Manager, Media Relations job at USA for UNHCR in Washington, DC

Title: Manager, Media Relations Location: Washington, DC Job Description: 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 the Manager, Media Relations 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 Bachelor’s degree required 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 +Washington, DC + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region COMPENSATION $99,710-$119,652 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. Apply Now Apply Now