Responsibilities

• Editorial Leadership and Brand Messaging (40%): - Serve as primary editor for all External Affairs content: social, print, digital, web, email, fundraising, policy, and executive communications — upholding voice, tone, clarity, and consistency organization-wide. - Write and shape brand messaging, message frameworks, talking points, and thought-leadership content for high-priority initiatives, translating complex early childhood, health, and policy topics into clear, accessible language. - Partner with subject-matter experts, leaders, and Affiliates to strengthen messaging while preserving a consistent voice; maintain the brand stylebook and a library of templates and editorial guidance. - Coach writers and contributors across the organization, and strengthen editorial workflows, review processes, and quality control. - Serve as an editorial adviser during crisis or high-risk situations, helping develop messaging frameworks and statements with the Chief External Affairs Officer. Earned Media and Thought Leadership (35%): - Lead the day-to-day relationship with Reach Out and Read's public relations firm, setting priorities and direction for an integrated earned media strategy that builds national visibility and thought leadership. - Drive press releases, op-eds, story ideas, and media pitches, identifying timely angles that connect Reach Out and Read's work to the broader news cycle. - Partner with Affiliates, clinicians, and leaders to generate state and local coverage, adapting national narratives and preparing spokespeople for interviews. - Develop talking points and briefing materials, and guide rapid-response communications in high-stakes or time-sensitive situations. - Set goals for and evaluate earned media performance to inform future strategy. Social Media and Integrated Content Strategy (15%): - Partner on social media strategy, reviewing and approving content and major campaigns for editorial quality and audience engagement. - Ensure earned, paid, social, and owned content reinforce one another to extend the reach of high-value stories. - Use performance data and platform trends to refine strategy, and equip Affiliates with adaptable content and tools for local markets. Organizational Partnership and Team Leadership (10%): - Serve as a senior communications adviser to colleagues and leaders across the organization and Affiliate network. - Partner with marketing, brand, and creative leads to align editorial and reputation strategy with broader brand campaigns. - Help prioritize the External Affairs team's editorial and media portfolio, and manage communications vendors as assigned. This position also includes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Commitment to increasing equity in opportunity and outcomes for children and to recognizing factors known to significantly impact differential outcomes for children, including race, ethnicity, language, and socio-economic status.
• 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations or communications, including leading significant media and editorial work. Nonprofit or other mission-driven experience is strongly preferred; experience at a national organization is a plus, as is a background in early childhood, health, or education.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a portfolio demonstrating the ability to shape high-level messaging in a distinctive voice for varied audiences.
• Deep experience engaging reporters and managing a PR firm or agency relationship — setting strategy, directing deliverables, and assessing performance.
• Strong news judgment and sound editorial governance, with the ability to translate complex research, policy, or programmatic information into accessible messaging.
• Strong project leadership skills, able to manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, fully remote environment.
• A collaborative style that builds trust with senior leaders, Affiliates, clinicians, and external partners, along with strong storytelling instincts and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $96,000-102,000 and commensurate with experience. Reach Out and Read offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with match, paid time off, and more.