Lead, Public & Media Relations Strategist

The Lead, Public and Media Relations Strategist will develop and implement targeted public and media relations plans to support the organization’s goals, securing high-profile political and issues-based media coverage and managing press interactions. This role demands strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a strategic orientation to advance the organization’s mission through effective media engagement. 

Political & Policy Acumen. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the legislative, political, and advocacy landscape to translate complex policy issues into compelling, accessible messages and proactively adapt communications strategies to evolving political developments.

Strategic. Skilled at translating complex narratives into compelling media stories with minimal direction. Experienced in crafting and executing effective and strategic public and media relations campaigns across national, regional, state, local, and niche markets with clear timelines.

Connector. Skilled at advising and engaging with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers to secure impactful media placements across print, digital, and broadcast platforms.

Proactive. Proven experience creating compelling media pitches for complex stories that engage journalists, editors, and producers. Monitors breaking news to identify media engagement opportunities.

Results-Driven. Experienced in measuring PR campaign impact with metrics aligned to organizational goals and uses data-driven insights to refine tactics and enhance engagement. Skilled in designing frameworks to track satisfaction, engagement, and participation; evaluating the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives.

Versatile. Skilled at working under pressure, managing multiple tasks, solving problems, and adapting to shifting priorities. Experienced in meeting deadlines while maintaining clear communication with supervisors and colleagues.

Communicative. Skilled at creating targeted, well-written communications materials to enhance the organization’s mission and visibility with key audiences.

Knowledgeable. Knowledgeable about mission-driven nonprofits and effective communication strategies to raise awareness, engage supporters, and promote transparency in an authentic way.

Mission-Focused and Values-Aligned. Creates authentic, culturally aware communications that advance the organization's mission and social justice values while honoring the lived experiences and dignity of the communities served.

Coordinate with internal and external colleagues to strategize and plan for issue-specific messaging that reflects organizational and departmental goals and mission, and attend and lead meetings with colleagues to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current media strategy needs.

Lead the creation, development and advancement of strategic public and media relations plans and regularly assess the effectiveness of public and media relations strategies, providing detailed reports and recommendations for improvement.

Draft materials such as recommendations, executive summaries, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, press conference schedules, speeches, key messages, talking points and update website with relevant content.

Book organizational experts in print media, radio, and TV to elevate the organization’s work, take advantage of opportunities in the news cycle, and provide media-related support, such as training and coaching spokespeople on messaging and interview tactics.

Use strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and successful execution of media campaigns.

Field press inquiries daily and manage earned media events such as press conferences.

Build, develop, and maintain relationships with regional and national news media members.

Track breaking news associated with litigation, legislation and public policy and work on rapid response communication tactics and strategies.

Train, mentor and coach other staff and may supervise interns.

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

We are committed to equitable hiring practices; therefore, you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Minimum seven (7) years of public relations agency, media relations, and public education campaign work; and
• High School Diploma or GED. 

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $78,832 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

This role has the following work designation options:

• Local Remote: Employees in positions designated Local Remote Work are expected to attend work-related activities that occur at SPLC offices and in the states in which SPLC operates. These activities include but are not limited to trainings, meetings, events, hearings, and court appearances.
• Telework: Positions designated as telework eligible may work two days (16 hours) a week from an alternative work location.
• This position will report to the Deputy Director, Public & Media Relations.

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

This position is represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild.

Works some evenings and/or weekends in the event of breaking news.