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Position Title: Public Relations Specialist
Department: Communications and Marketing
Position Class: Full Time
FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt
Location: Washington, DC
Prepared: December 2015

I. ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. Our primary focus areas are education, public health, economic empowerment and the environment. Applicants may visit the web site at www.cbcfinc.org, to learn more information about CBCF programs and initiatives.

II. POSITION SUMMARY:

The Public Relations Specialist implements the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) public relations campaigns. He/she is responsible for a diverse array of communications, media relations and writing projects. With a keen focus on CBCF’s public image, the Public Relations Specialist drives media stories and online conversations about CBCF’s research, programs, events and campaigns.

The Public Relations Specialist advances the CBCF’s agenda through high-profile publicity campaigns. He/she supports the CBCF’s reputation management efforts though intense media monitoring; proactive and ongoing media outreach; and responsive communications to stakeholder communities. He/she responds and meets with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, especially during a crisis. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of success in managing promotional campaign, media crises, and online communities in a corporate, agency, or nonprofit setting.

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and Marketing, the Public Relations Specialist works collaboratively with members of the Communications and Marketing team on a wide array of multi-channel public relations and marketing campaigns to broaden the impact of the CBCF’s research, programs and resource development efforts. As an integral member of the team, the Public Relations Specialist produces a diverse array of communications products including newsletters, public statements, press kits and reports. His/her ability to cultivate solid media relationships, deliver prominent media placements and produce high-quality written products will be critical to his/her success.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

A. Reports to: Vice President, Communications and Marketing

B. Directly Supervises: interns and consultants

C. Indirectly Supervises: N/A

D. Type of Supervision Received: Direct supervision to minimal

E. Internal Relationships: Close coordination with Resource Development, Programs, Center for Policy Analysis and Research and External Affairs Departments to develop positive media opportunities for the CBCF, its public policy forums, events, programs and campaigns.

F. External Relationships: CBC Members, donors, Chairman’s communications staff, CBC press secretaries, media, social media influencers, vendors and stakeholders as defined by the CBCF’s strategic priorities.

III. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Essential Functions

Brand and Reputation Management

1. Maintain CBCF style and brand identity guidelines.
2. Prepare communications with an emphasis on quality, brand alignment and messaging consistency.
3. Deliver writing and editorial skills consistent with tonal and style guidelines for CBCF.
4. Monitor public attitudes, flagging possible consequences of prospective decision, anticipating budding crises before they materialize, developing strong messages, and managing issues as they arise.

Communications, Writing and Collateral Production

1. Write news releases, media advisories, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, emails pitches and other communication products for media consumption.
2. Develop and implement a plan for social media and digital communications messaging.
3. Edit, revise and proofread new and existing materials to ensure accuracy of information, spelling and grammar.
4. Write attractive and engaging copy with clear calls to action which supports the deliverables of integrated marketing plans.
5. Produce messaging for media packets, brochures, PowerPoint presentations, and website content.

Media Relations

1. Manage relationships and media relations for CBCF.
2. Implement media and manage content requirements.
3. Identify public policy issues in the media that can be leveraged to support CBCF’s work
4. Pitch timely, newsworthy stories to the media.
5. Write news releases, media advisories, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, emails pitches and other communication products for media consumption.
6. Compose backgrounders, talking points, success stories, fact sheets, beefing memos and other documents in preparation for media interviews and promotional opportunities.
7. Cultivate strategic relationships with media reporters, journalists, producers and editors.
8. Assist in planning and orchestrating press briefings, conferences and media interviews.

Promotions and Publicity

1. Develop and implement a seamless, public relations program that produces measurable and sustainable results for CBCF.
2. Develop and maintain a database of contact, noteworthy activities, and “success stories” on CBCF.
3. Promote CBCF to the media and stakeholder audiences to enhance brand awareness, brand identity and public perception.
4. Establish and execute a coordinated photography and video plan for CBCF’s program and events that includes onsite photo/video shoot management as well as archiving, storing, promoting and sharing photos with stakeholders (Members of Congress, sponsors and partners).
5. Conduct and synthesize research to inform digital marketing campaign strategy, including micro segmentation of email lists and social media communities, i.e., fans, subscribers and followers.

Research and Reporting