Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the YMCA's public relations strategy to increase visibility, awareness, and credibility.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Proactively identify and secure earned media opportunities.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points, and media kits.
• Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities to amplify positive stories.
• Track media performance and provide regular reporting on earned media results.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team.
• Prepare executive messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, opinion pieces, and public statements.
• Coordinate media interviews and prepare organizational spokespersons for interviews and public appearances.
• Serve as the organization's spokesperson when appropriate.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field or at least 5 years of experience as a communications professional
• A background in PR, including experience drafting press releases, pitching media and developing long term media relationships.
• Exceptional communication skills, including speaking and writing, with experience developing executive communications and media materials.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
• Demonstrated success building relationships with journalists and securing earned media.
• Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson and preparing executives for media interviews.
• Experience developing and executing crisis communications strategies.
• Experience with social media management and execution
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or mission-driven organizations preferred.