Director, Public Relations and Social Media

Overview

The Director, Public Relations and Social Media is responsible for creating and implementing a proactive public relations strategy and media outreach across all platforms, and will develop, direct, and execute initiatives designed to enhance the Institute's visibility in the community, increase its online engagement, spur event attendance, and increase awareness for giving opportunities with donor constituents. The incumbent will identify news and story opportunities; draft announcements and media releases; make pitches to media to help secure placements; create and place bylines; manage, vet, and coordinate incoming media inquiries, media interviews and photo/video shoots; work with the Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications to lead related strategies, tactics, and plans; conduct media training and coach Institute employees and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs); provide supervision to assigned staff; and oversee Public Relations (PR) agency partners and contractors as needed. This position will work collaboratively with internal teams (including Marketing, Philanthropy, Institute leadership, and C-suite members) to ensure alignment of communications strategies with overall Institute objectives, and will help to advise leaders on opportunities to increase the awareness and positive perception of the Institute and manage crisis communications while interfacing with senior leadership, the media, and/or the public. The incumbent may occasionally act as a spokesperson for the Institute as needed.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, writing, news media, marketing, English, fine arts, or other related field is required.
• Master’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 7-12 years of experience in communications or marketing field required, preferably including an understanding of both the client-side and public relations agency environments.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience required.
• Experience working in non-profit, healthcare, and/ or academic research settings preferred.
• Experience working with national and regional media, agencies, and other partners with a demonstrated track record of successfully targeting/tailoring messages, materials, and marketing to achieve desired outcomes (such as media placements, partnerships, and community engagement) preferred.

Minimum pay range

Maximum pay range