Reach Out and Read Director of Public Relations

Accountabilities:: Serve as the primary editor for External Affairs content across social media, print, digital, web, email, fundraising, policy, and executive communications. Develop and refine brand messaging, message frameworks, talking points, and thought-leadership content for high-priority initiatives. Translate complex early childhood, healthcare, research, and policy topics into accessible, engaging, and memorable communications. Partner with subject-matter experts, senior leaders, clinicians, and Affiliates to maintain consistent messaging and organizational voice. Maintain editorial standards, style guidance, templates, review processes, and quality-control practices. Coach internal writers and contributors while strengthening editorial workflows and content development processes. Provide editorial guidance during crisis or high-risk situations and help develop timely communications with senior leadership. Lead the day-to-day relationship with the external public relations firm, setting priorities and directing an integrated earned media strategy. Develop press releases, op-eds, media pitches, story ideas, talking points, and briefing materials. Identify timely news angles and opportunities to strengthen national visibility and thought leadership. Partner with Affiliates, clinicians, and organizational leaders to generate local and regional coverage and prepare spokespeople for interviews. Guide rapid-response communications during high-stakes or time-sensitive situations. Establish goals and evaluate earned media performance to inform future communications strategy. Partner on social media strategy and review major campaigns and content for editorial quality and audience engagement. Ensure earned, paid, social, and owned content work together to maximize the reach and impact of priority stories. Use performance data and platform trends to refine content strategies and provide Affiliates with adaptable communications resources. Serve as a senior communications adviser across the organization and support alignment between editorial, reputation, marketing, and creative strategies. Help prioritize the External Affairs editorial and media portfolio and manage communications vendors as assigned. Requirements: 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, communications, editorial strategy, or a related field, including significant media and editorial leadership. Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a portfolio demonstrating the ability to develop high-level messaging in a distinctive and consistent voice for varied audiences. Deep experience working with reporters and managing public relations firms or external communications agencies, including strategy, deliverables, and performance evaluation. Strong news judgment and editorial governance skills, with the ability to identify compelling stories and timely media opportunities. Demonstrated ability to translate complex research, policy, health, education, or programmatic information into clear and accessible communications. Strong project leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives and deadlines in a fast-paced remote environment. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust with senior leaders, clinicians, Affiliates, external partners, and other stakeholders. Strong storytelling instincts and an entrepreneurial, proactive approach to identifying opportunities and developing new approaches. Experience in nonprofit or other mission-driven environments is strongly preferred. Experience working within a national organization is a plus. Background in early childhood, healthcare, education, public policy, or related fields is advantageous. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equitable opportunities and outcomes for children and understanding how factors such as race, ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status can influence outcomes. Ability to work collaboratively while exercising independent judgment and managing sensitive communications. Willingness to travel occasionally as required. Benefits: Salary range of $96,000–$102,000, commensurate with experience. Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) retirement plan with employer match. Paid time off. Full-time, exempt position. Fully remote work from a home-based office anywhere in the United States. Opportunity to shape national editorial, media, and thought-leadership strategy. High-visibility role working closely with senior leadership, clinicians, and a broad national network. Opportunity to contribute to mission-driven communications at the intersection of health, education, and early childhood development. Occasional travel opportunities connected to organizational priorities and events.