Media Relations Specialist

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is a leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. The Alliance works in partnership with federal, state, and local stakeholders—including policymakers, service providers, researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience—to promote data-driven, evidence-based, and racially equitable solutions to homelessness.

If you are committed to helping the nation SOLVE the problem of homelessness, consider joining the Alliance.

What we are looking for:

The Alliance is looking for a high-energy Media Relations Specialist committed to helping end homelessness by advancing accurate, favorable, and consistent messages on issues related to homelessness in the media.

As a key member of the Communications team, the Specialist develops and executes strategies to elevate the Alliance’s priorities, strengthen its public presence, and shape the national dialogue on homelessness. This position requires strong news judgment, proven media relations experience, and the ability to communicate complex issues through clear and compelling messages.

What you will do:

The Media Relations Specialist will serve as vital member of a Communications team. They will support the outputs of the Alliance’s internal teams, while also ensuring consistent delivery of messages to the organization’s priority audiences. These audiences include: (1) those working in the homelessness services sector; (2) federal and local policymakers; and (3) the media. Working directly with the VP of Communications, the Specialist will develop and execute media strategies that elevate the Alliance’s priorities and outputs, and ultimately re-shape the nation’s understanding of homelessness.

Responsibilities:

Media Relations Leadership

• Manage proactive and reactive media outreach, including developing and distributing press releases, pitches, talking points, and other messaging.
• Respond to a high volume of incoming media queries with accuracy and timeliness.
• Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, and policy reporters across print, broadcast, online, and podcast outlets.
• Maintain and manage media lists and databases.

Strategic Communications

• Collaborate with the VP, Communications to develop and execute media strategies for major announcements, initiatives, and events.
• Support media training for Alliance spokespeople, including preparing messaging and interview guidance.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communications channels.
• Develop metrics reports to track and assess media impact.

Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor daily news coverage, identify emerging trends, and share relevant updates with staff.
• Track favorable and unfavorable trends in homelessness coverage and identify key reporters and outlets.

Collaboration and Content

• Work with partner organizations to support joint media outreach.
• Develop content and speakers for Alliance conferences and events.
• Contribute to Alliance publications and website.
• Represent the Alliance at meetings and conferences as appropriate

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the VP, Communications or CEO.

What a successful candidate will need:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Four to six years relevant experience working directly with the media.
• Experience working on homelessness, affordable housing, or justice-oriented issues is preferred.
• Journalism or public relations experience are a plus.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrated commitment to having an impact on homelessness, poverty, or related issues.
• Expert understanding of news media with a demonstrated track record for securing positive media coverage on challenging issues. Experience writing and placing op-eds is desired.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts through clear and simple messages.
• Ability to independently develop and execute strategies, communicate updates, and report on outcomes.
• Strong news judgment with an ability to prioritize competing opportunities and independently manage multiple projects on deadline.
• Ability to communicate non-partisan messages in a deeply partisan news environment.
• Strong command of written tone and voice.
• Experience managing an online media database and related media tracking tools.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to recognize and respond to the ways race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity intersect to further promote racial equity and social justice.
• Demonstrated experience and ability in working with marginalized or vulnerable populations (e.g., LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, etc.)
• Working knowledge of federal poverty and homeless programs is preferred.

Please note: Studies have shown that women and Black, indigenous, people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Alliance, we are committed building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace– so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!

What we can offer you:

The Alliance is a dynamic and flexible team of professionals working collaboratively to achieve its mission of preventing and ending homelessness nationwide. We provide a supportive work environment where staff are empowered with both the responsibility and opportunity to drive solutions to this pressing national issue. Every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute meaningfully.

In addition, the Alliance offers the following benefits:

• A hybrid work environment
• Competitive salary
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Financial support for professional development and wellness activities
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with a generous holiday schedule

The Alliance’s salary ranges are designed to support growth and advancement within each role. Starting salaries typically fall above the lower end of the posted range but do not exceed the midpoint. Salaries above the midpoint at hire are uncommon. Final salary offers are based on a candidate’s relevant experience and demonstrated expertise.