Director of Public Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Act as the main editor for all External Affairs content across various platforms including social media, print, digital, web, email, fundraising, policy, and executive communications.

• Craft and refine brand messaging, message frameworks, talking points, and thought-leadership articles.

• Simplify complex topics related to early childhood, health, and policy into clear and accessible language.

• Collaborate with subject-matter experts, leadership, and Affiliates to enhance messaging and ensure a cohesive voice.

• Uphold the brand style guide, templates, and editorial standards.

• Mentor writers and contributors while enhancing editorial workflows, review procedures, and quality assurance.

• Provide guidance on crisis and high-risk communications alongside the Chief External Affairs Officer.

• Oversee the daily collaboration with Reach Out and Read’s public relations agency.

• Establish priorities for a comprehensive earned media strategy to enhance national visibility and thought leadership.

• Propel press releases, op-eds, story concepts, media pitches, state and local coverage, and rapid-response communications.

• Prepare spokespeople for interviews and create talking points and briefing documents.

• Set objectives for and assess earned media effectiveness.

• Collaborate on social media strategies and review/approve content and major campaigns.

• Integrate earned, paid, social, and owned content.

• Utilize performance metrics and platform trends to optimize strategy.

• Provide Affiliates with flexible content and resources tailored for local markets.

• Advise colleagues and leaders throughout the organization and Affiliate network.

• Collaborate with marketing, branding, and creative teams on editorial and reputation strategies.

• Assist in prioritizing the External Affairs team’s editorial and media initiatives.

• Manage assigned communications vendors.

• Report directly to the Chief External Affairs Officer.

⛳️ Requirements

• Dedicated to promoting equity in opportunities and outcomes for children, understanding the various factors affecting differential outcomes, such as race, ethnicity, language, and socio-economic status.

• 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations or communications, with a focus on leading significant media and editorial efforts.

• Prior experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations is highly preferred.

• Experience within a national organization is advantageous.

• A background in early childhood, health, or education is preferred.

• Outstanding writing and editing capabilities, with a portfolio showcasing high-level messaging for diverse audiences.

• Extensive experience in engaging reporters and managing a PR firm or agency relationship.

• Strong news judgment and editorial oversight.

• Ability to convert complex research, policy, or program details into accessible messaging.

• Exceptional project leadership skills with the capacity to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines in a dynamic, fully remote setting.

• Collaborative approach and ability to foster trust with senior leaders, Affiliates, clinicians, and external partners.

• Strong storytelling abilities and an entrepreneurial mindset.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions

• Paid time off

• Home-based office / fully remote work

• Occasional travel required