongly preferred; and

- Thorough commitment to BUJNYC’s mission.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual salary is $78,000 - $87,000 depending on years of experience. Great benefits package such as, employer paid health insurance; 27 days annual vacation, employer 4% contribution to 401(k); and paid parental leave. This is a hybrid 3-day in office/ 2-day remote work position.

To Apply

If you are interested in this position, you must submit your resume and a cover letter telling us why your experiences would make you a good fit for this role.

Build Up Justice is a diverse team that is committed to recruiting, supporting, retaining, and promoting talented staff with diverse backgrounds and experiences that share the organization's commitment to racial, economic and social justice. At Build Up Justice NYC, diversity encompasses a variety of characteristics, lifestyles, and perspectives, including race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, education, disability, socio-economic status, and family status. We firmly believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment is essential to both the quality of our client services and the personal satisfaction of our staff.

We encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply, including women, people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQ people, people from low-income backgrounds, and with lived experiences in the communities we serve.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical disability, or length of time spent unemployed.