Strategic Communications & PR Leader

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

Job summary

Autism Speaks seeks a Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations to lead proactive media efforts and support executive communications in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.

The role involves pitching media opportunities, managing relationships with journalists, drafting messaging, and coordinating coverage across national, regional, and trade outlets to advance Autism Speaks’ mission.

Qualifications

• Track record of pitching and securing media coverage.
• Experience drafting and editing media materials such as press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents.
• Experience working with media monitoring, distribution, or reporting platforms.
• Availability for occasional travel, generally a few times per year and time-sensitive evening or weekend assignments.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex topics into clear messaging.

Responsibilities

• Support proactive media strategies tied to organizational priorities, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and major announcements.
• Actively pitch, secure, coordinate, and staff national, regional, local, and trade media opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, producers, editors, and freelance writers.
• Draft and edit communications materials including press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents.
• Support media interview preparation for executives, spokespeople, self-advocates, families, researchers, partners, and ambassadors.
• Monitor news cycles, identify timely opportunities for media engagement, and support rapid-response communications and sensitive media inquiries as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify stories, spokespeople, and community perspectives that support communications priorities.
• Help maintain consistency across external communications materials and public-facing messaging.
• Help manage media lists, coverage tracking, reporting, and communications resources.

Skills

Pitching & media

Media relations

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Tools

Media monitoring platforms

Job description

Autism Speaks seeks a Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations to lead proactive media efforts and support executive communications in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.

The role involves pitching media opportunities, managing relationships with journalists, drafting messaging, and coordinating coverage across national, regional, and trade outlets to advance Autism Speaks’ mission.