Senior Communications & PR Manager — Remote

Autism Speaks; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex work hours

Tuition reimbursement

Summer bonus Fridays

Inclusive, collaborative culture

Job summary

Autism Speaks is seeking a Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations to lead our remote team. You will craft strategic narratives, pitch media, coordinate interviews, and support rapid response efforts across national outlets and regional media.

A strong writer with established media relationships will elevate our mission through compelling storytelling. The ideal candidate has 6–8 years in public relations, excels at drafting press materials, and can collaborate across teams to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, journalism, or related field.
• 6–8 years in public relations or media relations.
• Track record of pitching and securing media coverage.
• Experience drafting press materials and managing media relationships.
• Experience with media monitoring and non-profit/advocacy contexts is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and work flexible hours.
• Commitment to Autism Speaks’ mission and respectful communications.

Responsibilities

• Support proactive media strategies tied to priorities and major announcements.
• Pitch, secure, coordinate and staff media opportunities nationwide and locally.
• Build relationships with reporters, editors, and freelance writers.
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, talking points, FAQs, and messaging.
• Prepare executives for interviews and rapid-response media inquiries.
• Monitor news cycles and identify timely storytelling opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align external messaging and identify story gaps.
• Maintain consistency across external communications and media lists.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis/rapid response

Press release drafting

Relationship building

Strong writing

Spokesperson prep

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism

Tools

Media monitoring platforms

News databases

Job description

Autism Speaks is seeking a Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations to lead our remote team. You will craft strategic narratives, pitch media, coordinate interviews, and support rapid response efforts across national outlets and regional media.

A strong writer with established media relationships will elevate our mission through compelling storytelling. The ideal candidate has 6–8 years in public relations, excels at drafting press materials, and can collaborate across teams to ensure