Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in August 2007 and works across the South. Our mission is to promote justice by partnering with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities to defend and advance their political, social, and economic rights. SCSJ’s focus areas are community-driven, and currently include voting rights, justice system reform, and environmental justice. Our model of practice requires team members who work well with grassroots organizations and in collaboration with other civil rights groups, and who have deep passion for and commitment to fighting for inclusive political participation.    

For more information about our work and our unique community lawyering approach, visit our website at www.scsj.org.   

SCSJ's Communications Team: 

Southern Coalition for Social Justice’s (SCSJ) Communications Program amplifies the work of underserved communities in fighting for their rights and overcoming injustices. With powerful storytelling and in-depth technical knowledge, we help all communities better advocate for themselves and share their message to stakeholders. 

Our team is available to help with traditional communications, such as op-eds, press releases, and media coordination and training, but also specializes in thinking outside the box, whether it’s through long-form storytelling, creating and planning public education events or toolkits, leading U.S. Supreme Court communications campaigns, or serving as a throughline to other people and organizations who can help with a desired outcome. 

Position Summary: 

SCSJ is looking for a talented and versatile multimedia specialist who will create and distribute a dynamic collection of multimedia content to relevant audiences to inform, educate, and/or promote organizational (internal) and partner (external) work and narratives. This position is responsible for creating and managing a high volume of content, including short- and long-form videos, photography, some social media posts and graphics, digital content, and an occasional presentation. The ideal candidate should be a quick study and excellent communicator, adept at distilling technical issues and complex nuances into sharp, engaging multimedia content. They are well-versed in multiple aspects of production, including videography (camera, lighting, and audio operation), video editing and photography—all while adhering to brand standards to ensure a consistent tone and image.   

Responsibilities Include: 

  • Creating (designing, editing and producing) and distributing a dynamic collection of multimedia content to relevant audiences to inform, educate, and/or promote organizational (internal) and partner (external) work and narratives. 
  • Creating, managing, and organizing a high volume of content, including short- and long-form videos, photography, some social media posts and graphics, digital content, and an occasional presentation. 
  •  Along with Communications team colleagues, align with community engagement opportunities, timelines, and messaging guidelines and translate messaging into highly engaging and effective multimedia where relevant. 
  • Traveling to, attending, and documenting community meetings or gatherings when relevant, which may fall outside of regular work hours. 
  • Maintain brand and messaging consistency in creating, reviewing and editing content. 
  • Support other communications projects as assigned. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Proficient in all aspects of production, including videography (camera, lighting, and audio operation), video editing and photography.     
  • Ability to research, collate and summarize information from different sources.  
  • At least 2 years of work experience with video editing and or production.  
  • Prior experience in nonprofits, journalism, or related fields preferred.   
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice principles and SCSJ’s community-lawyering model of practice.  
  • Proficient in video best practices for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and other established and emerging social platforms.   
  • Ability to engage respectfully and dynamically with many different communities and coalitions. 
  • Working knowledge and or willingness to learn/stay up to date with developments in voting rights, environmental justice, and justice system reform. 
  • Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.  
  • Ability to be self-reliant, self-directed, and highly efficient under tight deadlines. 
  • Some knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (specifically Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop) and other design programs, including Canva and Box, is a plus. 
  • Works well in team settings and can communicate well with SCSJ’s team of lawyers, researchers, and communication professionals.    
  • Ability to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously. 
  • Bonus skill: Familiarity with AP Style. 

Salary and Benefits:  

The Multimedia Specialist’s starting salary is $60,000 per year and includes comprehensive health and retirement plans.  

Location: 

SCSJ’s physical office is in Durham, North Carolina. SCSJ is a hybrid work environment; staff are expected to work in our Durham office every Wednesday, plus an additional day of their team’s choosing (Tuesdays for the communications team), with remote flexibility on the other three days of the week. 

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: 

SCSJ is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, natural hair styles, or other status as protected by State and Federal laws. It is our intention to promote the full realization of equality in opportunity and employment.  

A Note to Historically Marginalized Job Candidates: 

Research has shown women, nonbinary individuals, people of color and other historically marginalized individuals often refrain from applying for positions unless they believe they fulfill each and every requirement outlined in a job description. However, it's crucial to recognize that meeting every criterion is seldom a reality for any applicant. Our commitment lies in cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment and prioritizing finding the most suitable candidate for the role — who we know may emerge from a less conventional background. We wholeheartedly urge you to submit your application, even if you feel you don't perfectly align with every specification outlined.   

To Apply: 

Candidates must upload a resume, a cover letter detailing work experience and a proven commitment to social justice, and two video samples with a description of the video and your involvement in its creation through the application form here. Please label submissions with your first and last name.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates who can start ASAP and attend a team retreat from November 19-21, 2024, are encouraged to apply.