The Grassroots Public Health (GPH) project is seeking an experienced and creative Communications Director (CD) to plan and implement a Web-based network and communications strategy. Grassroots Public Health and GrassrootsPublicHealth.org support grassroots movement building as an effective and practical way to create long-term positive change in public health. In issues as diverse as environmental justice, outdoor physical activity, tobacco control, and gun violence prevention, major progress has come from the bottom up, not top down. GPH provides grassroots leaders with a voice – and the support, assistance, and tools to take advantage of the unique power of movement building to improve public health at the national, state, and local levels. Working under the supervision of the Project Director, the Communications Director will be responsible for planning, design, and implementation of GPH’s websites, blogs, and other communication and networking channels. The CD will work with the Project Director and Grassroots Media Coordinator to develop the Communications Plan. The CD will be responsible for communications across all outbound channels, including eCommunications, online news and news digests, project updates, and resources. The CD will also be responsible for building a network database of grassroots advocates working across public health issues. The CD will maintain a Grassroots Network database of approximately 500-1000 advocates. The Communications Director is a contract position of 12 - 24 months, with a three month review period. It is anticipated that the CD will devote approximately 50% of her/his time to fulfilling the responsibilities and deliverables of this contract. Grassroots Public Health is a two-year project of the Prevention Institute in Oakland, California supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Responsibilities include: Developing the Grassroots Public Health Communications Plan and implementing social media and email campaigns to increase visitorship. Designing and producing GPH’s websites, blogs, and other online communication and networking channels in collaboration with the Project Director, Web Development Consultant, and Grassroots Media Coordinator. Responsible for the design, maintenance and enhancement of GrassrootsPublicHealth.org. Providing oversight and guidance on the GPH social media strategy, in collaboration with the Project Director and Grassroots Media Coordinator. Senior editorial support, including crafting and editing eCommunications, news updates, and blog posts across, including grassroots profiles, project updates, publications, tools, and weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports and digests (as needed). Coordinating the work of the Communications Director, Grassroots Media Coordinator and communications interns, and recommending clear roles and responsibilities for each. Tracking and analysis of mainstream and online media coverage relevant to grassroots public health issues. Pitching grassroots public health stories to print, radio, television and online reporters and editors Overseeing the dissemination of publications, tools and other products through websites, professional newsletters, blogs and identifying new dissemination outlets. Cultivating and maintaining relationships with current and potential online community members. Managing the Grassroots Network database. Setting goals and objectives and reporting on progress to Project Director on a quarterly basis. Ideal Qualifications A minimum of three (3) years of communications, new media, grassroots advocacy, public health, and/or related experience. Experience participating as a volunteer or professional in a grassroots movement. Experience developing online strategies for grassroots campaigns preferred. Excellent writing skills, including the ability to effectively communicate to different audiences. Strong knowledge of social media channels - including Facebook, Twitter and other new media. Experience with online communities (e.g., NING), is preferred. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining focus on long-term strategy and products. Ability to work in a team with a small staff, advisory board, and diverse grassroots constituents. Design and layout experience using WordPress or comparable. Commitment to supporting grassroots public health movements. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Public Health, Public Policy, Communications, or Journalism) or equivalent experience. Keywords: Communications