Senior Communications Manager

About the IMEU:

The Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit that educates audiences in the U.S. about Palestine and Palestinians through media. We do this by offering mainstream U.S. media access to facts, analysis, and experts to help them cover the issue accurately and in-depth and by creating and disseminating original videos, photo essays, and other content.

About the Role:

The Senior Communications Manager effectively leads media relations and public engagement efforts focused on elevating Palestine-related Life and Culture stories. The scope of work includes building relationships with artists, innovators, influencers, and other cultural figures, identifying and pitching compelling stories, and executing top-notch communications campaigns. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a mid-career professional eager to make a meaningful impact in the life and culture space within a media team that is passionate about social justice and Palestinian freedom.

The Senior Communications Manager will be accountable for the following areas:

Media Campaign Management

• Oversee and manage Life and Culture campaigns and media work, ensuring alignment with IMEU's strategic objectives.
• Secure coverage for timely and newsworthy stories about Palestinian film, music, literature, art, cuisine, holidays, and other culture stories.
• Design and execute high-impact media campaigns to amplify artists and other cultural figures in the Palestine space.
• Develop media materials to disseminate to key partners.

Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Keep track of the news cycle in Palestine and the diaspora for pitching opportunities in U.S. media.
• Develop and host media briefings on Life and Culture stories as needed.
• Provide crisis communications support as needed, in partnership with other IMEU Media Relations staff.
• Build relationships with diverse Palestinian and Palestinian American artists and innovators to enrich stories in the Life and Culture vertical.
• Cultivate strategies for engagement with and maintain relationships with celebrities, journalists, editors, influencers, and industry and mainstream news outlets that cover entertainment, film, media, art, and life and culture stories.
• Assist with press for films, TV shows, music festivals, and other relevant stories.
• Identify and attend film/TV screenings and develop a rich contact list of artists and cultural figures.

Strategic Communications and Leadership

• Maintain relationships with partner organizations and others in the Life and Culture space in Palestine and the diaspora.
• Collaborate across internal teams at the IMEU to elevate stories in the Life and Culture vertical.

Training and Development

• Support efforts to identify, train, and cultivate Palestinian and Palestinian-American voices to serve as credible media sources.
• Stay informed about emerging trends in media and public relations to ensure IMEU’s strategies remain innovative and impactful.
• Provide media trainings for a diverse population of recipients, including tech workers, influencers, cultural leaders, and more.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in media, journalism, entertainment, or public relations.
• Knowledge of US cultural landscape, including industry outlets.
• Expertise in strategic storytelling and campaign management, with a proven track record for securing media results in the life and culture space.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Palestinian history, culture, and politics is highly desirable.
• Passion for social justice and alignment with the IMEU’s mission.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel within the U.S. as needed and work occasional evenings or weekends.

We offer excellent benefits, including generous vacation and leave, an employer-hosted 401(k), 100% employer-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee, generous paid parental leave, and other benefits consistent with the Employee Handbook.