Media Realtions Lead (work from home)
WHY CHOOSE US?
As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. When you join our team, you have a direct impact on a meaningful mission, and you can help save lives every day. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity. Work where your career is a force for good.
We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and to delivering our programs and services in a culturally competent manner reflecting the communities we serve. Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive with a focus on building allyship and a culture of belonging that empowers all team members. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for making a difference.
The Red Cross supports a variety of cultural and community resource groups for employees and volunteers. From the Ability Network, our Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Group, the Latino Resource Group, and Red Cross PRIDE, to the Umoja African American Resource Group, our Veterans+ Resource Group, and the Women’s Resource Group, these networks provide connections, mentoring and help give voice to important concerns and opinions.
At the American Red Cross, your uniqueness can shine!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE JOB:
The Media Relations Lead will research, plan and implement national media relations strategies and tactics to bolster the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. The Media Relations Lead sits within the organization’s national communications team and reports to the Director of Media Relations. As an excellent writer, creative thinker, thoughtful planner and media relations professional, this team member boosts the Red Cross’ visibility in national media and protects the organization’s reputation. This role is essential in helping to inform the American public—within the scope of the Red Cross mission—about how to stay safe and make an impact in their community.
The work location for this exciting opportunity is virtual. The selected candidate will work 100% remotely from home and can be located anywhere in the United States with a preference to be located on the east coast and work an east coast schedule. (Core Working Hours 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern)
This position includes travel (10% domestic), and sometimes requires irregular or extended hours, especially during disasters or other emergencies.
WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE FOR GOOD (Key Responsibilities):
• Develop and pitch newsworthy information, resources and spokespeople to national media. Respond to national media inquiries in a timely and accurate manner in collaboration with line of service communications leads.
• Serve as a national spokesperson for the organization in national media , including broadcast, radio, print, and digital outlets.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists from multiple verticals to secure coverage in top-tier and mainstream or niche outlets. Develop and maintain media lists, research reporters, and identify growing trends in media and audiences.
• Produce reports that analyze media coverage, impact, share of voice, ad value, and other key data points. Create reports on campaign performance and pull statistics upon request.
• Draft press releases, background materials, public position statements, press kits and other materials.
• Host media relations workshops to train staff and volunteers for interviews and media relations best practices—including senior leadership and regional teams.
• Help support the training and development of national spokespeople to deliver high quality, compelling interviews with national media.
• Deploy to domestic disaster zones on behalf of the Red Cross communications team to liaise with media, curate compelling stories, photos and videos, host Facebook Live events, and correct misinformation.
• Supervise the media team’s cadre of volunteers and interns, which includes recruitment, hiring, giving assignments, reviewing work, and ensuring their experience is educational and productive.
• Other duties as assigned.
PAY INFORMATION: The annual salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000. We do not offer an annual bonus for this role. Note that American Red Cross salaries are aligned to the specific geographic location in which the work is primarily performed. Other factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include your specific skills, how many years of experience you have and comparison to other employees already in this role. **We will review specific salary information at the time of phone screening based upon your location & experience.**
Scope: Individual contributor that works under limited supervision. Apply subject matter knowledge. Capacity to understand specific needs or requirements to apply skills/knowledge.
Qualified candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. The American Red Cross does not sponsor employment visas.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (required/minimum qualifications):
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of experience in the communications field is required.
• Experience working in an agency or nonprofit organization media team is highly valued, along with the ability to use media monitoring tools (such as Cision and PR Newswire) to analyze various tracking and data points from print, online and broadcast media outlets.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills are required, including experience writing in AP Style.
• Strong media relations, story development and pitching skills are required.
• Exceptional news judgment is required. Candidates must have the ability to collaborate with people at all levels of a large, complex organization. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment is essential.
• EDUCATION*: 4-year college degree or equivalent combination of education and experience Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Business or related field
WHAT WILL GIVE YOU A COMPETITIVE EDGE (preferred qualifications):
• Fluency in spoken and written Spanish.
* Combination of candidate’s education and general experience satisfies requirements so long as the total years equate to description’s minimum education and general experience years combined (Management experience cannot be substituted).
BENEFITS FOR YOU:
We take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive benefits help you in balancing home and work, retirement, getting healthy and more. With our resources and perks, you have amazing possibilities at the American Red Cross to advance and learn.
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans
• Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
• PTO + Holidays
• 401K with up to 4% Match
• Paid Family Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term
• Service Awards and Recognition
The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.