NLADA is America’s oldest and largest nonprofit association devoted to excellence in the delivery of legal services to those who cannot afford counsel. We provide advocacy, guidance, information, training, and technical assistance for members of the equal justice community, especially those working in public defense and civil legal aid. For more than a century, we have connected and supported people across the country committed to justice. 

Because the quality of justice in America should not depend on how much money a person has, NLADA leads a broad network of advocates on the frontlines to advance justice and expand opportunity for all by promoting excellence in the delivery of legal services for people who cannot afford counsel.

Over the last 6 months, we have welcomed new leadership and launched our Racial Equity Initiative. Our membership includes people who have been clients of public or civil defender services, and our overall membership drives our mission and strategic priorities. We are embarking on an organizational transformation and modernization, to include internal efforts at dismantling white supremacy culture. We are growing and evolving and seek others with a strong desire to join in the journey.

National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) is seeking a full-time, Deputy Director for Digital Communications (DDDC) to oversee NLADA & the NLADA Insurance Program website and email marketing efforts. 

The DDDC would be tasked with ensuring that the communications department manages all website and email needs for NLADA and the NLADA Insurance Program. In consultation with NLADA & Insurance Program Staff and leadership, the DDDC will make sure that NLADA uses data, testing, and best practices to ensure NLADA constituents are receiving user-friendly content. In addition, the DDDC will lead the redesign of NLADA.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Email:

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of an overarching email marketing program.
• Create and maintain NLADA’s weekly email calendar which is presented at staff/department meetings and helps determine monthly content
• Manage the creation and implementation of various NLADA Newsletters (Client, SJC, Racial Equity Institute, Messenger, etc.) 
• Create, manage, and maintain an annual email calendar with regular campaigns noted (year-end fundraising, membership drive, etc.)
• Manage email audience groups and develop segmentation strategies
• Collect email reports from the Senior Program Associate to assess engagement factors (open rates, clickthrough rates, etc.)
• Along with the Senior Program Associate, work with staff members to edit emails based on email best practices (best practices being both general recommendations and what NLADA’s audience responds to)
• Develop strategic plans for NLADA & NLADA Insurance Program’s email communication through A/B testing, data analysis, and more
• Develop and manage re-engagement and suppression strategies
• Be NLADA’s primary point of contact with Blackbaud (support, project implementation, etc.)
• Train necessary staff in Blackbaud Luminate or Similar Email Marketing Management Software
• Transfer NLADA & NLADA Insurance Program’s membership lists from Constant Contact to Luminate or similar email marketing software.
• Set up ongoing email series (welcome series, etc.) and targeted audience groups
• Maintain email database health (removing non-openers, etc.)
• Attend seminars and conferences to further NLADA’s digital growth
• Prepare benchmark reports based on third-party annual numbers as well as NLADA’s own numbers
• Draft procedure documents detailing deadlines and when the digital communications team needs certain materials to get projects done
• Advise on best software for NLADA’s digital needs
• Oversee the redesign of NLADA.org

 Website:

• Lead the redesign and maintenance of NLADA.org, implementation, and evaluation of an overarching email marketing program.
• Oversee and manage NLADA.org
• Work with Senior Program Associate and NLADA’s website contacts to ensure timely updates to all websites including Leadership for Lasting Change, Racial Equity websites
• Work with email service provider to replace/build forms that will live on the website (email sign-up, etc.)
• Assist with HTML and other webpage needs 

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

Within Association:  

• Work with NLADA staff to establish overarching website needs and provide recommendations and solutions to ongoing updates.
• Work with NLADA staff and members on newsletter development.

Outside Association:  

• Work with digital vendors on projects related to the website and email.
• Works with consultants, if necessary, on special projects.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in communications or related work with at least four years in a digital leadership level, preferably in the nonprofit field.
• 5 years of experience in email marketing for an association, nonprofit or advocacy organization.
• Proficiency and experience with online marketing tools and best practices
• 7 years of hands-on experience with SEO, Google, Analytics and CRM software
• Basic knowledge of web design procedures
• Great interpersonal and communication skills
• 5 years of experience developing and executing email marketing campaigns, engaging audiences via email and the websi,te and catalyzing stakeholder engagement.
• Comfortable flexing between a high-level strategic vantage point and rolling up sleeves, and getting the work done.
• Experience developing and deploying website and knowledge management or CRM platforms, social media, and e-communications tools.
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of a membership association.
• Demonstrated understanding of structural racism and the role it plays in communications, both external and internal.

How We Support Staff

• Hybrid work environment (offices available in downtown DC, remote work options)
• Communications reimbursement
• Free individual Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees, reduced rates for whomever you call family, and a health care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Free life insurance policy and Short-Term and Long-term disability benefits
• Wellness support, to include paid sick leave, Family Medical Leave Act, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid time off, to include recognition of all federal holidays, a paid day off on months without a federal holiday, and is closed the week between December 24th and January 1st

Salary Information

The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $89,000 annually

Additional Information

NLADA is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, creed, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability, pregnancy, personal appearance, marital or family status, or any other status protected by District of Columbia and Federal laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.