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If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!


Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to refugees. LIRS has transformed lives with the support and hard work of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States from sea to shining sea.
We help people seeking safety from persecution in their home countries and reunite families torn apart by conflict. We resettle refugees. We protect vulnerable children who arrive alone in the United States. We advocate for compassion and justice for all migrants.


Widely recognized for our expertise in implementing federal programs on behalf of refugees and migrants in the United States, conducts policy advocacy, and advances the protection and rights of vulnerable migrants.


Headquartered in the beautiful Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore we provide services nationwide through a network of staff and affiliates. Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment, professional development, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays PLUS the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave, company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match, Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.


The Press Secretary is a key member of LIRS's communications team, ensuring that the organization's objectives and achievements are communicated effectively and generate earned media coverage. Reporting to and partnering with the Director of Public Relations, the Press Secretary will play a leading role on proactive and reactive media outreach, including responding to media queries, drafting, and pitching press releases and op-eds, maintaining media lists, and managing press events.
Working closely with the President's Office, Programs, Advocacy and Mobilization colleagues, the Press Secretary's work will raise brand awareness and help advocacy efforts around our key issue areas of refugee resettlement and immigration, as well as cross-cutting issues such as climate migration. The successful candidate is experienced at working with journalists, a strong writer, has a keen sense of what makes for a successful story pitch, and enjoys working on a fun, dedicated and fast-paced communications team.


DUTIES

  • Promote the public mission and advocacy efforts of the largest faith-based organization dedicated exclusively to serving refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the U.S.
  • Create and implement the strategic media plans to achieve LIRS's communications goals.
  • Work independently to proactively pitch news stories of LIRS' work, programs, and events; produce and send press releases and other materials to engage media.
  • Lead on regional media outreach and on pitching cross-cutting themes including climate change and the economy.
  • Act as a strategic advisor to the Director of Public Relations, Chief Communications Officer, and President's Office on all media opportunities, including positioning and preparing LIRS experts for interviews and other public engagements.
  • Draft, pitch, and place op-eds and letters to the editor in local, national, and online publications.
  • Manage existing media relationships and cultivate new ones to help grow LIRS' media presence and brand awareness.
  • Coordinate interviews, draft press releases, produce rapid-response commentary, and provide journalists with timely and accurate information
  • Develop creative strategies for communicating with journalists in addition to and beyond traditional news releases; Execute multi-channel promotion of LIRS media events.
  • Leverage social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram to reach journalists and other influencers.
  • Develop and nurture relationships with LIRS partners and affiliates to build communications capacity and increase external visibility
  • Work with PR firm and/or external communications partners to ensure optimal performance of PR firm support
  • Monitor and analyze news hits using media monitoring software. Report on progress of media relations efforts and communicate coverage to key internal and external stakeholders
  • Conduct competitive intelligence and identify opportunities for growth and improvement
  • Supervise junior staff and interns as need arises
  • Other duties as assigned


QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA or BS with emphasis on language and journalism or relevant work experience
  • 5 - 10 years of experience in communication and media outreach, with a strong track record
  • Commitment to LIRS's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.


REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

  • Excellent writer and editor, adept at writing for a variety of audiences via numerous platforms
  • Strong existing media contacts, including television bookers, editorial boards, and key journalists
  • Ability to persuasively communicate complex concepts and programs at the highest levels of government and business
  • Broad fundamental communications and media relations knowledge
  • Agency, news media, nonprofit or political campaign experience
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time-management management skills
  • Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Team player, able to work cross-departmentally
  • Ability to manage in a fast-paced, fluid work environment and juggle multiple priorities, separating mission critical from the non-strategic with minimal supervision
  • Willingness to work outside of normal working hours during breaking news moments, including occasional weekend on-call.
  • Strong character and high integrity


DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE

  • Crisis communications experience
  • Working proficiency in Spanish preferred
  • Ability to learn additional software programs, and enter and maintain accurate data/information
  • Knowledge of immigration and refugee issues


Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.


We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.




For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.