TITLE: Media Relations & Communications Manager.
LOCATION/TYPE: New York City, Hybrid (min 3 days in office)
STATUS: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
SALARY: $70,000-$85,000
TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, and 2-3 writing samples (ex: media pitches, press releases, marketing/donor communications) to connie@1strcf.org.
POSITION DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Reporting directly to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Media Relations & Communications Manager will be responsible for executing strategic public relations strategies with a focus on developing media relationships positioning First Responders Children’s Foundation as the leading voice for the children of the first responder community nation-wide. As part of a small team, the manager will also focus on writing and editing external-facing communications across all digital, social, and traditional channels in support of marketing and fundraising efforts.
The Media Relations & Communications Manager is a mission-driven self-starter with strong media relationships and an expertise and passion for storytelling, copywriting, copyediting, and creating impactful content. This role spans public relations, fundraising and stakeholder communications, and marketing.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
PR Strategy, Media Relations and Engagement
• Develop and execute comprehensive media outreach strategies to secure coverage and reach target audiences through diverse media outlets
• Foster and maintain relationships with key media contacts, serving as the Foundation’s liaison to the press to generate positive coverage and increase brand awareness
• Manage incoming media inquiries and coordinate responses in a timely manner
• Identify and package first responder stories to pitch to appropriate print, radio, TV, industry press
• Write and disseminate compelling press releases, media advisories, and op-eds for publication, effectively communicating the Foundation’s initiatives and achievements
• Monitor industry trends, news, and developments to identify opportunities for proactive communication and thought leadership
Communications, Storytelling, and Content Creation
• Lead the development of and write captivating communications across multiple platforms, including web content, social media, e-newsletters, video scripts, fundraising, annual reports, presentations, and advertisements
• Ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality content that effectively conveys the Foundation’s messages and aligns with its brand identity
• Lead the creation and implementation of an organization-wide communications style guide based informed by your working knowledge of AP or The Chicago Manual
• Collaborate with the Digital Content Manager, designers, and other stakeholders to create visually appealing and impactful communications materials
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Measurement
• Monitor media coverage to compile weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts and public relations tactics in order to make data-driven recommendations and improvements
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to align communications strategies with programmatic and development goals, ensuring consistent and effective messages throughout the organization
• Support Foundation leaders with guidance and support on messaging, presentations, public speaking opportunities, scripting, and interview preparation
QUALIFICATIONS
• Deep interest and commitment to philanthropy and the work of the Foundation, with a demonstrated commitment to, and familiarity with, the First Responder community
• 5+ years of relevant work experience in PR and/or copywriting, preferably in a philanthropic organization
• Excellent writer and knowledge of what makes news
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing strategic communications and public relations plans.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build trusted relationships to serve as an ambassador for the Foundation
• Capacity to work under deadlines, adapt easily to changing situations, advance multiple projects simultaneously, and meet goals
• Values accuracy, a commitment to excellence and a collaborative leadership style that delivers decisive results.
• Holds the highest standard of ethics and integrity in all aspects of work
• Familiarity with Adobe desktop publishing software (or similar), Meltwater, and email messaging platforms.
• A Bachelor’s degree
TIME REQUIREMENT
This is a full-time, exempt position requiring 40 hours per week plus occasional early and late hours for meetings onsite and offsite.
BENEFITS
We offer an excellent benefits package at a minimal cost to our employees. Our benefits include:
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance paid at 95%
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
ABOUT US
First Responders Children’s Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps the children of first responders heal, grow, and thrive by providing financial support, mental health counseling, and scholarships to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as to first responder families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. First Responders Children’s Foundation also supports, promotes, and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children or the community at large.