Position    Media Relations Manager
Date Posted    30 Oct 2009
Application Deadline    until filled
Location     New York, USA

Summary Description
The Media Relations Manager reports to the Communications Director and plays the lead role in developing proactive and reactive media plans for the Foundation as part of an overall communications strategy that encompasses US and global audiences and issues. The Manager also serves as a strategic focal point for key program areas and advises on broad communications strategy for program teams.

The Media Relations Manager forms a team with the Public Engagement Manager and Senior Producer, as well as the Senior Strategy Officer, and works closely with the Director and VP of Communications in advising senior Ford management on key media issues and opportunities.

Qualifications
This important role calls for a talented and versatile professional with extensive experience in media relations, strategic messaging, and sensitive issues management on both domestic and international fronts. The Media Relations Manager must have at least twelve years experience in strategic media relations work, with significant background in the nonprofit and/or public sector. Speech writing experience required. Political experience preferred.

Bachelor's in English, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

The candidate must be a superior writer and strategic thinker, with the capacity to develop and follow-through on long-range plans while managing emerging news. The ability to engage with and build fruitful relationships with journalists, bloggers, opinion writers and others in the media is required, and a strong and global set of current media contacts is preferred. A demonstrated ability to interact successfully with programmatic colleagues and senior management in a complex environment is essential.

Preferred Qualifications
• Excellent grasp of the evolving media environment, including new media, and the political, cultural and economic impact of the changing landscape on non-profit communications • Thorough familiarity with agenda-setting media organizations and journalists, both in the US and globally • Familiarity and comfort with the issues of democracy, human rights, economic development, free expression and social justice that define the Foundation’s grant-making • International experience • Excellent team leadership skills and a demonstrated capacity to create positive and collaborative work environment • True passion for writing and communicating in clear, compelling and impactful ways that serve a mission-driven institution • Detail-oriented and self-directed; able to share and develop the skills of others • Politically savvy and aware; sound judgment • Commitment to the foundation’s mission and core values of equity, diversity, voice and participation, knowledge and creativity, and honesty and integrity.

Candidates must be willing to be based in the New York City office.