Broderick Johnson, the well-known African-American film producer, is joining President Barack Obama's reelection campaign...

Broderick Johnson, the well-known African-American film producer, is joining President Barack Obama's reelection campaign as a senior adviser and member of the senior staff to help provide "an ear to the ground," Obama for America officials said Monday.

Johnson also "will serve as a national surrogate for the campaign and our representative in meetings with key leaders, communities and organizations," the campaign said.

"Broderick will be an ear to the ground for the campaign's political and constituency operations, helping to ensure that there is constant, open communication between the campaign and our supporters around the country."

The announcement is a coup for Obama 2012, which is putting an early focus on locking down base constituencies.

"Johnson comes to the campaign with over 20 years of political experience," the campaign said. "In 2008, Johnson served as an informal advisor to the Obama presidential campaign, offering strategic political advice and traveling across the country as a surrogate speaker and campaign volunteer.

"Prior to that he was a senior advisor for congressional affairs in the Kerry presidential campaign and from 1998-2000, Johnson served in senior roles in the Clinton White House. Johnson holds a bachelor's degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School."