USA for UNHCR
At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We're not just a workplace — we're a vibrant community of passionate, forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, transparent, and data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us!
SUMMARY USA for UNHCR is seeking a strategic and media-savvy Manager, Media Relations. The Manager will lead the day-to-day execution of a proactive earned media strategy that increases visibility for UNHCR’s work among U.S. audiences, strengthens relationships with journalists and media outlets, and positions the organization and its leadership as trusted, authoritative voices on refugee and humanitarian issues. Building U.S. media relations capacity is a priority for USA for UNHCR as the organization seeks to elevate awareness, enhance organizational credibility, and amplify its mission-driven work.
This role will leverage media engagement to support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and moments of high-impact giving, while driving compelling storytelling and timely responses to news opportunities. The Manager will execute and operationalize consistent, strategic coverage across national, regional, and sector-specific media, reinforcing UNHCR’s role as a leading humanitarian organization and strengthening donor confidence and support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Journalist & Media Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with U.S.-based journalists, editors, producers, and editorial boards across national, regional, and digital outlets
Serve as a primary operational point of contact for U.S. media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses
Pitch compelling, human-centered stories that demonstrate impact, urgency, and responsible stewardship of donor support
Proactive Storytelling & Donor-Driven Messaging
Develop media narratives that connect global humanitarian crises to U.S. donor values, generosity, and action, within established communications and strategy and messaging frameworks
Draft and oversee U.S.-focused press materials, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and media briefs that support communications objectives
Elevate stories of impact, innovation, and accountability that strengthen donor confidence and long-term support
Media Strategy in Support of Fundraising
Develop and execute a U.S. media relations strategy that supports annual fundraising goals, emergency appeals, and major donor initiatives
Align media outreach with fundraising campaigns, donor moments, and development priorities through proactive partnership with Development teams
Identify opportunities where media visibility can drive donor awareness, urgency, and trust
Leadership Visibility & Thought Leadership
Position organizational leaders and subject matter experts as trusted spokespeople whose voices reinforce credibility with donors, partners, and the public
Prepare spokespeople for media engagements by assessing audience, message sensitivity, and reputational risk
Monitor U.S. news cycles and humanitarian developments that may impact donor sentiment or giving behavior
Issues Management & Rapid Response
Coordinate real-time media response execution during emergencies, crises, or urgent fundraising moments, escalating as appropriate
Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure messaging is accurate, ethical, and aligned with fundraising and brand standards
Measurement & Impact
Track and analyze U.S. media coverage with a focus on reach, audience engagement, and fundraising relevance
Collaborate with Development teams to assess how earned media contributes to donor acquisition, retention, and campaign performance and apply insights to refine outreach approaches
Other Functions
Serve as a liaison to and collaborate with UNHCR’s global and regional communications teams
Collaborate with external consultants as appropriate
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 7–9 years of progressive experience in U.S. media relations, public relations, or journalism, preferably within a nonprofit, humanitarian, or fundraising-driven organization
Strong understanding of the U.S. media landscape and national news cycle
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute media strategies that support nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement
Proven success pitching and securing earned media coverage across national, regional, and digital outlets
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex humanitarian issues for U.S. audiences
Experience exercising sound judgment and managing multiple priorities in high-profile or sensitive situations
Strong understanding of ethical storytelling and donor-sensitive communications
Familiarity with media monitoring tools and journalist databases (e.g., Cision)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software applications
Understanding of refugee and displacement issues
WORK LOCATION Hybrid + New York, NY + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region
COMPENSATION $105,583–$126,700
APPLICATION DEADLINE Please apply immediately or by
January 29,2026.
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply. Why Join USA for UNHCR? Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values every day. We're passionate about creating meaningful change, dynamic in our collaborative approach, and transparent in how we work together to support refugees. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and a data-driven mindset, we stay forward-thinking, ensuring your unique talents fuel innovation and impact. Here, you'll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills in a nurturing environment, and see the transformative power of your work — on the lives of refugees and on your own journey.
Ready to make a difference while being a part of a team that truly cares about you? We'd love to hear from you! Apply today, and let's create a brighter future together. #J-18808-Ljbffr
SUMMARY USA for UNHCR is seeking a strategic and media-savvy Manager, Media Relations. The Manager will lead the day-to-day execution of a proactive earned media strategy that increases visibility for UNHCR’s work among U.S. audiences, strengthens relationships with journalists and media outlets, and positions the organization and its leadership as trusted, authoritative voices on refugee and humanitarian issues. Building U.S. media relations capacity is a priority for USA for UNHCR as the organization seeks to elevate awareness, enhance organizational credibility, and amplify its mission-driven work.
This role will leverage media engagement to support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and moments of high-impact giving, while driving compelling storytelling and timely responses to news opportunities. The Manager will execute and operationalize consistent, strategic coverage across national, regional, and sector-specific media, reinforcing UNHCR’s role as a leading humanitarian organization and strengthening donor confidence and support.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Journalist & Media Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with U.S.-based journalists, editors, producers, and editorial boards across national, regional, and digital outlets
Serve as a primary operational point of contact for U.S. media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses
Pitch compelling, human-centered stories that demonstrate impact, urgency, and responsible stewardship of donor support
Proactive Storytelling & Donor-Driven Messaging
Develop media narratives that connect global humanitarian crises to U.S. donor values, generosity, and action, within established communications and strategy and messaging frameworks
Draft and oversee U.S.-focused press materials, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and media briefs that support communications objectives
Elevate stories of impact, innovation, and accountability that strengthen donor confidence and long-term support
Media Strategy in Support of Fundraising
Develop and execute a U.S. media relations strategy that supports annual fundraising goals, emergency appeals, and major donor initiatives
Align media outreach with fundraising campaigns, donor moments, and development priorities through proactive partnership with Development teams
Identify opportunities where media visibility can drive donor awareness, urgency, and trust
Leadership Visibility & Thought Leadership
Position organizational leaders and subject matter experts as trusted spokespeople whose voices reinforce credibility with donors, partners, and the public
Prepare spokespeople for media engagements by assessing audience, message sensitivity, and reputational risk
Monitor U.S. news cycles and humanitarian developments that may impact donor sentiment or giving behavior
Issues Management & Rapid Response
Coordinate real-time media response execution during emergencies, crises, or urgent fundraising moments, escalating as appropriate
Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure messaging is accurate, ethical, and aligned with fundraising and brand standards
Measurement & Impact
Track and analyze U.S. media coverage with a focus on reach, audience engagement, and fundraising relevance
Collaborate with Development teams to assess how earned media contributes to donor acquisition, retention, and campaign performance and apply insights to refine outreach approaches
Other Functions
Serve as a liaison to and collaborate with UNHCR’s global and regional communications teams
Collaborate with external consultants as appropriate
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 7–9 years of progressive experience in U.S. media relations, public relations, or journalism, preferably within a nonprofit, humanitarian, or fundraising-driven organization
Strong understanding of the U.S. media landscape and national news cycle
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute media strategies that support nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement
Proven success pitching and securing earned media coverage across national, regional, and digital outlets
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex humanitarian issues for U.S. audiences
Experience exercising sound judgment and managing multiple priorities in high-profile or sensitive situations
Strong understanding of ethical storytelling and donor-sensitive communications
Familiarity with media monitoring tools and journalist databases (e.g., Cision)
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software applications
Understanding of refugee and displacement issues
WORK LOCATION Hybrid + New York, NY + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region
COMPENSATION $105,583–$126,700
APPLICATION DEADLINE Please apply immediately or by
January 29,2026.
DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply. Why Join USA for UNHCR? Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values every day. We're passionate about creating meaningful change, dynamic in our collaborative approach, and transparent in how we work together to support refugees. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and a data-driven mindset, we stay forward-thinking, ensuring your unique talents fuel innovation and impact. Here, you'll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills in a nurturing environment, and see the transformative power of your work — on the lives of refugees and on your own journey.
Ready to make a difference while being a part of a team that truly cares about you? We'd love to hear from you! Apply today, and let's create a brighter future together. #J-18808-Ljbffr