SR. PRESS OFFICER, HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

JOB SUMMARY:

CARE is hiring a Senior Press Officer for its Media and Communications team to help manage and execute CARE’s strategic media relations in order to further our organizational objectives so we can continue to grow our voice, profile, and message-pull through in US and global media. 
With a focus on proactive media engagement and strategic relationship-building with journalists, the candidate will work across the global CARE Network to raise the profile of our development and humanitarian work – as well as our advocacy and fundraising priorities – in US and international media. They will do so by:

• Helping to develop, manage and/or execute communications strategies that support CARE's signature issues, humanitarian/development programs, advocacy priorities and fundraising goals. 
• Identifying unique opportunities for CARE media coverage in line with our strategic priorities.
• Helping to develop, manage and/or execute CARE’s media relations strategy to elevate the voices of CARE’s thought leaders and subject matter experts.
• Providing focused media relations support to CARE teams in select regions.
• Supporting media relations efforts around CARE’s humanitarian crisis responses, coordinating with CARE’s Country, Regional and other global teams to help ensure timely outreach and quality earned placement.
Reporting to the Director of Media and Communications, the ideal candidate has a strong background working on a media relations team – preferably in a humanitarian or a development context – and an appreciation for international affairs. They should also be an strong writer, and have a passion for our mission to end hunger and poverty through a more inclusive world. Strong preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with a humanitarian or a development NGO. 

This role is US-based, and while it can be remote, preference will be given to candidates based in New York City, Washington, DC, or Atlanta. Preference will also be given Spanish-speakers.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Relations Management

• Build and cultivate CARE's relationship with key editors/journalists/outlets that keep the public informed on issues related to fighting poverty, responding to emergencies, and empowering girls and women. In addition to top tier legacy media, Senior Press Officer will also strategically target emerging "new" media outlets/reporters/influencers (podcasts, independant outlets, newsletters, etc.)
• Help develop and implement strategies for communicating CARE's signature issues and/or advocacy priorities to the public. This includes positioning CARE in a way that drive's home the organization's distinctiveness, targets desired audiences, and results in a well-defined sub-brand. Building CARE's growing Thought Leadership work is a key component of this role.
• Increase public awareness of CARE by promoting its poverty-fighting work and women's empowerment brand across US and global media. This includes strategically and proactively pitching to media to secure CARE coverage and managing and responding to media inquiries.
  • Disseminating relevant and timely pitches, press releases and statements to targeted journalists.
  • Vetting media inquiries and obtaining information for journalists/producers who contact CARE from US outlets.
  • Connecting journalists with appropriate CARE colleagues, and staffing interviews as needed.
  • Seeking out opportunities for journalists to visit CARE programs.  
  • Organizing press briefings.
   
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  The role also involves media tracking and monitoring, of CARE coverage and of topics relevant to CARE's programs, using media monitoring and AI tools.
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Messaging and Content Development

• In collaboration with CARE colleagues across the organization -- including senior leadership -- develops/drafts, edits, obtains approvals for, and disseminates (and posts to web) press releases and statements as needed, often on short notice.

Spokesperson Management

• Identify and support spokespeople -- often members of CARE's senior leadership -- and ensure they are prepared for interviews. This includes developing/drafting, obtaining approvals for, and disseminating talking points and briefing packets; as well as managing media trainings/workshops for spokespeople, both on a consistent and ad hoc basis. Occasionally, serve as spokesperson, as needed. 

Humanitarian Response 

• Help manage and support CARE's media relations work during a humanitarian crisis or major event, i.e outbreak of armed conflict, earthquakes, typhoons, etc. This includes lining up talking points, spokespeople, identifying unique opportunities for CARE coverage, identifying key journalists covering the crisis and ensuring they receive CARE updates/pitches, staffing interviews as needed, and tracking coverage.
• This work is done in partnership/collaboration with CARE’s global Regional Communications Advisors, key country-level CARE stakeholders, and other communications colleagues who are part of the global CARE network.