Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications (Philanthropy / Public Relations)

Mediabistro; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation seeks a Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications to cultivate media relationships, secure positive coverage, and drive positioning for senior leadership. The role sits within External Affairs and engages with strategic communications officers, creative and engagement teams, and senior leadership.

The position focuses on proactive media outreach, executive positioning, media training, press strategy for grants and institutional news, and vendor management for media tracking

Responsibilities

• Cultivate strong relationships with domestic and international media to secure positive coverage for the foundation’s mission.
• Pitch and place media stories to raise the profile of the foundation and its initiatives.
• Lead positioning for executive leadership by drafting op-eds, preparing spokespeople for interviews and speeches, and driving targeted press outreach.
• Design and implement media training plans for foundation spokespeople for public engagements and press appearances.
• Coordinate annual media plans and partnerships, including sponsorship engagements.
• Write and disseminate press releases for significant grants, institutional news, and key projects.
• Manage media relations budget and vendor relationships for media outreach and tracking platforms.
• Educate staff on media outcomes, data-driven metrics, and best practices in communications.

Job description

A major philanthropic foundation is seeking a Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications to cultivate media relationships, secure positive coverage, and drive positioning strategies for executive leadership. The role sits within the External Affairs team and involves close coordination with strategic communications officers, the creative and engagement team, and senior leadership.

This position is responsible for proactive media outreach, executive positioning, media training, press strategy for significant grants and institutional news, and vendor management for media tracking platforms.

What the Role Covers

• Cultivating strong relationships with domestic and international media to secure positive coverage that advances the foundation’s mission
• Proactively pitching and placing media stories to raise the profile of the foundation and its initiatives and grants
• Spearheading positioning strategies for executive leadership by drafting op-eds, preparing spokespeople for interviews and speeches, and driving targeted press and social outreach
• Designing and executing structured media training plans to prepare foundation spokespeople for public engagements and press appearances
• Developing annual plans and coordinating media partnership and sponsorship engagements
• Writing and disseminating press releases for significant grants, institutional news, and key foundation projects
• Overseeing the media relations budget and vendor relationships related to media outreach and tracking platforms
• Educating and updating foundation staff on media outcomes, data-driven performance metrics, and communications best practices

Qualifications

Not listed in posting. Candidates with significant media relations and executive communications experience in the nonprofit, philanthropy, or public affairs sector are encouraged to apply.