Job Description

BROAD FUNCTION AND SCOPE OF THE POSITION:

As an integral member of JDRF’s National (Central) Marketing and Communications leadership team, the AVP for Public Relations/Media/Celebrity Relations leverages PR and celebrity engagement expertise to develop, implement and manage strategic media relations efforts and celebrity engagement initiatives to shape public opinion and increase awareness of JDRF’s brand, mission, and organizational priorities.

The AVP leads the PR and celebrity engagement team and partners closely with JDRF leadership and departmental teams to ensure coordinated public relations efforts which adhere to organizational messages and priorities. Additionally, the AVP utilizes a thorough understanding of and commitment to JDRF’s message, brand and goals, coupled with superior relationship management skills, to serve as an ambassador/spokesperson for JDRF to media and targeted public figures.

 CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and manage media relations and celebrity engagement strategies targeted at cultivating and enhancing relationships with key players in the media and celebrities/influencers with the goal of promoting JDRF’s mission and enhancing JDRF’s public opinion, awareness and social platforms
• Advise JDRF leadership, including members of the executive team, regarding media and celebrity engagement opportunities. Utilize strong relationships with leadership to collaboratively cultivate media pitches which promote key messages
• Develop effective tools to document, measure and evaluate effectiveness of media relations and celebrity engagement efforts and report out on results
• Develop strong relationships with key members of the media and actively engage both media and celebrity partners to facilitate solid and responsible coverage/ public mentions of JDRF’s mission, actions, and initiatives
• Draft public statements and releases, coordinate internal review processes, and report on outcomes
• Establish a thought leadership/expertise outreach strategy and secure leadership buy in for participation
• Support organization-wide reputation efforts, developing impactful narratives about JDRF priorities
• Produce ongoing stories for both external audiences and internal communications channels
• Respond to media inquiries regarding organization. Support issues management activity and crisis communications in partnership with leadership and stakeholders across the organization
• Manage the public relations and celebrity engagement team, driving a service model where the team provides counsel and tactical support to stakeholders across the organization and advances organizational priorities and constituent-specific goals. Ensure coordination of efforts and adherence to organizational messages and priorities.
• As needed, train JDRF leadership and public facing stakeholders in the JDRF story, brand, and messaging

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related field preferred
• Master’s degree a plus
• 10+ years of relevant experience; demonstrated knowledge of PR best practices
• 3-5+ years of experience managing a team of PR/marketing/communications professionals
• Experience with crisis PR
• Demonstrated experience effectively positioning messaging with media and established relationships with media outlets (mainstream and health related)
• Experience with celebrity engagement
• Experience working with PR agencies preferred
• Active social media presence across social channels with an understanding of messaging approach by channel

ADDITIONAL SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Creative, collaborative leader with the ability to anticipate needs, form positive relationships, create a consensus among multiple parties and represent the needs of the marketing and communications departments
• Extensive relationships with key members of the media/media outlets and key celebrities/celebrity representatives. Demonstrated ability to successfully position subject matter with the media important
• Expert understanding of news cycle and how to best capitalize on it/recognizes the importance of timeliness, as well as when to offer opportunities for exclusive coverage
• Discretion and management experience working with stakeholders and handling confidential information and sensitive matters
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute communication plans with measurable impact
• Demonstrated experience writing various communications modalities, such as briefings, news releases, Op-Eds/commentary, talking points, scripts, and general correspondence concerning the organization’s initiatives, strategies, goals, and performance.
• Ability to manage projects and programs, which includes planning, developing timelines, determining resource requirements, evaluating progress, and reporting results
• Background in the nonprofit sector and or experience with fundraising/development organizations a plus

Additional Information

To protect the health and safety of our employees, all new hires are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.  The only potential exception to this rule is for applicants who cannot be vaccinated due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief.

JDRF supports a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.