The Manager of Media and Communications will work with the Senior Director of Communications to execute media and communications outreach for Save the Children Action Network’s major campaigns and events. She/he will help position SCAN as a go-to source for U.S. media and a thought leader on early childhood education and maternal and newborn child survival issues. She/he also will help ensure SCAN’s media strategy will drive engagement to support the agency’s overall communications goals. The position is based at SCAN’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Work with the Senior Director of Communications to plan and execute media and communications outreach for SCAN campaigns and events. 50%
- Works closely with Senior Director, Communications, on earned media, pitching stories to print and broadcast reporters and placing op-eds and letters to the editor in outlets around the country.
- Develops clear and compelling messages to tell the story of SCAN’s work.
- Helps prepare organization’s leadership for media interviews with talking points and logistics.
- Builds relationships with state and national media.
- Monitors media for opportunities to respond with opinion pieces and on social media.
- Writes and distributes national and state press releases regularly.
- Coordinates with mobilization and government relations teams on communications materials, including press statements and letters to the editor.
- Coordinates with contacts outside of the organization on op-eds and other communications materials.
- Media trains state-based staff and advocates prior to interviews.
- Assists in approval of all communications materials for the organization.
- Maintains SCAN’s media lists, both national and those based in SCAN target states for ECE and MNCS issues.
Serve as main writer for SCAN. 30%
- Working with others in communications and other SCAN departments, writes talking points, press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, fact sheets and blogs.
- Copy edits action alerts, political materials, blog posts, social media content and website copy before publication.
Lead on internal communications within SCAN and broader Save the Children community. 20%
- Responsible for ensuring regular and timely internal communications with SCAN and Save the Children staff, including internal newsletters and updates.
- Minimum 3-5 years experience required in media relations, public affairs and communications.
- A confident self-starter who is creative, collaborative and team-oriented.
- Resourceful, with the ability to anticipate opportunities to advance SCAN’s voice and visibility.
- Must be highly organized and able to multitask and work within tight deadlines.
- Strong writing, editing and superior interpersonal communication skills needed.
- Strong research and media training skills.
- A passion and interest in working with and developing media relationships.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability to direct photo and video crews to gather compelling assets in the field and at thought leadership events.
- Experience with media databases like Cision.
- Graphic design and video editing experience desirable, but not required.
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- An opportunity to grow and expand your media relations skills
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Health care plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities, as well as language learning opportunities