United States of America: Deputy Director, Public Relations

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF (USF) supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Deputy Director, Public Relations

Reporting to the Senior Director of Public Relations, the Deputy Director will assume oversight and responsibility for the development, management and implementation of public relations activities that expand public awareness and support for UNICEF’s mission, programs and priorities.

Key Responsibilities/Outcomes (include but are not limited to):

Strategy, Communications & Leadership

• Assisting the Senior Director of Public Relations in creating and implementing an overarching organizational media strategy
• Providing guidance to the PR department and editing materials written by the PR team in collaboration with the Senior Director of Public Relations
• Devising and managing the execution of public relations strategies and plans for USF priority campaigns, partners, events, report launches, and announcements
• Providing guidance to the PR department and editing materials written by the PR team in collaboration with the Senior Director of Public Relations
• Responding to reporter inquiries, maintaining day-to-day relations with U.S. media outlets, mining USF and UNICEF for stories about UNICEF’s work and proactively pitching them to media outlets
• Creating and overseeing briefing documents and talking points for media appearances and events; providing media training and guidance to USF spokespeople

• Supervising the department coordinator, in addition to working with the Senior Director to oversee consultants & contractors

• Traveling domestically and internationally in support of the organization’s public relations efforts

Advocacy, Humanitarian Issues, Partnerships & Crisis Communications

• Co-managing organization’s media relations efforts around humanitarian issues and emergencies; keeping other USF staff members abreast of new developments; and working with Emergency Response Team to provide organization-wide guidance on messaging about issues and UNICEF’s work

• Working closely with UNICEF’s Division of Communications on messaging, media strategy, crisis communications, and other matters as needed

• Working together with the Assistant Director & Senior Director on rapid response and crisis/urgent issue communications oversight

• Co-managing communications around controversial situations and negative press reports, co-leading the development of quick-lines for donor, partner & press inquiries on “sensitive” topics, and devising strategies for minimizing reputational risk

• Alerting senior staff to emerging issues being covered in the media that would affect UNICEF or USF and advising on media strategies and responses

• Identifying key spokespeople from the organization for press opportunities and when necessary serving as spokesperson for the organization

• Responding to reporter inquiries, maintaining day-to-day relations with U.S. media outlets, mining USF and UNICEF for stories about UNICEF’s work and pro-actively pitching them to media outlets

• Conducting and overseeing research on high-profile UNICEF issues to ensure evidence is available to support media outreach

• Working with the PR, Content and Executive Communications teams to write, editing, and placing op-eds and letters-to-the editor

Corporate & Campaign-Focused Communications

• Serving as a day-to-day focal point for key internal and external stakeholders, including a portfolio of corporate partners
• Overseeing & implementing media outreach efforts in support of key USF campaigns & events

• Collaborating with the Corporate Partnerships team and Assistant Director to implement and/or support partner communications plans and activities, including events, press releases, key messages, and support of media outreach efforts

• Working closely with UNICEF’s Private Fundraising Partnerships Division and Division of Communications on messaging, media strategy and other matters as needed

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of seven years of work experience in public relations, media relations, communications and/or journalism
• Experience with regional media and events preferred
• Superior written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve stated goals
• Ability to multi-task with ease
• Proficient on Excel and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of fundraising a plus
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes some weekend and evening commitments, as well as business related travel both nationally and internationally
• Must demonstrate USF Core Values: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Innovation, Teamwork, and Service

Must possess current and valid US Work Authorization and be eligible to work for any US employer without sponsorship.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Salary is commensurate with experience. In addition, USF offers a comprehensive benefits package.

USF is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

To apply, please apply online at:

http://chp.tbe.taleo.net/chp01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp;jsessionid=852666E29335647BBE5D7B4C2AFCCDA6?org=UNICEFUSA&cws=1&rid=703