Media And Public Relations Manager

Summary

Join Upstream USA as their Media & Public Relations Manager, reporting to the VP of Brand Marketing. You will be instrumental in advancing Upstream's strategic goals by developing and executing media plans, building relationships with journalists, and creating engaging PR campaigns. Responsibilities include crafting compelling pitches, spearheading media training, and utilizing media monitoring software. The ideal candidate possesses a BA/BS in a relevant field, 5-7+ years of experience, superior writing and editing skills, and experience in managing issue campaigns. Upstream offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid time off. This role requires up to 10% business travel.

Requirements

• BA/BS in journalism, communications, or similar field preferred
• 5-7+ of experience in these fields or a combination of education and experience
• Superior writing and editing skills, including demonstrated ability to understand and communicate complex, technical, or sensitive topics clearly, concisely, and engagingly
• Strong pitching skills; approaches each media opportunity with a strategic mindset
• Experience in creating and managing issue campaigns that promote public awareness, social change, or policy reform, especially related to reproductive health
• Experience collaborating with external affairs and/or fundraising teams to manage stakeholder relationships and public narratives
• Proven knowledge of media trends and a strong understanding of generating favorable traction in the media
• Proficient in the Google suite of products; Meltwater experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media plans to promote Upstream’s role as a trusted partner to healthcare organizations, including FQHCs, larger healthcare systems, local health systems and networks, and family planning clinics
• Identify and build relationships with journalists, editors, producers and media outlets that can help tell Upstream’s stories
• Create innovative and engaging public relations and media campaigns in partnership with internal teams and external agency partners
• Develop localized press strategies and relationships in priority geographies in partnership with the Vice President of Brand Marketing
• Create and edit compelling, data-driven pitches and press engagement materials (press releases, advisories, talking points, letters-to-the-editor, op-eds, fact sheets, and briefings)
• Spearhead interview prep for organizational spokespeople, conducting research and curating relevant information from other departments
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Brand Marketing, spearhead media trainings for Upstream employees and/or spokespeople as needed
• Support the development and launch of a formal messaging program; ensure organizational materials consistently articulate the organization’s mission and core messages
• Participate in social media strategy and content production, ensuring appropriate tone and positioning
• Serve as a superuser for Meltwater (media monitoring software), track and analyze coverage of issues important to the organization; conduct reporter research, build press lists; determine and report on press metrics
• Maintain good relationships with media houses and freelance journalists
• Proactively identify and draft proposals and nominations for speaking engagements and awards to elevate the profile of Upstream, its internal expertise and the impact it’s having in communities across the country
• Develop and execute plans for organizational events with external audiences, including press conferences, round table and panel discussions and site visits with any healthcare partner
• Additional duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in reproductive health landscape and strong alignment with Upstream’s mission, values and Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) goals
• Extremely organized and pays keen attention to details
• Deadline oriented and adept at developing and using work plans
• Confident and proactive self-starter with ability to take initiative and work well independently
• Highly collaborative with excellent interpersonal skills; Builds and maintains positive, productive relationships with colleagues and team members throughout the organization and across the country
• Finds excitement in working for a rapidly growing organization and can adjust/pivot quickly
• Exercises discretion and sound judgment
• Employs a creative and strategic approach to problem-solving
• Sense of humor

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life insurance
• Long and short term disability
• 401K with a match
• Generous vacation, personal, sick and holiday time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development
• A fitness and cell phone allowance for all full time employees and part time employees who work a minimum of 24 hours per week