Media Relations Manager Job at Unidos US in Washington

SUMMARY Media Relations Manager is responsible for leading and supporting the media strategies that elevate the voice and visibility of UnidosUS to influence and shape the public discourse on UnidosUS issue and policy priorities, promote an accurate Latino narrative, and promote expert Hispanic voices. The position sits in the Communications and Marketing team in the External Affairs Department. Responsibilities include shape and implement media strategies leveraging traditional, community-based, and online media channels to drive awareness of UnidosUS's policy positions and issue priorities on behalf of the Hispanic community. Success in this role requires experience in managing media relations, strong writing skills with the ability to formulate creative and compelling messages, initiative, capacity to grasping complex subject matter quickly, and working well within a team. This position is hybrid and is based in Washington, DC. Salary: $71,600 - $79,500 Essential Functions: Manage and drive communications between UnidosUS and the media, including developing media relations strategies, pitching stories, establishing/cultivating media relationships, organizing press events/briefings, and leading/executing other media relations activities that support and advance UnidosUS's work and mission. Contribute to development of communications strategies, projects, and plans to achieve goals/outcomes of UnidosUS policy and issue priorities. Timely management and response to incoming media inquiries and interview requests/public appearances including recommendation to participate, confirming UnidosUS spokesperson, prepare spokesperson for interview, confirming placement/airing, and if needed, correct for accuracy. Manage multiple projects, multiple work streams, and multiple timelines/deadlines to successfully met goals and outcomes. Develop and maintain media lists, relationship maps, and internal communications materials and resources relevant to UnidosUS priorities and target audiences. Collaborate with Media Relations Director, Integrated Communications Director, and Executive Communications Director to align work with key internal stakeholders. Ensure media relations and strategic communications work streams are tightly integrated with other Communications functions, especially social media, to maximize visibility. Develop and proofread content and communications materials including op-eds, talking points, fact sheets, briefing materials, press kits, press releases/statements, award submissions, and other content for use by staff, affiliates, partners, other stakeholders and the media. Ensure the organization's key messages align with institutional strategies/priorities, are accurate, and maintain consistency in tone and style. Oversee and enhance UnidosUS's reputation and image through the development of content, the cultivation of media relations, and effective communications strategies. Provide media training and refreshers for staff and key partners (i.e. Affiliates in Speakers Bureau, coalition partners). Develop and maintain an editorial/press calendar. With Media Relations Director, manage the Media Relations Coordinator in tracking UnidosUS media coverage and metrics, delivering reports, gathering qualitative feedback, supporting the evaluation of impact and influence of UnidosUS media strategies, and providing recommendations and analysis for improvement. Support the Media Relations Director in managing relationships and projects with external stakeholders, colleagues outside the DC headquarters, and vendors. Support and contribute to Rapid Response strategy by staying apprised of breaking news and developments impacting the Latino community and sharing with Media Relations Director. Qualifications & Requirements: Education & Experience A Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field. 5+ years of experience in media relations in a corporate, government, university, nonprofit, political campaigns, or journalism securing media coverage for influence and impact. 2+ years of experience in politics working for an elected official or at a policy-focused organization is strongly preferred. Knowledge of legislative process and its unique news media cycles. Experience reaching and engaging policymakers, funders, business leaders and community-based organizations. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with ability to create and deliver clear and compelling presentations to internal and external stakeholders. Experience writing, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking on deadline; able to capture a spokesperson's voice in writing and to match writing styles to reach a variety of audiences. Familiarity with digital/social media platforms, best practices, and willingness to regularly collaborate with UnidosUS's social media team to achieve shared goals. Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency strongly preferred. Desired Qualifications Bilingual (English/Spanish) fluency strongly preferred. Skills and Abilities Steadfast commitment to UnidosUS mission, vision, and values Excellence, Accountability, Respeto. Commitment to U.S. Latino community, Latino non-profit organizations, and the Latino market. Demonstrated experience working in nonprofits, community-based organizations, and diverse communities. Commitment to excellence and high standards Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees. Experience using media relations platforms, such as MuckRack; advanced proficiency with Microsoft's Office 365; proficient with project management software tools such as Monday.com. Knowledge/familiarity with Hispanic media outlets (English and Spanish) and coverage of Latino community to influence various audiences (Latino and non-Hispanic). Knowledge of various types of media placements that further the organization's exposure such as syndicated columns, releases, sponsorships, advertisement. Superior organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. Self-starter, proactive, able to work independently and in team settings. Proven ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment, with high quality outputs. Strong interpersonal skills, able to build authentic, trust-based relationships with peers, colleagues and subordinates. Competencies Project Management-- Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities. Oral Communication-- Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Written Communication-- Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. Planning/Organizing-- Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Quality-- Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Initiative-- Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed. Physical Demands and Work Environment Accurately complete detailed forms and reports. Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously Perform some repetitive motion activities Sit for long periods of time Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear Occasionally required to lift/push light weights up to 25 pounds Specific vision abilities required for this job include [close vision, distance vision, peripheral, depth, and ability to adjust or focus] The noise level in the work environment usually is quiet to moderately loud Travel in the U.S. and onsite presence for media events and activities Occasional evening/weekend events, with advance notice COVID-19 Considerations: • All employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID - 19. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ABOUT US UnidosUS , previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our community stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Employment with UnidosUS is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screen. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.