Manager, Brand Communications & Public RelationsPosition Overview
The Manager, Brand Communications & Public Relations leads Room to Read's global brand communications and public relations efforts to strengthen the organization's reputation, increase visibility, and support fundraising goals.
Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, this role develops and implements communications strategies, manages media relationships, oversees brand messaging, and supports corporate partnerships, executive communications, and major events.
The Manager supervises the Public Relations and Corporate Communications Associate based in London and manages Room to Read's external communications and public relations agency. The position works closely with executive leadership, fundraising teams, and colleagues across the organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
Brand Communications Strategy (25%)
- Develop and maintain consistent brand messaging that communicates Room to Read's mission, programs, and impact.
- Create and update messaging materials, guidelines, and resources for staff, board members, and external partners.
- Train and support organizational spokespeople to communicate key messages effectively.
- Collaborate with program and research teams to incorporate accurate data and impact stories into communications.
- Ensure consistent messaging across digital platforms, publications, social media, and media coverage.
- Support crisis communications planning and response.
Partnerships & Event Support (25%)
- Provide communications and public relations support for corporate and foundation partnerships.
- Collaborate with fundraising and program teams on communications initiatives that support donor engagement and organizational priorities.
- Develop public relations strategies for major fundraising events, including galas and virtual events.
- Create speeches, scripts, talking points, and other materials for executives and board members participating in events.
- Identify opportunities to increase media coverage and visibility through partnerships and events.
Media Relations & Thought Leadership (20%)
- Develop and implement global media relations strategies to increase awareness of Room to Read.
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and other key contacts.
- Identify compelling stories, develop media pitches, and secure coverage across print, broadcast, and digital channels.
- Draft and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, and other executive communications.
- Support media interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities for senior leadership.
- Maintain accurate media contact records and track media engagement.
- Manage the external public relations agency, including priorities, deliverables, timelines, and performance.
Advertising & Influencer Engagement (20%)
- Identify and secure pro bono advertising opportunities to expand Room to Read's visibility.
- Work with creative partners to develop advertising content for print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
- Build and maintain relationships with ambassadors, celebrities, and influencers.
- Coordinate ambassador and influencer participation in campaigns, events, and fundraising initiatives.
- Identify and cultivate new ambassadors and opportunities for partnerships.
Leadership & Team Management (10%)
- Lead brand communications and public relations planning and contribute to departmental goals and priorities.
- Supervise, coach, and support direct reports, including performance management and professional development.
- Manage agency relationships and coordinate communications activities across teams.
- Contribute to budget planning, tracking, and reporting.
- Monitor progress and report on communications activities and results.
What Success Looks Like
- Stronger Brand Visibility: Room to Read gains meaningful media coverage and increased awareness among priority audiences.
- Consistent Messaging: Staff, leadership, board members, and partners communicate clear, accurate, and compelling messages about Room to Read's mission and impact.
- Effective Media Relationships: Strong relationships with journalists and media outlets generate ongoing opportunities for coverage and thought leadership.
- Successful Partnerships: Communications initiatives strengthen corporate, foundation, ambassador, and influencer relationships while supporting fundraising goals.
- Impactful Events: Major events benefit from effective public relations strategies, compelling executive messaging, and opportunities for media exposure.
- Strong Team Performance: Staff and external agency partners deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and contribute to organizational priorities.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of relevant experience in public relations, brand communications, corporate communications, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications and public relations strategies.
- Strong media relations experience, including building journalist relationships, pitching stories, and securing media coverage.
- Excellent writing and editing skills, including experience developing press releases, speeches, executive communications, and brand messaging.
- Experience working with senior leaders on executive communications, media engagement, or thought leadership.
- Experience developing communications content across digital, print, social media, and other platforms.
- Ability to build and manage relationships with external partners, agencies, influencers, and internal stakeholders.
- Experience managing projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines across multiple communications initiatives.
- Experience supervising staff or leading the work of colleagues, agencies, or external partners.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
We Offer
The salary range for this role is $86,000 to $97,000. Compensation may vary depending on several factors including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, and relevant education or certifications. Benefits include:
- 100% employer-paid premiums for your medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 50% medical and 100% dental and vision premium coverage for eligible dependents
- 22 days of PTO (+1 additional day accrued each year up to 27 days)
- Immediate enrollment in a 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match
- $600/yr allowance for home office
Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read's Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.
