Media Relations Manager

Media Relations Manager
Any CEO Office Location
Hybrid
Anticipated deadline to submit application: February 1, 2024 before 5 pm ET. Position may close early if application limit is met. Apply promptly for full consideration

The Opportunity

The Media Relations Manager is responsible for all day-to-day Media Relations and communications efforts to increase the organization’s brand, program, values, voice, and influence. They collaborate closely with CEO’s local site teams, senior and executive staff, and external consultants and vendors to generate impactful media placements and develop high-quality campaigns to deepen engagement with key audiences, shift public opinion, and advance CEO’s policy agenda. They also serve as a key liaison and thought partner to the policy team on strategic advocacy communications. They further support other ad hoc communications projects in collaboration with CEO’s fundraising and program teams.

As part of our mission, we strongly encourage individuals who have lived experience of incarceration or involvement in the justice system to apply for this role.

Who We Are

The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides employment services to people recently released from incarceration. Across the United States, 8,000-9,000 people participate in CEO each year, transitioning to employment that supports themselves, their families, and their communities.

What began as a demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice in the 1970s to address employment barriers facing the formerly incarcerated following release in New York City has grown into the leading reentry employment organization in the country, where over 30,000 formerly incarcerated individuals have secured full-time employment since 1996.

Who You Are

• You have exceptional written and verbal (including presentation) skills
• You have exceptional organizational and project management skills
• You have the ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners, vendors, volunteers, and interns
• You have the ability to think creatively and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• You have the ability to maintain a positive attitude and solution-based approach in high pressure or difficult situations
• You have a commitment to CEO’s mission and interest in working in a fast paced, growing, results oriented nonprofit environment
• You have 5+ years of direct Media Relations and advocacy communications experience
• You have demonstrated experience in the following:
  • securing consistent high-profile national and regional media coverage and op-ed placements
  • developing and managing top-tier national, regional and niche Media Relationships
  • translating complex policy issues into compelling and easily digestible public-facing messaging
  • using media database and management systems, such as Cision, Muckrack and/or Meltwater
  • managing communications firms/consultants and other vendors
  • tracking and utilizing media analytics to improve and report out on Media Relations outcomes
  • ethical and responsible storytelling/collection

What You’ll Be Responsible For

These responsibilities are representative, but not all-inclusive of the responsibilities of this role:

Media Program Management

• Develop and implement a comprehensive media plan annually
• Manage regional and national media strategy and implementation to advance CEO’s strategic priorities
• Develop and maintain relationships with key national and regional media; maintain CEO’s media database, regularly updating key target lists
• Screen incoming media inquiries and coordinate responses, liaising with CEO staff, participants, board members and partners
• Conduct interviews with staff, partners, participants and other key stakeholders
• Write and edit compelling blog posts, op-eds, press releases, statements, media advisories, pitches, stories and emails
• Develop and maintain talking points for key issues/campaigns
• Develop and provide ongoing media training for staff on an ongoing basis
• Prep staff and participants for media opportunities and other public speaking events
• Track organizational and related media coverage and flag breaking news or other coverage that could impact CEO’s work
• Regularly report on media outcomes and impacts
• Manage relationships and engagement with outside media consultants, firms and vendors
• Support crisis response and efforts to manage reputational risks to CEO’s brand
• Develop media templates (press releases, statements, talking points, etc.), conduct staff trainings, and create supporting materials
• Review content produced by other staff members to ensure it complies with CEO messaging, brand and style guidelines
• Maintain sections of the website including “In the News,” “Releases and Statements,” and “Media”
• Ensure media contracts and agreements are up to date and reconciled with budget

Advocacy Communications

• Work with Director, Communications to develop and implement strategic communications plans around federal and state advocacy campaigns
• Work collaboratively with the policy team and organizing team to communicate compelling narratives that advance CEO’s policy agenda
• Develop talking points, in collaboration with policy and organizing team and participants, for key advocacy initiatives, public speaking opportunities, and events
• Provide ongoing media/speaker training, preparation and education to policy and organizing team; support advocacy & leadership development programs as needed
• Present and provide advocacy communications trainings to internal and external audiences that build support and capacity for CEO and it’s policy priorities
• Work collaboratively with the policy and organizing team to strategically build the organization’s email advocacy capacity, including use of advocacy CRM platforms, drafting action alerts, and managing list acquisition

Communications and Marketing Team Support

• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with CEO staff
• Manage the work plans and products of VISTA volunteers and associates
• Ensure partners, media outlets, and other internal and external stakeholders have the assets and messaging they need to promote CEO brand, stories, and calls to action
• Assist with ad hoc video/photography as needed
• Work with external consultants, including graphic designers, videographers, video editors, photographers, illustrators, animators, and event producers
• Oversight, and direct responsibility for, other administrative tasks being performed that support the main functions of the role

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,900-$101,500/annually. CEO's compensation philosophy considers a variety of factors including experience, internal equity, and the labor market associated with the city in which the position is located. The labor markets associated with the cities in which CEO is based are variable, and the salary range included here reflects this. Our salary offer will fall within this range and will be reflective of the labor market of the city in which the position is based, as well the other factors named above.

We recognize that salary is a part of the overall compensation package and also provide a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental coverage, as well as professional development opportunities and training, including regular training opportunities in Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is one evidence-based skill that reentry and human service professionals can utilize when supporting participants to achieve their goals.

We also offer paid parental leave, participation in a retirement plan, sick and vacation leave, paid holidays and more. We are a workplace that promotes continual learning and teamwork, offering lunch and learns, team outings, holiday gatherings and more for our staff.

More About Us

The Center for Employment Opportunities believes that everyone deserves the chance to shape a stronger future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our commitment to being an anti-racist organization that is inclusive across all identities and experiences drives us forward every day. We exist to create greater opportunities for people who face multiple barriers to personal and professional success, and we’re passionate about being agents of change who promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all.

People who are justice involved, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQ+ , and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels. CEO’s commitment to DEI aligns with the CROWN Act, creating an open space where our employees can present as their true authentic selves. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.