About This Role
This Public Relations Specialist role is a contract position within a national nonprofit organization's communications team. The specialist will enhance the organization's national presence through media outreach, strategic storytelling, and thought leadership, suiting an experienced communications professional with strong media relationships and excellent writing skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop and pitch compelling story ideas to journalists across national, regional, and local media outlets
- Build and maintain relationships with reporters covering public policy, health, aging, and economic security
- Coordinate media interviews and prepare briefing materials, talking points, and follow-up communications for senior leaders
- Write and edit press releases, statements, articles, blog posts, and opinion pieces
- Identify opportunities to promote organizational programs, research, and advocacy initiatives
- Collaborate with internal teams to communicate policy priorities and key messages to external audiences
- Monitor media coverage, track performance metrics, and report on communications results
- Support executive visibility through speaking engagements, media events, and external conferences
- Monitor media coverage and assist with reputation management and emerging communications issues
Requirements
- 5–7 years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, or journalism
- Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with experience developing articles, blogs, and thought leadership content
- Demonstrated success pitching stories and securing positive media coverage
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and work collaboratively across teams
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Nice to have:
- Knowledge of the U.S. media landscape and established relationships with national, regional, and local journalists
- Experience with media monitoring, tracking, and analytics tools; Cision experience is a plus
- Familiarity with platforms such as Muck Rack, Onclusive, or Meltwater
- Familiarity with advocacy, federal policy, and issues affecting adults aged 60 and older
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) eligibility
- Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven nonprofit organization
- Collaborative communications team environment
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Opportunity to support high-visibility media initiatives and thought leadership