Position Location: Washington D.C. with Hybrid Work Schedule, Requiring 3-Days of In-Office Presence
Who we are
Since 1981, Families USA Foundation has been a leading national voice for health care consumers. Through our long-standing relationships of consumer leaders, advocates, and partner organizations across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, we have remained steadfast in our mission – Dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable healthcare and improved health for all. We advance our mission through public policy analysis, advocacy, and collaboration with partners to promote a patient-and community-centered health system.
Your Role
We are looking for a Media and Engagement Relations Manager who will effectively manage the media coverage and outreach efforts for Families USA across all communication channels which includes: print, web, radio or television media. Central to this role is for this individual to build relationships between the media and Families USA. Working to build effective outreach and public engagement strategies. This individual will also work closely with our Senior Manager of Storytelling to bring a fresh and creative perspective to communicating through all channels with a specific emphasis on how to best utilize assets to tell stories. The nature of the work requires that this professional have an exceptional comfort level working with individuals at various levels within the organization, to be agile in a deadline-driven environment, and to shift focus seamlessly among competing priorities without sacrificing quality.
Main responsibilities include:
Media Relations
- Develop, implement and monitor communication strategy that supports and increases high-level earned media coverage for FUSA in all media formats, print, web, radio and television.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with media contacts (existing) while seeking new contacts for proactive media placement.
- Enterprise media stories and story angles to pitch specific stories, narratives, and experts to advance FUSA advocacy narratives.
- Use web-based media relations/outreach software such as Cision, Muck-Rack, Meltwater or other similar software platforms to extend media outreach.
- Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within business and industry media.
- Maintain a keen understanding of health industry trends and make appropriate recommendations regarding communications strategy as accordingly.
Engagement Communications:
- Develop and maintain relationships with FUSA partner advocacy organizations and their “grassroots” and “grasstops constituencies”.
- Manage engagement communications and provide ongoing information on key FUSA publications and events to increase engagement and cross-collaborative opportunities.
- Support the organization’s storytelling program via outreach, networking and communications efforts.
- Proactively and creatively network with people and entities who can help the organization amplify its advocacy, communications, storytelling and outreach efforts.
- Provide mentorship and guidance, through direct supervision or as a project lead, to junior staff and colleagues.
Undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Journalism or relevant field with 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or press management, primarily with a social justice, policy, and/or a political focus. Newsroom, agency or nonprofit experience is preferred.
To perform successfully in this role, applicant should possess the specific knowledge, skills and abilities outlined below:
- Demonstrates working knowledge of media news cycles and the media-charged public forum.
- Experience with and appreciation for working with people from diverse backgrounds; comfort and confidence engaging with diverse populations.
- Actively practice sound judgment and practices a seasoned and well-balanced messaging approach.
- Proficient knowledge of Associated Press and Chicago styles.
- Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, copy editing and organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal, network and leadership skills.
- Ability to quickly grasp and articulate the essence of a message.
- Ability to effectively promote and disseminate the mission of Families USA.
- Ability to identify obstacles and address problems cooperatively and in a timely manner.
- Ability to engage in cross-functional activities and finds common ground with a diverse group of people.
- Ability to expertly execute tactics as part of an integrated approach to communications, media relations, storytelling, events, publications, and digital media.
- Ability to manage shifting priorities in a rapid response environment.
- Ability to work after-hours and/or weekends, to provide media and crisis support during emergency situations.
We offer a dynamic, empowering, and collaborative work environment that allows staff to reach their full potential. We provide an extremely attractive total compensation package, including competitive salary, hybrid work schedule: 3 days in office/2 optional WFH days, medical, dental, vision, disability and life, 403(b) retirement matching plan, 3+ weeks’ vacation, ten (10) Federal holidays and our offices are closed between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day and many more exciting benefit programs. Salary will be commensurate with experience, our salary range for this role is $70K - $80K.
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply online and include in your application: your cover letter, resume and a media sample.
Careers page found at: https://familiesusa.org/job-career/media-and-engagement-relations-manage...
Families USA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, results of genetic testing, or service in the military.