Senior Manager, Public Relations Job at Project HOPE in Millwood

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Public Relations supports the Communications & Public Relations team to coordinate and execute Project HOPE’s public relations strategy to raise awareness of the organization’s expertise in global health and humanitarian aid. This individual will lead media relations efforts, research and manage thought leadership opportunities, write communications materials, support policy and advocacy efforts, and identify and support conference and awards opportunities. The Senior Manager serves as the primary point of contact with the media responsible for crafting and executing strategies to elevate the organization’s presence and influence in the public sphere. Reporting to the Senior Director, Communications & Public Relations, this role is essential for developing and implementing a comprehensive media relations strategy encompassing communications, thought leadership, and spokesperson activities. As a key member of the communications leadership team, the Senior Manager will play a pivotal role in increasing awareness, relevance, and interest in the organization’s mission and programs. This position requires a strategic thinker with 6‑8 years of experience in public relations and media engagement, a knack for storytelling, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.

Principal Responsibilities

• Drive media relations efforts to raise Project HOPE’s profile and audience, including identifying and shaping newsworthy stories to secure impactful media coverage.
• Support crisis communications and emergency response plans with poise and foresight.
• Create thought leadership opportunities that reflect the organization’s mission and vision.
• Raise awareness of Project HOPE’s subject matter experts to strengthen brand awareness with policymakers, partners, sector leaders, and donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers.
• Write and distribute persuasive press releases, media pitches, talking points, op‑eds, and other media materials tailored to diverse audiences.
• Partner with teams across the organization to understand programmatic priorities and identify stories that highlight impact.
• Monitor media trends and global events to uncover opportunities for proactive media engagement.
• Work closely with leadership to position the organization as a thought leader in the sector.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA / S degree preferred in journalism, communications, international relations, or related field.
• 6‑8 years of directly related, progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or communications.
• Hands‑on media relations experience in essential activities, including a proven track record of regularly pitching reporters, securing media coverage, and writing compelling press materials (press releases, media advisories, talking points).
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communications skills with a proven ability to craft compelling narratives and key messages.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape, with established relationships across media platforms.
• Experience managing crisis communications and/or emergency response strategies.
• Demonstrated initiative, multitasking abilities, problem‑solving skills, and professional maturity.
• Ability to collaborate effectively and build strong working relationships across teams, departments, and time zones.
• Impeccable organizational skills that enable rapid prioritization and execution of urgent tasks.
• Experience in global health, humanitarian work, or mission‑driven organizations preferred.
• Ability to travel both domestically and internationally as necessary.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be mobile in an office environment and able to use standard office equipment. Must be able to communicate in verbal and written form. Project HOPE employees may be required to travel or work in countries where working conditions are classified as “hardship.” Work environment: Typical office environment with exposure to a minimal noise level. Emergency deployments may be in resource‑deprived environments with austere living conditions. Travel for extended periods may be by air and/or other modes of transportation.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range starting at $86,000 per year. Compensation for the role is dependent on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience. Project HOPE offers comprehensive benefits as part of the total compensation package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, 403(b), paid leave, and much more. For more information about our benefits, please visit our benefits page.

Application Process

Due to the large number of inquiries we receive, only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be considered. No phone calls please. However, since we are active around the world in the field of public health, we may wish to retain your CV in our database for other/future opportunities, unless you direct us otherwise.

Notice to Applicants

Project HOPE does not conduct direct solicitation/recruitment via email. Project HOPE never asks job applicants for payment or financial information at any stage of the recruitment process. Project HOPE will never send you a third‑party check and ask you to cash it. If you have been recruited via email, please contact Compliance@projecthope.org. Thank you very much for your interest in Project HOPE.