Communications Officer
Feb 24, 2022 |
JRS/USA seeks an energetic, self-starter as a Communications Officer to develop and execute innovative communications strategies, with a focus on media relations. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this full-time position of Communications Officer will ensure JRS/USA is communicating effectively to our key audiences and stakeholders – including donors, advocates, and the Jesuit network – through support to overall JRS communications and visibility, relationship building, and the timely production of strategies, pitches, campaigns, and content. Job Responsibilities Media Relations and Visibility (75% of time)
- Play a key role in developing and executing a strategy to increase visibility for JRS/USA.
- Grow JRS/USA’s visibility through the external coverage of organizational accomplishments and placement of JRS/USA’s opinions and expertise.
- Generate ideas to publicize JRS’s accomplishments, expertise, and mission
- Help promote positive refugee stories and voices in media.
- Build and maintain relationships with key reporters.
- Build and maintain relationships with colleagues around the globe to source content and identify spokespeople.
- Support advocacy goals through media engagement.
- Support positioning Executive Director as leader and expert by creating content for and helping to manage her social media and thought leadership engagement.
- Monitor for news and “noise” about JRS/USA and refugee issues, making colleagues aware of any breaking news, and tailoring content and pitches to capture momentum.
- Write statements, releases, and quotes in response to moving news or organizational activity and share with reporters.
- Work closely with JRS’s international team to ensure brand and voice are consistent.
- Identify, manage, and collaborate with vendors and consultants on an as-needed basis.
- Develop ideas for content, campaigns, and strategies to help JRS/USA’s overall communications strategy.
- Contribute to production of content (web stories, videos, social media, stories, and publications) that engages JRS/USA’s key audience and leads to measurable action.
- Travel to collect and solicit new content
- Lead in other aspects of the implementation of JRS/USA’s overall communications strategy as needed (e.g. event support, digital campaigns, publications)
- Bachelor's in advertising, communications, marketing, public/media relations, or related area of study.
- 4+ years of experience working in communications or public relations.
- Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
- Experience successfully placing opinions, editorials, or thought leadership pieces in outside publications.
- Experience using media monitoring or database tool, especially Meltwater also a plus.
- Awareness of or relationships with religious/Catholic media and/or media who cover humanitarian or migration issues a plus
- Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, program participants, and other supporters.
- Commitment to equity, and a strong belief that everyone deserves a safe home and a hopeful future.
- Self-starter, able to work independently; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives and exploring new strategies and technologies in the field of communications.
- A positive attitude and a good sense of humor.
