Sr. Media Relations Strategist (Memphis, TN)

Are you passionate about making a difference and driven by purpose? We are looking for a dynamic Sr. Strategist, Media Relations with 5-7 years of experience to lead and support our strategic media initiatives at ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This role is all about creating impactful press positioning, engaging messaging, and multichannel public relations opportunities to inspire support for St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.®

As a Sr. Strategist, you will independently cultivate valuable earned media opportunities on both regional and national levels. Your critical-thinking skills will advance our strategic communications goals and drive business objectives. You will be a key player, focused on delivering results for multiple initiatives, and committed to organization, communication, and creativity.

In this role, you will provide internal and external counsel on multi-platform media strategies, managing stakeholder expectations while staying composed and on task. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy working with diverse volunteers and supporters, including celebrities, influencers, and global brands, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

• Develop and execute comprehensive media relations plans.
• Support fundraising efforts and drive awareness of the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.
• Organize press conferences and media events.
• Identify media targets and develop media lists.
• Analyze and report on earned media efforts.

Expert Writing:

• Produce error-free content using AP Stylebook guidelines.
• Create news releases, holding statements, executive remarks, PR plans, fact sheets, media briefs, messaging, talking points, and coverage recaps.

Media Relations:

• Secure regional, niche, and national media coverage.
• Conduct outreach to reporters and manage logistics for interviews.
• Cultivate relationships with media to identify relevant storylines.
• Respond strategically to media inquiries and critical incidents.
• Support media training initiatives.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Provide regular updates to Manager Media Relations and Sr. Director of Strategic Communications.
• Monitor news coverage and stay informed on industry trends.
• Share insights to foster a growth mindset within the team.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work with PR agencies and external partners on campaign strategies.
• Host media, celebrities, and influencers during events.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver quality results.

Agency/Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with PR agencies and media monitoring vendors to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
• Oversee agency onboarding, deliverables, and provide feedback to optimize performance.
• Coordinate with agencies on campaign planning, project execution, media outreach, and reporting.

Solutions Driven:

• Embrace new approaches to holistic communications.
• Maintain positive relationships and provide timely support.

Crisis Communication:

• Support issues management and crisis communications.
• Stay informed on news related to the organization and peer charities.

Other Responsibilities

Perform various job functions as assigned. Participate in ALSAC's Business Continuity Management Program.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in journalism, public relations, or marketing communications.
• Experience in fundraising PR with a global reach is a plus.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Proficient in journalism and public relations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent command of English spelling, grammar, and usage.
• Ability to understand and follow complex instructions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong news writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of photography, including taking and recognizing impactful photos.
• Ability to build and maintain media relationships to secure coverage.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

This position will be located at our National Executive Office in Memphis, TN and be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

• Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)​
• 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
• Exceptional Paid Time Off
• Maternity / Paternity Leave
• Infertility Treatment Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance
• Enterprise Learning and Development
• And more

ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer. 

ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

No Search Firms:

ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.  All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.