Application Guide
How to Apply for COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT
at Black Lives Matter Grassroots
🏢 About Black Lives Matter Grassroots
Black Lives Matter Grassroots is a dynamic, decentralized organization at the forefront of the Black liberation movement, working tirelessly to end state-sanctioned violence and achieve racial justice. Joining this team means being part of a historic, people-powered movement that values grassroots leadership and direct action, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to systemic change.
About This Role
As the Communications Assistant, you will be the backbone of our communications efforts, ensuring our message reaches the world effectively. You'll support media relations, manage digital content, and coordinate logistics, directly amplifying the voices of our movement. Your work will help shape public perception and drive engagement, making a tangible impact on the fight for racial justice.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start by monitoring news and social media for mentions of BLM Grassroots, then coordinating with the Communications Strategist to draft and send press releases or media alerts. You might spend time updating the website, creating graphics for social media, and preparing materials for upcoming events or radio programs, all while managing emails and providing tech support for virtual meetings.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Black Lives Matter Grassroots Is Looking For
- A deeply committed individual with a thorough understanding of the Black radical tradition and a passion for racial and social justice, who can articulate this in their application.
- An exceptional communicator with stellar organizational skills, able to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and media inquiries with precision and professionalism.
- A tech-savvy multitasker proficient in website management, social media platforms, document/spreadsheet tools, and online meeting software, with basic video editing and graphic design skills (Canva).
- A proactive problem-solver who can work independently in a remote setting, yet thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced grassroots environment, and is comfortable with the fluid nature of movement work.
📝 Tips for Applying to Black Lives Matter Grassroots
In your resume and cover letter, explicitly connect your skills and experiences to the Black Lives Matter movement and the Black radical tradition—show, don't just tell, your commitment.
Provide concrete examples of your communications work: include links to your portfolio, writing samples, or social media accounts you've managed, highlighting any content related to racial justice.
Demonstrate your tech skills by mentioning specific tools you've used (e.g., WordPress, Canva, Zoom, Google Workspace) and any experience with video editing or graphic design, even if basic.
Tailor your application to address the key responsibilities: mention your experience with media tracking, press releases, or event logistics, and show you understand the importance of supporting a Communications Strategist.
Research the organization's current campaigns and initiatives, and subtly weave that knowledge into your application to show you're already engaged with their work.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Open with a powerful statement of your commitment to Black liberation and why you want to support BLM Grassroots specifically, referencing a recent campaign or achievement.', 'Highlight your organizational and communication skills with specific examples of managing complex projects, coordinating media, or creating content that drove engagement.', "Emphasize your technical proficiency, especially with tools mentioned in the job description, and how you've used them to support communications in past roles.", 'Convey your ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote, fast-paced environment, and your readiness to handle the logistics of events, meetings, and media requests.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Familiarize yourself with the BLM Grassroots website, including their current campaigns, press releases, and any recent news coverage.
- → Follow their social media channels to understand their tone, messaging, and engagement strategies.
- → Read up on the broader Black Lives Matter movement, including the Global Network and the history of the organization, to grasp the context of their work.
- → Look into key figures and allies in the movement, and understand the organization's stance on current political issues and legislation.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic language and clichés—do not just say you're passionate about racial justice; demonstrate it with specific examples of your involvement or understanding.
- Don't overlook the technical requirements—if you lack skills in areas like video editing or graphic design, acknowledge it and show willingness to learn, or highlight transferable skills.
- Don't underestimate the importance of organizational skills—provide clear examples of how you've managed complex tasks, and avoid a resume that is cluttered or hard to read.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Black Lives Matter Grassroots!