Communications Specialist - Public Relations

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), established in 1911, is a nongovernmental, not-for-profit international organization dedicated to addressing the needs and rights of refugees and immigrants. USCRI, working with nearly 200 affiliates, provides legal, social, and health services to refugees, unaccompanied migrating children, trafficking survivors, and other immigrants in all 50 states, El Salvador, Honduras, Kenya, and Mexico.

USCRI advocates for the rights of refugees and immigrants both nationally and globally, helping to drive humanitarian policies, practices, and law. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The Communications Specialist – Public Relations and Media will be responsible for supporting USCRI’s efforts to expand the organization’s visibility and promote its work and services using external communications and media. Through effective public relation strategies, creative storytelling, and content creation, the Communications Specialist – Public Relations and Media will be a critical member of the Communications team.

This position will report to the Associate Director for Global Advocacy and Communications and work closely with the rest of the Communications team. This is a fast-paced work environment, and the ideal candidate will be able to prioritize tasks and pivot to address emerging issues that are relevant to USCRI’s work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This job description identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for work performance however, it does not encompass all specific job responsibilities that you may be required to perform.

• Write and distribute press releases, pitch stories to journalists, and coordinate media interviews or press conferences;
• Lead storytelling and audience engagement using targeted emails, blogs, op-eds, web content, speeches, and other content;
• Develop public relations strategies that align with the organization’s mission and goals;
• Establish and maintain relationships with media organizations and respond to media inquiries;
• Conduct research and analyze trends to identify new opportunities and improve public relations;
• Provide guidance and support to staff contributing to content and coordinate with external partners or vendors as needed;
• Ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging across all channels and platforms;
• Assist with managing and executing campaigns across various platforms;
• Stay up to date with emerging communications trends and technologies; and
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field – or equivalent professional experience – preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in media, public relations, or related fields, as well as a history of using storytelling to increase media and audience engagement.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Knowledge of refugee, unaccompanied children, trafficking, asylum and/or immigration issues required.
• Graphic design skills required, including the ability to closely follow brand guidelines.
• Experience using Sprout Social or similar tools to manage/schedule social media posts a plus.
• Experience editing videos a plus.
• Experience using WordPress to create and edit webpages a plus. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying. ADDITIONAL NOTES
• Please submit a resume with a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application. Work samples are optional at the time of initial application.
• References and work samples will be required in advance of the final interview.
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.
• Work Location: In-person at USCRI’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Option to work from home day a month. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer. We maintain a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, domestic partnership status, marital status, physical or mental disability, AIDS/HIV status, age, political affiliation, genetic information, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.