Media Relations Manager

Media Relations Manager

Job Opening: Media Relations Manager
Start Date: December 2019, potentially sooner
Location: New York City or Washington, DC highly preferred; Qualified candidates who live elsewhere in the U.S. will be considered for remote work.

 

About Bend the Arc:

Bend the Arc is a movement of over 125,000 progressive Jews across America who are working together to achieve our vision: to transform our country to be inclusive, equitable, and supportive of the dignity of every person across race, class, gender and faith. We are the only national Jewish organization focused exclusively on social change in the U.S.

For years, we’ve worked to build a more just society. Now we’re fighting for the soul of our nation and rising up in solidarity with everyone threatened by the Trump’s attacks on immigrants, Muslims, people of color, our communities, and our democracy.

The Bend the Arc family of organizations consists of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, our 501(c)(4) organizing and advocacy arm; Bend the Arc: Jewish Action PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting candidates for federal office who champion our values; and Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice, our 501(c)(3) education and leadership arm. Headquartered in New York City, we have offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Oakland, with volunteer-led local groups organizing nationwide.

 

Position:

Bend the Arc is seeking a Media Relations Manager to tell the story of Bend the Arc’s campaigns, leaders, and impact through the press. Do you love spotting media moments, writing compelling messages, and seeing a story that you shaped be read, heard, or watched by thousands? If so, read on!

As Media Relations Manager you’ll identify, create, and maximize opportunities for us to deliver our message through a range of media, including print, digital, and broadcast. You will also support our growing national field to earn local press, capitalize on our increased national visibility, and help us break through the noise of chaotic news cycles and misinformation campaigns as we approach the 2020 election. The Media Relations Manager would also manage the work of external consultants providing media relations support.

The Media Relations Manager will report to the Director of Communications, and will work collaboratively across Bend the Arc’s impact team (including Communications, DC, Field, and Program staff).

 

Here’s what you’d do in the job:

  • Proactively shape the public’s understanding of Bend the Arc, from our work mobilizing Jewish resistance to developing the next generation of leaders to building the inclusive, multiracial democracy of the future.
  • Identify media opportunities for Bend the Arc campaigns and issues to win in the news cycle.
  • Earn coverage in national and local mainstream media, Jewish media, and progressive media, including radio and television.
  • Develop a creative and comprehensive media plan that enables Bend the Arc to reach our goals, priorities, and audiences, with impact and efficiency.
  • Capture Bend the Arc’s unique and moral voice in drafting op-eds, statements, press releases, media advisories, talking points, and letters to the editor.
  • Build and nurture relationships with established and emerging reporters and producers.
  • Collaborate across teams to develop effective talking points for campaign and rapid response opportunities and prepare staff and leaders for media interviews.
  • Assist in the writing or review of medium- and long-form prepared remarks by Bend the Arc staff and leaders, as needed.
  • Lead on crisis communications, in consultation with the Communications Director.
  • Create and maintain press lists tailored to Bend the Arc’s different audiences and subject areas.
  • Monitor, analyze and report to team and staff on media coverage.
  • Manage consultants and vendors, as needed.

 

You could be great for this job if you have:

  • At least 5-8 years of relevant experience (paid or unpaid) leading work in public relations, journalism, or communications, in a political, nonprofit, or advocacy setting.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; high level of attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines with a commitment to maintaining quality.
  • Proven track record of working with media to achieve high-impact placements across news, op-eds and editorials.
  • Experience pitching local, state and national media; ability to build and lead pitch strategies.
  • Existing relationships with reporters and editors, and solid relationship-building skills.
  • Strong knowledge of communications and press relations best practices.
  • Creativity, flexibility and comfort working in a fast-paced environment to capitalize on unanticipated opportunities to advance Bend the Arc’s mission.
  • Commitment to social justice, anti-oppression practices, the mission of Bend the Arc, and working at a values-based organization with a high emphasis on mutual respect, intentional workplace culture, and a commitment to racial equity.

 

Although not required, a strong candidate may also have some of the following:

  • Proficiency with Meltwater or Cision software.
  • An understanding of the policy and political landscape around white nationalism, antisemitism, immigration, racial justice, economic justice or protecting our democracy.
  • Active involvement in social movements that work to support the above.
  • Racial equity or anti-oppression training.

 

Compensation and Schedule:

This is a full-time position, with occasional evening or weekend work based on need. The annual salary range is $70,000-85,000 depending on experience.

Bend the Arc offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical, dental and vision benefits fully paid for by Bend the Arc for individual coverage and generous employer contribution of 80% toward monthly premiums for dependent and family coverage;
  • Long and short term disability benefits fully paid for by Bend the Arc;
  • 401K with employer contribution of 2% after your first year;
  • Paid time off including:
    • 15 vacation days during your first three years with an increase to 20 vacation days in your fourth year
    • 12 sick days per year
    • 23 paid holidays each year
    • Generous Caregiving / Personal Leave of Absence policy with a Paid Leave Benefit that covers 3 weeks of paid leave for each year of employment, up to 12 paid weeks after four years on staff
    • Fully paid Sabbatical of up to 12 weeks for long-term employees;
  • Adoption Assistance Program providing reimbursement of up to $1,500 for qualified adoption expenses;
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account;
  • Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account for eligible health related expenses
  • Commuter Benefits;
  • Employee Assistance Program;
  • Life Insurance fully paid for by Bend the Arc
  • And more!

In addition to this benefits package, Bend the Arc has a commitment to a thriving and intentional organizational culture, as well as a commitment with staff and board to be in ongoing practice and learning around racial equity and inclusion.

 

To Apply:

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to [email protected] with “Media Relations Manager” in the subject line of your message. Your cover letter should share why you want to work at Bend the Arc, as well as an example of a successful pitch, placement, or story you’ve shaped.

The deadline to apply is by midnight on 11/24/19 or until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning immediately. Please note that interviews will begin when a critical mass of applications are received, so we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

No phone calls please. We sincerely regret that we will not be able to respond to all applicants. Only those considered for the position will be contacted to interview.

Bend the Arc values a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture because we recognize that diversity within our staff helps us organize and work well with diverse Jewish and progressive constituencies. Candidates should be willing to work within the Jewish community, but may be of any (or no) faith or background. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and record of arrest or conviction. Bend the Arc is an equal opportunity employer.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understand the scope of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the position.