Communications Associate/Manager (Muslim Life Storytelling Project)
Job Description
Communications Associate/Manager — Muslim Life Storytelling Project
CAIR New Jersey, a Muslim civil-rights and advocacy nonprofit, seeks a Communications Associate/Manager to lead the Muslim Life Storytelling Project—a grant-funded initiative producing independent journalism and media about Muslim civic life across New Jersey. Title and salary ($70,000–$85,000 annually) are commensurate with experience.
Role Overview
Approximately 75% of your time will focus on the Storytelling Project; 25% supports broader CAIR-NJ communications. This role is ideal for a storyteller who can recruit and lead creative talent, direct editorial vision, and produce content that reaches diverse audiences.
Storytelling Project Duties
- Develop project plans, timelines, and editorial schedules
- Pitch and select story angles aligned with project focus areas
- Recruit and coordinate writers, videographers, and other contributors
- Manage the project budget and report metrics/impact to the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium
- Revise strategy and content based on performance data
General Communications Duties
- Develop and oversee social media strategy across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube; track analytics and deliver quarterly performance reports
- Assist creative direction for major campaigns (Muslim Day of Advocacy, Youth Leadership Intensive, Advocacy Scorecards, Ramadan campaigns, fundraising events)
- Guide graphic design and video production for brand consistency
- Lead media outreach: pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, draft press statements, cultivate journalist relationships
- Manage press-release distribution (website, email, social media, weekly newsletter)
- Monitor local and national news on Islam, civil rights, hate crimes, national security, and civic engagement; advise leadership on response strategy
- Supervise the Communications intern
- Coordinate press conferences and manage communications during high-profile or sensitive moments
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Public Relations, or equivalent professional experience
- 3+ years in storytelling (freelance journalism, consistent podcast/Substack content with an established audience, or formal writing/reporting)
- Excellent writing, editing, and messaging skills with strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines
- Experience developing communications strategies and managing digital platforms
- Familiarity with American Muslim community and Muslim-led organizations
- Strong commitment to civil rights and CAIR-NJ's mission
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of issues affecting New Jersey's Muslim community (Hindutva, Palestine advocacy, free speech, government surveillance, school/workplace accommodations)
- AP Style proficiency
- Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop (After Effects preferred)
- Strong working knowledge of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter/X, Substack, YouTube
Schedule
Monday–Thursday in Newark office; Friday remote; occasional evenings and weekends.
Benefits
Fully paid health, dental, vision insurance; dependent coverage path; up to 3% retirement matching (ethical/sharia-compliant options); 12 holidays, 12 vacation days, 7 personal days, 5 sick days, workers' compensation, business cards, IRS mileage reimbursement.
Application
Submit cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three professional references. Rolling review.