Public Relations Manager, Santa Barbara, United States

Organization: Direct Relief
Country: United States
Field location: Santa Barbara
Office: Direct Relief in Santa Barbara

Summary:
Direct Relief is seeking a media relations manager to join its team – a relationship-builder with a passion for telling stories that matter, an avid interest in the fast-moving currents of news, humanitarian affairs, global health, and philanthropy, and a willingness to collaborate and learn.
Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the media relations manager will develop strategy, messaging, and tactics to drive awareness of Direct Relief’s various initiatives, employing a range of mediums and approaches from press outreach (broadcast and digital) to campaign development and media events.
Working with Direct Relief’s diverse network of healthcare partners and industry stakeholders and traveling at times with little notice, you will be immersed in some of the world’s most complex issues — from healthcare access to large-scale humanitarian crises – and by joining one of the world’s leading medical relief organizations, you will be working to address them.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
The following duties and responsibilities are essential but do not reflect all job functions performed by this position. Other comparable duties and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Develop and implement a media relations strategy to advance Direct Relief’s humanitarian activities
Assist in tracking a range of healthcare projects, products, and partnerships to identify press engagement opportunities and respond to inbound press inquiries
Work across the organization and externally to surface, develop, publish, and disseminate stories related to Direct Relief’s work
Develop briefings and messaging for senior executives internally and externally
Draft and issue press releases and social media posts in conjunction with healthcare companies that support Direct Relief’s work
Serve as Direct Relief’s spokesperson to media and other external stakeholders
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience in or working in the healthcare space a plus
Strong ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment when engaging with media, healthcare partners, and representing Direct Relief at local and remote events
Sound editorial judgment and ability to adapt/respond to different online audiences
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Strategic content creation and skillful writing ability
Ability to work independently, with an editor, and in a team environment
Willingness and desire to explore new digital tools and applications
Enthusiasm for brainstorming and pitching ideas
Ability to travel internationally and to disaster-affected areas
Qualifications:
A minimum of 4 years of experience in the public relations, communications, or advertising industry, at an agency or corporate in-house (healthcare experience a plus)
Experience with broadcast and digital media
Excellent communications skills, including experience writing for and engaging with press
Media relations and strategic communications experience
Fluency and/or familiarity with digital and social media tools and strategies
Degree in relevant field
Physical Demands:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
How to Apply:
We would love to hear your ideas for communicating Direct Relief’s work. Choose a story or a program from Direct Relief’s website and provide an example of how you would package it for media in creative, compelling, and shareable ways. Submit your idea(s) along with a CV and a note explaining why you are the best fit for this job. Apply at www.directrelief.org/careers
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, vendors, and constituents.
We appreciate your interest in employment with Direct Relief. Direct Relief is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law to apply and be part of our growing team.