Director Of Media Relations

Staten Island, New York
Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.

The Director, Media Relations serves to strategically and proactively raise the local, regional and national profile of the Foundation through strategic communications. This position will lead media relations/communications support for all programs, events & initiatives. Working with VP of Marketing, Communications & the Director of Marketing, Communications this position will lead all national marketing and communications launches. The Director, Media Relations position is responsible for supporting national, regional and local media and communications outreach, working collaboratively with the editorial team on campaigns in social media and the website to promote awareness of T2T events and programs, and ensure our messaging is reaching intended audiences.

Duties and responsibilities

• In consultation with VP of Marketing & Communications develop and manage strategic earned media strategies for national launches of public awareness campaigns, foundation news, cause marketing campaigns, press conferences and broadcast interviews.
• Consistently amplify awareness of T2T initiatives with strategic engagement strategies that use all forms of media including journalists, bloggers, vloggers and key opinion formers.
• Monitor the Foundation’s competition and coverage; develop actionable strategies from learnings.
• Build relationships with program and development staff and provide communications support for fundraising events and programs across all field offices.
• Develop communications strategies to support corporate cause marketing campaigns
• Identify, develop and implement communications strategies in key media markets.
• Develop and disseminate tool kits for local run/walk/climb volunteer directors to promote local-level events and national events. Tool kits include press release templates, media contact lists, social media graphics, tips on best practices and other relevant information.
• Develop and pitch national programs, initiatives and events to national, regional and local markets; and assist with pitching field level events to local media.
• Create an editorial calendar for all national launches and/or events to ensure that key external communications are being deployed.
• Supervise the production of weekly, monthly and quarterly earned media reports for use with internal and external stakeholders.
• Use Meltwater software to compile appropriate media contact lists per target market with support from department staff.
• Ensure the department team maintains updated traditional media and blogger lists.
• Book and schedule program home dedication briefings and interviews with reporters, producers and contributors/influencers and conduct all thorough follow-up as appropriate.
• Draft copy for a wide variety of writing assignments as assigned ranging from complex medical topics to consumer topics.
• In consultation with VP of Marketing & Communications and the Director of Marketing & Communications manage crisis communications for foundation and its local volunteer events.
• Working with VP of Marketing & Communications assist in managing external agency consultants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a focus on Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism.
• Minimum 20 years of communications and media relations experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization, military or public administration, or public relations agency, including minimum of 5 years social media experience on all major social media platforms.
• Exceptional writing skills and able to visualize and translate complex messaging into relevant and interesting cross-platform content.
• Excellent relationships with reporters covering military, first responder or similar communities.
• Proven experience securing national coverage in both traditional media (newspapers, magazines, TV) and online media is a must.
• Experience working with diverse audiences and media outlets across all platforms.
• Experience with national television guest booking and segment development.
• Experience developing and managing strategic media relations initiatives with significant public profile.
• Understanding of digital marketing channels and digital-first PR strategies, including social media optimization, SEO-optimization, cross-linking, and KPIs.
• Must exhibit creativity in programs and approaches and an ongoing ability to adapt to change.
• Must be able to efficiently and independently manage projects and issues within a fast-paced department working on fluctuating deadlines.
• Must be able to write effective press statements and responses that incorporate input from foundation leaders and other experts.
• Impeccable attention to detail and ability to self-edit.
• Experience producing video content for broadcast and/or social media a plus.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office applications. (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Good interpersonal skills that include the ability to effectively communicate in both writing and verbally and manage through a sphere of influence.
• Must possess excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate supportive and collaborative relationships with peers, clients, partners, and executives.
• Must be a self-starter and work with a high level of initiative and flexibility.
• Ability to remain professional under high pressure situations.
• Ability to retain and protect confidential material.

*Kindly submit a cover letter along with your resume

Working conditions

Special Working conditions may include: a change in days worked, shift hours, and/or working conditions (outdoors or other locations) when participating and assisting in special events such as: NYC Tunnel to Towers Run, golf outings, and other fundraising events, as required.