Manager, Brand Communications & PR

Responsibilities

• Brand Communications Strategy (25%) - Develop and maintain consistent brand messaging that communicates Room to Read's mission, programs, and impact. - Create and update messaging materials, guidelines, and resources for staff, board members, and external partners. - Train and support organizational spokespeople to communicate key messages effectively. - Collaborate with program and research teams to incorporate accurate data and impact stories into communications. - Ensure consistent messaging across digital platforms, publications, social media, and media coverage. - Support crisis communications planning and response.
• Partnerships & Event Support (25%) - Provide communications and public relations support for corporate and foundation partnerships. - Collaborate with fundraising and program teams on communications initiatives that support donor engagement and organizational priorities. - Develop public relations strategies for major fundraising events, including galas and virtual events. - Create speeches, scripts, talking points, and other materials for executives and board members participating in events. - Identify opportunities to increase media coverage and visibility through partnerships and events.
• Media Relations & Thought Leadership (20%) - Develop and implement global media relations strategies to increase awareness of Room to Read. - Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and other key contacts. - Identify compelling stories, develop media pitches, and secure coverage across print, broadcast, and digital channels. - Draft and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, and other executive communications. - Support media interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities for senior leadership. - Maintain accurate media contact records and track media engagement. - Manage the external public relations agency, including priorities, deliverables, timelines, and performance.
• Advertising & Influencer Engagement (20%) - Identify and secure pro bono advertising opportunities to expand Room to Read's visibility. - Work with creative partners to develop advertising content for print, broadcast, and digital platforms. - Build and maintain relationships with ambassadors, celebrities, and influencers. - Coordinate ambassador and influencer participation in campaigns, events, and fundraising initiatives. - Identify and cultivate new ambassadors and opportunities for partnerships.
• Leadership & Team Management (10%) - Lead brand communications and public relations planning and contribute to departmental goals and priorities. - Supervise, coach, and support direct reports, including performance management and professional development. - Manage agency relationships and coordinate communications activities across teams. - Contribute to budget planning, tracking, and reporting. - Monitor progress and report on communications activities and results.
• What Success Looks Like - Stronger Brand Visibility: Room to Read gains meaningful media coverage and increased awareness among priority audiences. - Consistent Messaging: Staff, leadership, board members, and partners communicate clear, accurate, and compelling messages about Room to Read's mission and impact. - Effective Media Relationships: Strong relationships with journalists and media outlets generate ongoing opportunities for coverage and thought leadership. - Successful Partnerships: Communications initiatives strengthen corporate, foundation, ambassador, and influencer relationships while supporting fundraising goals. - Impactful Events: Major events benefit from effective public relations strategies, compelling executive messaging, and opportunities for media exposure. - Strong Team Performance: Staff and external agency partners deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and contribute to organizational priorities.

Requirements

• 7+ years of relevant experience in public relations, brand communications, corporate communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications and public relations strategies.
• Strong media relations experience, including building journalist relationships, pitching stories, and securing media coverage.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including experience developing press releases, speeches, executive communications, and brand messaging.
• Experience working with senior leaders on executive communications, media engagement, or thought leadership.
• Experience developing communications content across digital, print, social media, and other platforms.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with external partners, agencies, influencers, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience managing projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines across multiple communications initiatives.
• Experience supervising staff or leading the work of colleagues, agencies, or external partners.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Benefits

• - 100% employer-paid premiums for your medical, dental, and vision coverage
• - 50% medical and 100% dental and vision premium coverage for eligible dependents
• - 22 days of PTO (+1 additional day accrued each year up to 27 days)
• - 12.5 paid holidays
• - Immediate enrollment in a 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match
• - $600/yr allowance for home office