Managing Director, Public Relations, Earned Media – High-Stakes Communications

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

📋 Description

• Establish national earned media direction across regional markets and significant national priority areas.

• Create and lead 4–5 earned media campaigns each year.

• Design and implement regional earned media strategies that align with the organization's priorities and narrative objectives.

• Determine regional priorities for proactive outreach based on impact, opportunity, and risk factors.

• Supervise the execution of earned media campaigns across various regional markets.

• Act as a senior strategic partner to regional teams and national partners, including Growth, Development, and the Reinvention Lab.

• Develop pitches and story strategies for both local and national media outlets.

• Provide guidance to national teams on earned media strategies, narrative development, and positioning.

• Evaluate reputational and external affairs risks and manage sensitive or high-profile media situations.

• Offer advice to regional staff and leadership on media strategy, messaging, and spokesperson preparedness.

• Oversee responses to incoming media inquiries during urgent or critical situations.

• Coordinate internal responses to minimize reputational risks.

• Monitor, analyze, and synthesize regional media activities to inform strategy and uncover trends.

• Collaborate with owned-channel and internal communications colleagues to enhance earned media visibility.

• Contribute to the advancement of earned media practices, tools, and standards across regions.

⛳️ Requirements

• 8–10+ years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related discipline.

• Proven experience in executing earned media initiatives, including pitching reporters and facilitating media interviews.

• Experience in supporting reactive or high-stakes communication scenarios.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities.

• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and geographically diverse teams.

• Strong alignment with Teach For America’s mission, values, and dedication to educational excellence for all students.

• Preferred experience with regional or local media markets.

• Familiarity with the education sector or nonprofit communications is a plus.

• Experience preparing senior leaders or staff as media representatives is preferred.

• Comfort in working behind the scenes to implement communication strategies developed by senior leadership is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Full-time employment.

• Remote/flexible work options.

• Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary.

• Limited ad hoc travel may be anticipated.