Deputy Press Secretary
If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!
Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to refugees. LIRS has transformed lives with the support and hard work of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States from sea to shining sea.
We help people seeking safety from persecution in their home countries and reunite families torn apart by conflict. We resettle refugees. We protect vulnerable children who arrive alone in the United States. We advocate for compassion and justice for all migrants.
Widely recognized for our expertise in implementing federal programs on behalf of refugees and migrants in the United States, conducts policy advocacy, and advances the protection and rights of vulnerable migrants.
Headquartered in the beautiful Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore we provide services nationwide through a network of staff and affiliates. Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment, professional development, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays PLUS the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave, company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match, Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
The Deputy Press Secretary is a key member of LIRS's communications team, ensuring that the organization's objectives and achievements are communicated effectively and generate earned media coverage. Reporting to and partnering with the Director of Public Relations, the Deputy Press Secretary will focus on proactive and reactive media outreach, including responding to media queries, drafting, and pitching press releases and op-eds, maintaining media lists, and managing press events.
Working closely with the President's Office, programs, advocacy and outreach colleagues, the Deputy Press Secretary's work will raise brand awareness and help advocacy efforts around our key issue areas of refugee resettlement and immigration, and cross-cutting issues such as climate migration. The successful candidate is a strong writer, has a keen sense what makes for a successful story pitch, and enjoys working on a fun, dedicated and fast-paced communications team.
DUTIES
- Promote the mission and advocacy efforts of the largest faith-based organization dedicated exclusively to serving refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants in the U.S.
- Coordinate interviews, draft press releases and talking points, produce rapid-response commentary, and provide journalists with timely and accurate information
- Proactively pitch news stories of LIRS's work, programs, and events
- Cultivate personal relationships with journalists, through one-on-one meetings, briefings, and regular phone and email communications
- Develop creative strategies for communicating with journalists in addition to and beyond traditional news releases
- Draft, pitch and place opinion pieces and letters to the editor in local, national, and online publications on behalf of senior staff, faith leaders, and refugee leaders
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the strategic media plan to achieve LIRS' media relations goals
- Act as key strategic advisor to the Press Secretary, Chief Communications Officer, and President's Office on all media opportunities, including positioning and preparing LIRS experts for interviews and other public engagements
- Leverage social media platforms and relevant PR and media monitoring software to reach journalist and track overage
- Report on progress of media relations efforts and identify opportunities for growth and improvement
- Maintain up-to-date media lists on key topics of importance to the organization
- Develop and nurture relationships with LIRS partners to build communications capacity and increase external visibility
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience in communication and media outreach
- BA or BS with emphasis on language and journalism or relevant work experience
- Commitment to LIRS's core mission and values, and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.
- Demonstrated experience pitching stories and spokespeople to national, local, and digital outlets
- Excellent writer and editor, with experience drafting press releases, op-eds, talking points, and speeches
- Experience successfully pitching and placing op-eds in national, regional, and digital publications
- Existing media relationships in national and key local markets
- Willingness to work outside of normal business hours as dictated by breaking news and stories
- Knowledge of Meltwater, Cision and/or other monitoring and distribution services
- Experience using social media to reach journalists and other key audiences
- Ability to work both as part of a team and independently; strong organizational, interpersonal, and time-management management skills
- Team player, able to work cross-departmentally
- Knowledge of immigration and refugee issues
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.