Media Relations Manager

ONE is a global, nonpartisan organization fighting for a more just world by demanding the investments needed to create economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa. We do this by deploying trusted and dynamic advocacy that leverages hard-hitting data, credible grassroots activism, creative political engagement, and strategic partnerships. We use all this to influence decision-makers to take action and tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Read more at www.one.org.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Media Relations Manager will help ONE achieve its policy-changing objectives through media engagement with priority media outlets across North America, with special emphasis in the US. They will play a key role in developing new communications products and approaches and coordinating compelling narratives around priority issues for use by all the teams across North America. They will also work with staff in similar roles across the organization. 

The Manager will have a solid understanding of how proactive media engagement can bring about policy change, demonstrable experience of engaging media in the US and Canada, and the ability to concisely and persuasively communicate complex issues. There will be exposure to managing events, publications, and communications products.    

They will lead on the development and execution of the media strategy under the direction and guidance from the Director of Communications, North America. They will play a collaborative role in integrating full spectrum communications strategies and tactics within the NA team. As appropriate, they will coordinate with ONE’s communications staff around the world. 

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Serve as one of the primary media liaisons for ONE in the United States and Canada. 
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with elite media, reporters, and partners; pitch coverage of ONE, our narratives and priorities to North American print, broadcast, and online media outlets. 
• Secure media coverage for ONE’s issues in outlets with a primary emphasis on Tier 1 and 2 media in the US and Canada.
• Supporting ONE staff around key milestones and events. 
• Monitor news and industry associations for trends, best practices, and emerging issues to inform organizational strategy to respond, capitalize or generate own content. Ensuring ONE staff have access to media content as well as mentions, maintaining an internal database of outlets and access accounts. 
• Produce and review media relations products, and assist with full spectrum communications products, including: press releases, op-eds, opportunities to profile NA leadership, website content, video and website content, and other messaging materials. 
• Assist in developing and executing social media strategies on ONE in America and ONE in Canada market channels. 
• Collaborate with the North America teams to execute ONE’s North America strategy as set by the Executive Director and North America Leadership Team. Craft narratives and support for campaigns, government relations, and policy activities. 
• Advise on communications and media strategies for the North America Advocacy team, contributing to the formation and execution of political and policy strategies. 
• Promote, enhance, and protect ONE’s reputation in North America, overseeing strategies to reinforce and defend ONE’s credibility and strengthen ONE’s global brand and position as an advocacy organization. 
• Contribute the global communications community of practice. Share best practices, strategies, messaging, and products to ensure ONE’s positions are communicated and integrated effectively across departments and regions. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications, North America. 

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related A master’s degree is preferred but not required.
• 8+ years of experience in media, public relations, or journalism, plus 3+ years’ experience managing a team or in a project-lead capacity.
• Proven ability to leverage media relations in order to deliver policy change.
• Established network of relationships with key journalists and media, including but not limited to the Associated Press, Reuters, and other Tier 1 outlets. 
• Ability to synthesize complicated policy issues into digestible products.
• Experience with both elite and popular media, as well as specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Excellent track record of developing and delivering effective media strategies.
• Significant experience speaking on the record.
• Significant experience of risk and reputation management, and crisis communications.
• A thorough understanding of the evolving media landscape and the requirements of different kinds of modern media.
• Significant experience working with the political media in North America.
• A strong understanding of the links between policy, advocacy, campaigning, and media work.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, fluency in French is an asset.
• Excellent time management, forward-planning, and prioritization skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and strong interpersonal skills.
• Advanced leadership skills, critical thinking and problem solving.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to live and work in the United States, and legal authority to travel to Canada, is required. 

OTHER ATTRIBUTES:

• Related work history in poverty and infectious disease alleviation, advocacy, policy, legislation and/or demonstrable interest in Africa and the issues ONE supports is an asset.
• Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work at all times.
• Ability to work proactively in a collaborative and distributed environment, manage multiple, shifting priorities under tight deadlines while performing in a fast- paced, team-oriented environment. 
• Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical, action-oriented, and results focused.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Remain positive in high pressure and stressful situations.
• Consistent application of good judgment, and ability to make good and responsible decisions.