Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Assist in the development of proactive media strategies aligned with organizational priorities, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and significant announcements.

• Proactively pitch, secure, coordinate, and provide staffing for media opportunities at national, regional, local, and trade levels.

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

• Write and refine communication materials, including press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing documents, statements, FAQs, and messaging guides.

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

• Track news cycles, pinpoint timely opportunities for media engagement, and assist with rapid-response communications and sensitive media inquiries when necessary.

• Collaborate with internal teams to discover stories, spokespeople, and community viewpoints that align with communication priorities and help uncover gaps in available narratives, voices, or subject matter relevant to proactive communications initiatives.

• Ensure consistency across all external communication materials and public messaging.

• Assist in managing media lists, tracking coverage, reporting, and communication resources.

• Work across departments to support integrated communications initiatives and maintain consistency in public messaging.

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

• Support internal communication processes and assist in managing communication approvals and workflows as necessary.

• Act as a communications resource for regional teams, aiding in local visibility opportunities and ensuring messaging alignment.

• Provide support for communications related to corporate partnerships, fundraising initiatives, organizational projects, and community events.

• Offer communications assistance involving celebrities and other high-profile supporters, as well as select organizational events when required.

⛳️ Requirements

• 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 success in pitching and securing media coverage.

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

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

• Willingness to travel occasionally, typically a few times a year, including time-sensitive evening or weekend assignments.

• Dedication to respectful, community-focused communication and support of Autism Speaks’ mission.

• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling abilities, with a knack for translating complex or technical subjects into clear, engaging messages.

• Strong news judgment, media instincts, and the capability to identify timely story opportunities.

• Ability to juggle multiple priorities, deadlines, and communication demands in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

• Sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to respectful, community-centered communication and Autism Speaks’ mission.

• Proficiency in utilizing new tools and technologies, including AI, to enhance workflow, efficiency, and productivity while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and vacation package.

• Flexible work hours.

• Weekly training sessions.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Summer bonus Fridays.

• A creative, innovative, collaborative, inclusive, kind, and enjoyable work environment.