Public Relations Director

Develop and execute a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals • Work closely with senior leadership and other departments to ensure PR efforts are integrated into broader organizational objectives and activities • Lead the PR team, providing mentorship, guidance, and performance evaluations to ensure effective execution of PR initiatives • Build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with key journalists, media outlets, bloggers, and influencers to ensure positive media coverage of the foundation’s programs and initiatives • Pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, and arrange media interviews to raise the profile of the organization and its work • Develop and distribute press releases, media kits, and statements, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with organizational messaging • Track media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities for proactive media outreach and public visibility • Oversee crisis communication efforts, including preparing the organization for potential issues or controversies, and managing the response to mitigate reputational damage • Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization, handling high-stakes media inquiries, interviews, and public statements • Develop and implement strategies for addressing negative press or public backlash, ensuring the organization’s narrative is presented clearly and consistently • Oversee the creation of compelling narratives, speeches, op-eds, and thought leadership pieces that reflect the organization’s values, mission, and impact • Ensure consistency in messaging across all PR channels and materials, including print, digital, and broadcast media • Collaborate with other departments (e.g., marketing, fundraising) to ensure aligned messaging for campaigns, events, and outreach efforts • Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, government officials, and community leaders, to enhance the foundation’s public profile • Coordinate communication efforts with partners and collaborators to amplify the foundation's initiatives and outcomes • Provide regular updates to stakeholders on the organization’s work, achievements, and newsworthy developments • Support the planning and execution of high-profile events, press conferences, and media briefings to promote the foundation's work and attract public attention • Manage the PR efforts for fundraising events, advocacy campaigns, and other major initiatives, ensuring media coverage and strategic promotion • Oversee the preparation of event-related materials such as press releases, social media content, and speeches • Regularly assess the effectiveness of PR campaigns and media outreach efforts, using analytics tools to track media coverage, sentiment, and public perception • Provide comprehensive reports to senior leadership on the impact of PR strategies and activities • Adjust strategies as needed based on insights from media coverage, public sentiment, and organizational priorities • Develop and manage the PR budget, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively across PR campaigns, media outreach, and crisis management efforts • Evaluate and engage external PR agencies or consultants as needed to support specific initiatives or amplify efforts Requirements Education: • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field • A Master’s degree or additional professional certifications (preferred) Experience: • At least 7-10 years of experience in public relations, with at least 3-5 years in a senior or leadership role within the nonprofit or social impact sector • Proven experience managing media relations, crisis communication, and reputation management in a complex environment • Strong background in writing, media pitching, and creating compelling narratives that align with an organization's mission General • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, persuasive messaging • Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with a track record of developing and mentoring PR staff • Expertise in media relations, including experience with both traditional and digital media channels • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, maintaining a high standard of work • Familiarity with social media platforms and tools, as well as the ability to adapt traditional PR strategies for digital audiences • Crisis management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure • Proficiency with PR tools and analytics platforms to monitor media coverage and measure campaign effectiveness