Manager, External Communications & Media Relations

**This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Manager, External Communications & Media Relations based in United States.** The Manager, External Communications & Media Relations will play a key role in shaping public awareness and advancing the mission of a purpose-driven organization through strategic storytelling and earned media. This position is ideal for a communications professional with strong news instincts, creative thinking, and a passion for impactful narratives. You will develop media strategies, identify compelling stories, and build meaningful relationships with journalists across multiple channels. Working closely with internal teams, community stakeholders, and external partners, you will translate complex issues into engaging stories that inspire action. The role combines strategic planning, hands-on media relations, crisis communications support, and event-based storytelling. This opportunity offers the chance to use communications as a tool for measurable social impact while working in a collaborative, values-driven environment. ### Accountabilities: The Manager, External Communications & Media Relations will lead the execution of earned media initiatives, strengthen external visibility, and support communication strategies that amplify organizational impact. This role requires a proactive storyteller who can identify opportunities, build relationships, and deliver compelling content across traditional and emerging media channels. - Develop and execute proactive earned media strategies that generate meaningful local, regional, and national coverage. - Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, influencers, and media outlets. - Create and manage editorial pitch calendars aligned with organizational priorities, campaigns, advocacy efforts, seasonal moments, and key events. - Monitor news cycles to identify timely opportunities and develop relevant media angles. - Write compelling press materials, including pitches, press releases, media advisories, web stories, and briefing documents. - Conduct targeted media outreach across print, digital, broadcast, radio, podcast, and industry publications. - Identify and develop human-centered stories that highlight mission impact, community experiences, partnerships, and organizational achievements. - Collaborate with internal teams and stakeholders to gather insights, data, and narratives that support communications goals. - Develop spokesperson talking points, interview preparation materials, and messaging documents. - Coordinate media inquiries, interviews, and logistics while ensuring consistent messaging. - Lead media monitoring, coverage tracking, reporting, and performance analysis. - Support communications efforts related to events, activations, campaigns, and announcements. - Assist with crisis communications activities and public relations initiatives when needed. - Support coordination with external agencies, vendors, and public relations partners. ## Requirements: The ideal candidate is an experienced public relations and communications professional with strong storytelling abilities, excellent media instincts, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. You should be comfortable working independently, building relationships, and turning complex topics into compelling public narratives. - Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field. - 3–5+ years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, storytelling, or a related discipline with demonstrated success. - Proven experience developing media strategies, pitching stories, and securing earned media coverage. - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage journalists and internal stakeholders. - Strong storytelling ability with experience identifying impactful n…