Senior Media Relations & Communications Strategist

Obama Foundation; Center (IN); Hybrid; USD 104,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The Obama Foundation seeks a seasoned Press Secretary to lead external storytelling, build relationships with national and local media, and guide strategic communications across the Foundation. You will focus on earned media, audience cultivation, and partnering with creators to expand the Foundation’s impact.

You will oversee major events, crisis response, and collaborations with consultants to ensure cohesive messaging and broad public engagement in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• 8 years in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably in a nonprofit, government, or mission-driven organization.
• Established network of national and local press contacts, with a proven track record of securing high-impact coverage.
• Strong ability to identify and package compelling narratives that align with institutional goals.
• Experience navigating media crises and rapid response scenarios.
• Experience managing teams, external consultants, and cross-functional projects.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with strategic agility and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Support the VP of Communications in developing and executing a public relations strategy that translates the Foundation’s mission to key external stakeholders.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with national and local traditional media, securing high-impact earned media coverage.
• Work with the social media team to engage audience-based communicators, such as influencers, to amplify the Foundation’s messaging.
• Surface, package, and pitch compelling stories that highlight the Foundation’s impact, leadership, and programming.
• Ensure messaging consistency and alignment across all public-facing communications.
• Lead media strategy, planning, and execution for major Foundation events, announcements, and program milestones.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to maximize press coverage and public engagement.
• Support the development of crisis communications protocols and playbooks.
• Provide strategic counsel and rapid response to emerging media opportunities and challenges.
• Manage relationships with external PR agencies, consultants, and strategic communications partners.
• Oversee contract Deliverables to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s communications goals.
• Provide mentorship and leadership within the communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Work cross-functionally across departments to ensure cohesive messaging and media strategy.
• Identify and execute new opportunities for audience engagement through media and strategic partnerships.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis management

Team leadership

Nonprofit experience

Job description

The Obama Foundation seeks a seasoned Press Secretary to lead external storytelling, build relationships with national and local media, and guide strategic communications across the Foundation. You will focus on earned media, audience cultivation, and partnering with creators to expand the Foundation’s impact.

You will oversee major events, crisis response, and collaborations with consultants to ensure cohesive messaging and broad public engagement in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.