Communications Manager, Press & Editorial

Reporting to

RSF USA Executive Director

Managing

Communications Intern

Overall Mission

We are seeking a Communications Manager to oversee editorial production and communication with the news media in the English-speaking Americas.

Editorial production and content

• Develop RSF USA's editorial strategy in consultation with the Director, strategic guidelines of RSF, and priority campaigns.
• Pitch topics and content for RSF to publish (press releases, social media posts, reports, investigations etc.) linked to RSF priorities.
• Coordinate the editorial schedule with international colleagues and act as the point of contact with headquarters for editorial follow-up.
• Write and research material for press releases, articles, and reports for rsf.org.
• Work with the Executive Director to prepare for the RSF World Press Freedom Index by managing the Index survey process in the region, writing country reports, and using the Index as an advocacy tool in the region.
• Proofread English language publications translated from Paris headquarters as needed and in consultation with the Editor-in-Chief.
• Assist with the creation of social media content and back up the Social Media Manager as needed.

Press relations

• Develop the RSF USA’s media relations strategy in consultation with the Executive Director and the communications team in Paris.
• Identify and maintain relationships with journalists and other news media figures to publicize RSF’s brand, actions, priorities, and perspective in order to ensure greater organizational visibility.
• Pitch and book interviews for the Executive Director and other RSF spokespeople.
• Maintain a press list and distribute press releases and other communications.
• Respond to media requests.
• Monitor relevant news in the region and distribute the internal daily news brief.
• Monitor and analyze brand reputation in the media using Meltwater and other tools.

RSF’s influence in the region

• Monitor press freedom violations across the English-speaking Americas, coordinate the collection and verification of information concerning attacks on journalists and the right to information.
• Maintain regional database of press freedom violations.
• Reach out directly and proactively to journalists in need of RSF support.
• Manage and mobilize RSF USA’s regional network of correspondents (Canada and the Caribbean).
• Continually brainstorm new ideas to increase visibility and outreach.
• Write the monthly newsletter and coordinate with the Development Manager on fundraising email, letters to donors, etc.
• Contribute to communications campaigns in coordination with both internal and external partners
• Organize press and public events (press conferences, briefings, networking events, panels, etc.).

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned by Executive Director.
• Serve as strategic advisor and sounding board for Executive Director and Paris Comms and Editorial teams on North American strategy.
• Collaborate with and support Social Media Manager as needed.
• Serve as spokesperson.
• Some travel internationally and domestically (less than 10%)

Qualifications

• At least 5 years experience in journalism, communications, PR nonprofits, campaigns, on advocacy organization, or similar
• Strong network of contacts in American news media; contacts in Canada and the Caribbean are a plus
• Excellent writing skills and the ability to write for diverse audiences
• Journalistic instincts and an understanding of the news cycle and media industry
• Native-level English speaker and writer; French or Spanish proficiency is a plus but not required
• A proactive and creative thinker willing to bring new ideas to the table and go beyond their immediate job description as necessary
• Basic graphic design and video editing skills
• An understanding of social media
• Comfort working in an international organization and interacting with people from different countries and cultures
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Willing to commute to the Washington, DC office at least twice per week–we have a hybrid in-person/remote model
• A passionate commitment to the First Amendment, press freedom, journalism, human rights, and the safety of journalists.

RSF USA offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; 25 days of PTO on top of federal holidays; parental leave; and 401k match.

Native-level English speaker and writer; French or Spanish proficiency is a plus but not required