Media Relations Officer

Department: Marketing, Communications, & Outreach

Location: Washington, DC

Supervisor: VP,Marketing, Communications & Outreach

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA: The mission of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) is to accompany, serve, and advocate the cause of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons that they may heal, learn and determine their own future in community. JRS works in more than 55 countries to meet the educational, health, psychological, social, and emergency needs of more than 1.1 million people each year, regardless of race, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs.

Job Description: JRS/USA seeks an experienced media relations officer to enhance our visibility and media presence across religious and secular national, local, and regional platforms.

Responsibilities:

Media Strategy and Execution:

• Develop and implement media strategies to promote JRS/USA’s mission, programs, and campaigns.
• Pitch and secure interviews and feature stories in top-tier national and regional media outlets.
• Concept, draft, and place op-eds in relevant publications.
• Make recommendations on ways to increase the pickup of our messages, the desire to hear from our spokespeople, and our share of voice within humanitarian news.

Media Relations:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and producers at key news outlets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and ensure timely, accurate, and effective responses.

Messaging and Content Development:

• Craft compelling press releases, advisories, and talking points that align with JRS’s mission, strategic framework, and key practice areas.
• Collaborate with other teams (in our office and in JRS’s other offices around the world) to identify and develop impactful story ideas.

Spokesperson Support:

• Prepare and train organizational spokespeople for media appearances, ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and values.
• Serve as a spokesperson when appropriate.

Catholic and Jesuit Context:

• Leverage knowledge of Catholic social teaching and Church structure and hierarchy to frame messaging correctly, propose the right spokespeople, identify support resources, and develop appropriate outreach plans.
• Collaborate with Catholic and specifically Jesuit networks to amplify JRS/USA’s messages and advocacy goals.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Monitor media coverage and provide regular analysis and reports.
• Maintain database of media contacts/media outreach tool (Meltwater).

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

· Minimum 4 years’ experience in media relations.

· Proven record of booking interviews and securing media placements in TV, radio, print, and building and maintaining relationships with journalists, editors, and producers at major U.S. news outlets.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to convey clear, concise, and engaging messages.

· Proficiency with AP Style.

· Facility with the Microsoft Office suite.

· Familiarity with cloud-based workplace tools for project/workflow management, database management, and digital asset management. Facility with Meltwater or similar tools a plus.

· Strong interest in U.S. and global current events.

· An understanding of the Catholic Church (language, culture, structure, teaching).

· Talent for working collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.

Helpful but not required:

· Some knowledge of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).

· Experience working with clergy and/or religious.

· Bilingual proficiency (Spanish and English).

To apply please submit your resume and cover letter via Indeed.com.

Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000 annually

JRS/USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, JRS/USA does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by the law. We welcome applicants from a diverse spectrum of qualified candidates.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person