Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Assist in developing proactive media strategies aligned with organizational goals, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy efforts, and significant announcements.

• Pitch, secure, coordinate, and staff various media opportunities at national, regional, local, and trade levels.

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with reporters, producers, editors, and freelance journalists.

• Compose and refine press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing documents, statements, FAQs, and messaging materials.

• Aid in preparing executives, spokespeople, self-advocates, families, researchers, partners, and ambassadors for media interviews.

• Monitor news cycles and assist with rapid-response communications as well as sensitive media inquiries.

• Collaborate with internal teams to uncover stories, identify spokespeople, and gather community perspectives.

• Ensure consistency in external communication materials and public-facing messaging.

• Oversee media lists, track coverage, report on communications activities, and manage communication resources.

• Work across departments to support integrated communications efforts and public-facing messaging.

• Coordinate with external PR agencies, consultants, partners, vendors, and stakeholders.

• Facilitate internal communication processes, approvals, and workflows.

• Act as a communications resource for regional teams.

• Provide assistance with communications for corporate partnerships, fundraising initiatives, organizational projects, community events, celebrities, high-profile supporters, and specific organizational events.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is preferred.

• 6-8 years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or a similar communications role.

• Proven track record of pitching and securing media coverage.

• Experience in drafting and editing press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing documents, statements, FAQs, and messaging materials.

• Familiarity with media monitoring, distribution, or reporting tools.

• Background in nonprofit, advocacy, healthcare, disability, and mission-driven communications settings is preferred.

• Willingness to travel occasionally and availability for time-sensitive evening or weekend tasks.

• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling abilities.

• Capacity to convert complex or technical subjects into clear, engaging messaging.

• Strong news judgment and media intuition.

• Skill in identifying timely story opportunities.

• Competence in managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and communication demands in a fast-paced, collaborative atmosphere.

• Demonstrated sound judgment and professionalism.

• Familiarity with new tools and technologies, including AI, while ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

• Dedication to respectful, community-centered communications and the mission of Autism Speaks.

• Responsibility for safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of Autism Speaks data and information.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunities for occasional travel, typically a few times each year.

• Equal opportunity workplace.

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

• A diverse, multicultural, and inclusive work environment.