Director of Public Relations & Editorial Job at L'Alliance New York in New York

Overview

Director of Public Relations & Editorial

Job title: Director of Public Relations & Editorial. Department: Marketing & Communications. Reports To: VP of Marketing & Communications. Designation: Full-Time / Exempt. Salary: $85,000 - $100,000. Start Date: September 2025. Work Model: Hybrid / Majority in-person.

To spread joie de vivre through language, culture, and connection. L’Alliance New York is the city’s premier center for French language and francophone arts and cultures. As a nonprofit organization, the mission is to provide engaging French language classes and audacious multi-disciplinary programming that celebrates the diversity of francophone cultures and creativity around the world.

Position Summary: L’Alliance New York seeks an experienced, organized, versatile, and editorially sharp Director of Public Relations & Editorial to lead public-facing communications. This role shapes the voice of L’Alliance New York, managing media relationships, press and public relations, content creation, and ensuring brand voice consistency across platforms. Responsibilities include developing and executing internal and external communication strategies, maintaining positive public image, mentoring staff, and fostering collaboration with internal teams and external partners. The role reports to the VP of Marketing & Communications and sits as a senior member of the Marketing & Communications team.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Develop and drive a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with organizational objectives, including brand awareness, program promotion, and crisis communication protocols.
• Lead the development, documentation, and implementation of efficient processes for marketing and communication materials.
• Track key performance indicators across platforms to inform data-driven decisions and optimize strategies.
• Stay at the forefront of AI-driven marketing tools and trends to streamline press workflows, enhance editorial content, and amplify media impact.
• Own and evolve L’Alliance New York’s brand voice across all communications platforms.
• Oversee creation and quality control of all communication materials (writing and editing) ensuring alignment with the brand voice and style across press releases, program descriptions, web copy, emails, signage, and other materials.
• Collaborate with the Director of Audience Development & Marketing to ensure branded and editorial-consistent marketing materials.
• Develop editorial frameworks and storylines to support seasonal initiatives and audience engagement.

Editorial Leadership

• Oversee writing and editing of all communications to ensure tone, accuracy, and style consistency across platforms.
• Maintain brand integrity and cohesive messaging by collaborating with marketing team members.
• Provide guidance on editorial voice and content strategy in partnership with cross-functional teams.

Press, Public Relations & Media

• Lead all press, PR, and media relations efforts, including pitching stories, writing and distributing press releases, and coordinating interviews.
• Develop and execute press strategies and timelines for all programs.
• Leverage an existing network of journalists and editors in New York, nationally, and international markets (France and francophone world) for coverage across major outlets.
• Prepare and distribute press kits, coordinate media attendance at events, and respond to press inquiries.
• Develop proactive crisis communication plans and manage sensitive communications to safeguard the organization’s reputation.
• Attend events on evenings and weekends as needed to greet press and support marketing functions.
• Monitor media coverage and use insights to elevate visibility and relationships with artists, guests, and partners.
• Manage press archives, photos, and digital files; oversee monitoring and analytics systems for media engagement.

Event Photography Coordination

• Manage event photography scheduling and documentation across L’Alliance’s programming.
• Maintain a system for photo usage, permissions, archiving, and distribution.
• Coordinate with photographers, interns, and staff to ensure brand-aligned photo coverage.
• Oversee face-sheets for events, ensuring accurate representation of key participants.
• Assist with filming and photography at events as needed.

The job description above is not exhaustive. The role may include other duties as needed to support L’Alliance New York’s objectives.

Who You Are

• You have substantial experience in press, PR, and editorial management.
• You are an exceptional writer and editor with strong tone, clarity, narrative structure, and grammar.
• You have proven experience managing public-facing content across digital and print formats.
• You are highly organized with excellent attention to detail, including in review and copy approval processes.
• You foster collaborative relationships and can facilitate productive communication to maintain a positive work environment.
• You are comfortable managing event photography and working with creative teams.
• You are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• You are passionate about culture, language, education, and storytelling.

Experience & Qualifications

• 6–8 years of experience in communications, editorial, and PR roles, ideally in nonprofit, cultural, and/or education settings.
• Strong leadership and management skills with a track record in strategic communications planning and execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong attention to detail.
• Proven success in securing media coverage for a New York and/or international educational or arts institution.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.
• Active and robust network of media contacts in New York and France.
• Knowledge of emerging marketing technologies, including AI tools, with ability to apply editorial excellence and media reach.
• Familiarity with email platforms, CMS, and collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Asana, Wordpress, MailChimp, etc.).
• Willingness to work select evenings and weekends at L’Alliance New York events in Manhattan and Montclair, NJ.
• French language proficiency is a strong plus.

Why Join Us

At L’Alliance New York, you’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven organization dedicated to spreading joie de vivre through language and culture.

• Generous paid vacation and holiday package
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with up to 5% employer match after 2 years
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (CBP) and flexible spending account (FSA)
• Free French classes and discounted cultural programs
• Complimentary L’Alliance New York membership
• Opportunity to contribute technical expertise to a culturally rich nonprofit
• Collaborative, multilingual team culture that values creativity and cultural curiosity
• Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance

To apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two references. Employment at L’Alliance New York is at-will. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. L’Alliance New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, citizenship status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.