Public Relations Manager

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field; 3-5 years of relevant experience with a history of securing media coverage. Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication, relationship building and time management.

Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to work occasional evenings and weekends; and commitment to the Regional Food Bank's mission and values. A valid NYS driver's license.

Position Summary:

The Media Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets to shape public perception of the Regional Food Bank and secure positive coverage for the organization. The role involves developing media strategies and managing day-to-day media communications functions.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Media Relations:

1. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local media outlets including newspaper editors, reporters, radio and TV station contacts, and online community news outlets across our service area.
2. Proactively pitch local stories that highlight the Food Bank's impact, specific programs (e.g., mobile pantries, senior programs), and agency partnerships within localized
3. Coordinate media interviews and site visits for Food Bank leadership, program staff, and neighbors (with appropriate consent) at local partner agencies or distribution sites.
4. Manage and coordinate press events and press conferences with media, partnering agencies and external stakeholders
5. Draft and distribute localized press releases, media advisories, and public service announcements (PSAs) for regional and community-specific events or
6. Monitor local news coverage related to hunger, poverty, and community initiatives, identifying opportunities for the Food Bank's voice to be heard.
7. Experience shooting and editing short format videos for a range of promotional needs

Communications Support & Content Development:

1. Collaborate with the Advocacy & Engagement team to localize general Food Bank messaging and create tailored content for specific county or community audiences.
2. Continually cultivate story bank of features from Food Bank
3. Manage public relations calendar ensure executive team is made aware of upcoming events and media opportunities.

Administrative Coordination:

1. Manage public relations calendar and ensure executive team is made aware of upcoming events and media opportunities.
2. Maintain accurate and updated records of contacts, interactions, and follow-up activities in the Food Bank's database systems
3. Coordinate with internal departments to identify stories, programs, and initiatives to pitch to
4. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to plan and execute coordinated media
5. Provide departmental support for scheduling, follow-up and conducting meetings and events, as needed.

Other Responsibilities

1. Responsible for hiring, training supervision and performance management of direct-report
2. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with other departments and employees in support of the mission of the Food Bank.
3. Adheres to the Employee Code of
4. Perform other duties as

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of an employee performing this job.

This position is eligible for an occasional work from home option. Flexible work arrangements must be approved in advance by the employee's supervisor.

Regional Food Bank is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the Food Bank to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included, and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. The Regional Food Bank complies with all federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws. Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees.