Left Forum Media and Publicity Volunteer Opportunity Fall 2016

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Left Forum is looking for experienced volunteers to join our Media and Publicity team, comprised of individuals who have an interest in expanding the voices of social justice and progressive communities.

About the Media and Publicity Volunteer Position

Media and publicity work includes promotional outreach and organizing coverage for events throughout the year and media coordination for the annual Left Forum conference. Attended by over 4,500 people in 2014, a consistent and vital component to the conference’s success is a well-organized media row with live radio and television broadcasts, live webcasting, filming of events and speakers and press conferences. Over the years, Left Forum has been covered and attended by journalists from Globo Networks, MSNBC, C-Span, TeleSUR, RT, The Nation, Le Monde, Neues Deutschland, The Guardian, and many more.

We’re a small organization with a dedicated group of organizers, staff and volunteers with a passion for social justice, community organizing, and progressive change. Located in the CUNY Graduate Center, you’ll be working in an interesting (and very relaxed) office where you’ll interact, meet and learn from scholars, activists, authors and artists in a rewarding intellectual political milieu.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media outreach and publicity promotional strategies
• Work with publicity contacts in medium- and large-scale organizations (e.g., schools) for posting and expanding publicity materials
• Effectively utilize Left Forum’s social media and blogs
• Assist in the creative development of new media projects
• Work at the conference and events with radio hosts, station managers and technicians, grassroots and international TV producers, webcasters, videographers and other institutional media sources
• Build and maintain relationships with both local and national media
• Build, update and organize our publicity/public relations and press contacts database
• Help to assemble a press kit, develop website media pages, write press releases and produce public service announcements for TV and radio carts
• Help to produce publicity materials, compile contact lists, get in touch with members of the press through emails and phone calls and follow up with press inquiries
• Assist with mailings, print production and other administrative duties
• Monitor all forms of media, search for press contacts, clippings and coverage

Background and Desired Experience

• Knowledge of grassroots organizing and social justice
• Applied research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• A solid understanding of social media
• Experience with research and library databases - e.g. LexisNexis
• Strong writing, publicity, and outreach skills
• Coursework in communications, public relations, or marketing is helpful
• Ability to prioritize and handle a variety of projects
• Ability to work effectively both individually and in a team
• Confidence in interpersonal communications and outreach
• Experience with constituent management databases preferred
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google Docs

About Volunteering

We ask for 10+ hours a week, although any amount of volunteer time will help. Hours are flexible and can be adapted to fit your schedule. We also ask for a minimum of a three-month commitment. This volunteer position is most beneficial when carried out through the entire conference cycle (which ends in mid-June). A modicum of computer skills is desired. Volunteer opportunities begin immediately.

Please send a cover letter and/or resume to volunteer@leftforum.org