Responsibilities

• Increase awareness and interest for the Braille Institute parent brand and the Vision Support America low vision brand.
• Develop and execute proactive public relations strategies that increase visibility for organizational programs, services, events, advocacy efforts, and client impact stories.
• Identify compelling stories, client success stories, thought leadership opportunities, and newsworthy initiatives that can generate earned media coverage.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, national, and industry media contacts, journalists, editors, producers, influencers, and community publications.
• Research, write, and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points, and other media materials.
• Develop and pitch story ideas to media outlets and secure interviews, features, event coverage, and speaking opportunities.
• Assist in positioning organizational leaders as subject matter experts and thought leaders.
• Serve as a secondary spokesperson for the organization when appropriate.
• Coordinate media attendance and support at events, announcements, and community outreach activities.
• Monitor, track, and report on earned media coverage, audience reach, publicity outcomes, and media engagement opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success developing media pitches and securing earned media coverage through local, regional, broadcast, print, digital, or industry media outlets.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience creating press releases, media pitches, talking points, media kits, and communication materials.
• Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with media professionals and community partners.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Professional presence and confidence interacting with executives, media representatives, community leaders, donors, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common marketing and communication platforms.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and media opportunities.

Preferred

• Existing media contacts and relationships within Southern California media markets.
• Experience working within nonprofit, healthcare, education, disability services, or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with media monitoring and public relations tools such as Cision, Meltwater, Muck Rack, CoverageBook, PR Newswire, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting events, conferences, regional outreach initiatives, and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Experience working with social media, email marketing platforms, and content management systems.