Camino Public Relations is seeking an experienced communications professional to provide executive-level communications strategy, project management, client services, and media relations. The Director of Media Relations is a major contributor to Camino Public Relation’s growing operations, client services as well as fostering a healthy, creative workplace.

Status: Full time, competitive salary based on experience, group benefits including health, dental, vision

Location: New York City (Chelsea); occasional travel may be required

Camino is a leading expert in strategic communications in the nonprofit arena. Our work is rooted in deep knowledge about specific sectors, unparalleled accuracy, context, and a flexible information system that allows for rapid response. Camino is a technology-driven firm with a collaborative approach; we are looking for motivated professionals who love to learn, welcome change and can lead a team to success.

Specifically, the Director of Media Relations will:

Ensure consistent and high profile media attention is garnered for clients and the issues that further the mission of our clients. Coordinate media interest for clients by creating and maintaining excellent relationships with reporters including broadcast, print and new media amplifiers locally, regionally and nationally.
Manage day-to-day client activities, including research, planning, implementation and evaluation of public relations activities, and consideration of budgets, resources, deadlines and client records.

Provide expert communications counsel and service to clients according to Camino’s professional standards and accepted industry practices. Offer expertise and strategic implementation in earned, paid and owned media strategies and, working in collaboration, create and steer the implementation of strategic communications plans.

Perform and direct expert pitching and follow up with target media.

Maintain close and frequent contact with clients, and strengthen rapport between the Camino and clients.

Supervise media support activities including state of the art media list building and management, news capturing, media scans, press release distribution.

Deliver expert media training in person and via videoconference, including creating and editing training materials.

Expert writing skills and ability to supervise production (drafting, editing and client approvals) of media materials and related writing products including press releases, media statements, advisories, reports, and summaries using AP style and client-specific style guides. Ensure the accuracy of client materials; ensure materials have been appropriately copy edited.

Apply research, problem-solving and creative thinking.

Supervise preparation of monthly and quarterly client reports.

Desktop publishing as required. Ensure quality control practices are in place and administered appropriately.

Work in a team environment to ensure client needs are met, including scheduling, project tracking, and reporting and ensure start-to-finish completion of assigned projects.Use professional project management software to track efforts and support project completion and directing daily activities of media staff.

Maintain current awareness of clients’ mission and issues.

Help ensure Camino’s philosophy; mission and vision are practiced in all phases of business operations.

Stay informed of developments in the fields of communications and public relations, and make regular proactive recommendations to senior management to implement services in an innovative and efficient manner.

Continuously seek new business opportunities through networking and participation in industry events.

Out-of-town, overnight travel as assigned, both local and out-of-state, to attend mandatory company meetings, client events or to fulfill other job duties is a requirement of employment.

Required Qualifications:

Ability to implement expert strategic communications and media strategy for high profile clients. In-depth experience in media strategies and trends, particularly related to issue-based advocacy.

Ability to utilize analytics to inform client strategies and establish success metrics.

Ability to solve problems using critical thinking and intersectional approaches.

A strong track record of positioning clients to achieve tangible outcomes in a competitive communications and media environment. Demonstrated experience making presentations and successful negotiations to secure local and national media coverage for clients.

Strong organizational skills and demonstrated success in project management and planning and ability to successfully use professional project management software.

Ability to act as the firms’ representative with the media and the public in a professional manner aligned with Camino’s best practices. Ability to exercise professional judgment and discretion in all manner of communications both internal and external.

Demonstrated interpersonal communications skills with staff, clients, journalists, and vendors including excellent verbal and written communication skills, effective presentation and listening skills, diplomacy, and conflict resolution skills.

Strong understanding of policy and legislative impact on client issues.

Deep awareness of social justice and social movement principles.

Strong skills in recognizing and creating strategies to rectify bias in communications.

Demonstrated ability to provide media coaching and support for key client leaders to prepare as spokespersons and for media interaction

Experience overseeing the design and production of a broad range of print materials and publications for public dissemination.

Demonstrated experience drafting media materials and related products including press releases, media statements, advisories, reports, summaries using AP style and client-specific style guides. Advanced copy editing skills, including the ability to ensure that content is aligned with message strategies, utilizing Camino and client style guides, and follows AP-stylebook guidelines.

Detail-oriented, high attention to fact-checking and accurate dissemination of information using advanced online research skills.

Commitment to working with shared leadership and cross-functional teams

Ability to manage shifting assignments and multiple projects as well as respond rapidly to emerging client needs, complete projects in a timely way, work independently on projects per guidelines established.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook this includes knowledge in use of templates and applying styles. Also, demonstrated proficiency in Google platforms and the motivation to deepen technical skills. All Camino staff are required to have advanced Microsoft Word and Google skills as a condition of employment.

Minimum of 5 years experience in marketing, communications or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the nonprofit sector.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Candidates must pass a background check and be eligible to be bonded

Desired Qualifications

Minimum of 10 years experience in marketing, communications or public with demonstrated success, preferably in the nonprofit sector.

Demonstrated success and competency in crisis communications management.

Advanced degree in in journalism, marketing, public relations preferred.

Demonstrated knowledge of community leadership and the workings of local, municipal, state and federal government

For those positions requiring proficiency in Spanish, both speaking, writing and translating, preferred tested at the Advance-Mid Proficiency (Camino provided testing).

As a key team member, this position requires flexibility and the motivation to grow and shape an enterprise. All staff perform a wide range of tasks, from clerical to client services. Camino staff members must share a commitment to ongoing learning, improvement and working for work team success. All Camino employees must be motivated by social justice, and play an active role in furthering the mission of the company.

About Camino

Camino is an award-winning leader in the field of strategic and crisis communications. We spark positive social change by helping nonprofits, foundations, and progressive causes implement strategic communications strategies. Camino has a strong cultural and linguistic competency and expertise in developing strategic messaging for diverse audiences. Founded in 2007, Camino is headquartered in New York City with a field office in Tucson, Ariz. You can learn more about Camino here: www.caminopr.com.

Camino Public Relations does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

How to apply

We want to get to know you! Interested applicants may submit a cover letter, resume including personal and professional references and recent writing samples. Please include in your cover letter why Camino would be a perfect fit for your talents; tell us about your experience leading project teams – be specific about your role(s) –and examples of your experience in the implementation of strategic communications. All materials may be sent to the attention of Susanna Minegishi at minegishi@caminopr.com. Please send pdf. documents only.

For potential hires, Camino will contact applicant’s personal and professional references; research applicant’s professional history including social networking and blogs; evaluate job skill proficiencies.