Senior Media Relations Officer

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Position Title: Senior Media Relations Officer
Location: Baltimore
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 120 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various relief and development programs, including emergency response, health initiatives, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. With a commitment to humanitarian principles, CRS aims to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable globally, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture.

Job Overview:
The Senior Media Relations Officer plays a crucial role in shaping the public image of Catholic Relief Services through the development and execution of strategic public relations campaigns. This position is responsible for creating and implementing effective communication strategies that enhance the organization's visibility and engagement with the public. The officer will work closely with global communications and program staff to identify compelling stories and key spokespeople, ensuring that these narratives are communicated effectively across various media platforms. The role requires a proactive approach to media relations, focusing on building strong connections with media contacts, particularly in Spanish-language and European-based outlets, to ensure high-quality coverage of CRS priorities. The officer will also act as a spokesperson for the organization, particularly in Spanish-language media, and will oversee the preparation of materials for media engagements, ensuring that all communications align with CRS's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Media Relations Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and lead the execution of public relations campaigns and strategies throughout the year to generate earned media around programming, fundraising, and advocacy priorities.
• Proactively engage with global communications and program staff to identify newsworthy stories and key spokespeople, creating actionable plans to bring those stories to life through various media channels.
• Monitor and maintain an active portfolio of media pitches, building strong global connections with target media contacts.
• Ensure high-quality coverage of CRS's priorities, especially with Spanish-language and European-based media.
• Craft communications carefully to protect the organization's interests while effectively conveying key messages across all channels.
• Oversee the preparation of talking points and supporting materials for media engagements.
• Act as the organization's spokesperson in media platforms, focusing on Spanish-language media opportunities.
• Maintain relationships with relevant media partners to develop goodwill and strong ties for the organization to reach its target market.
• Serve as the lead expert and thought partner for international communications teams on media topics, prioritizing stories, resolving issues, and providing counsel on various issues and priorities.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or Communications.
• At least six years of work experience in communications or media relations.
• Previous experience managing multiple projects within a single department.
• Experience managing a single departmental project is also required.
• Strong knowledge of the U.S. and global news media landscape, with an understanding of how media outlets function.
• Exceptional judgment and a deep understanding of CRS’s programming context to create high-level messaging.
• Strong knowledge of international affairs and excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to deal effectively with deadlines.
• Strong representational skills and the ability to work as a team player. 1
• Self-motivated and proactive in work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as English, Journalism, or Communications. This educational background is essential for understanding the nuances of media relations and effective communication strategies.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of six years of relevant work experience in communications or media relations. This experience should include managing multiple projects and a proven track record of developing successful public relations campaigns. Familiarity with the media landscape and previous experience in a similar role will be highly advantageous.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English and Spanish. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as the role involves engaging with Spanish-language media and audiences. Additional language skills may be considered a plus but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Baltimore, United States, and may require travel of up to 30%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes its Catholic identity and welcomes individuals of all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and all candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.