Public Relations Manager

Position Responsibilities

The Public Relations Manager excels at media relations, writing and social media management. This position works closely with and reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications to advance the mission and reputation of Raise Your Hand Texas in fulfillment of the organization’s strategic priorities across policy, advocacy, and legislative engagement.  

The Public Relations Manager will execute proactive media relations campaigns, regional advocacy communications, integrated social media campaigns, and policy-focused communication campaign initiatives. This position supports the efforts of regional advocacy directors who are responsible for building a robust pro-public education constituency across Texas. The Public Relations Manager also leads media outreach efforts to support the organization’s legislative interests and statewide media relations promoting the organization’s work and the importance and impact of public schools. The ability to cultivate strong relationships with the media, position an organization as a trusted and primary resource for relevant topics, create media materials and other content, and gain significant earned media coverage are all needed skills. 

• Write and edit press kit materials, media materials, op-eds, bylined news opportunities, and proactive news pitches that support current communication priorities when pitching news story ideas to print, broadcast and digital outlets
• Develop events and foster relationships with members of the Texas capitol press corps, public education beat reporters and editorial boards related to Raise Your Hand policy priorities
• Continue to position Raise Your Hand Texas as a respected and authoritative news media resource, and position Raise Your Hand team members as thought leaders and media spokespeople
• Help identify strategic content opportunities and work with internal team members to create multimedia content for regional advocacy directors, as well as for the organization’s website, blog, podcast, social media channels, email marketing, and other communication channels
• Develop and execute social media campaigns in partnership with the communications team and/or internal marketing team
• Oversee statewide Raise Your Hand Texas sponsorship agreements, maintaining external relationships and working internally with communications and marketing for each engagement
• Identify and secure speaking or panel participation opportunities for key policy and advocacy team members
• Develop and maintain an editorial pitch calendar and a social media calendar 
• Monitor and analyze the performance of key performance indicators (KPIs) to offer suggestions for improvement
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and editorial board meetings
• Maintain and continue to build targeted media lists based on key markets, stakeholder groups and issues

Skills Needed to be successful:

• Experience implementing large-scale integrated communications campaigns, brand awareness, and media strategy with a relevant portfolio of proven outcomes
• Sophisticated utilization of social media, web, digital, print, and multimedia strategies in support of organizational mission, values, and priorities
• Exceptional project manager, writer and editor skills 
• Strong proficiency with social media platforms and related impact metrics 
• Commitment to working long hours as needed during the legislative session to maximize the organization’s social media presence and response
• Familiarity with Texas media markets and what makes each city unique 
• Familiarity with the Texas political and educational landscape
• Existing media relationships in Central Texas, and across the state 
• Expertise in making presentations and communicating with the media and key stakeholders, especially in a crisis or controversial situation
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage complex projects in a fast-paced organization with multiple stakeholders and competing audiences
• Experience with media database and monitoring platforms, as well as email marketing software
• Experience with the PESO Communications Model and AP Style

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or public relations
• Minimum of seven years full-time experience in public relations, media relations or strategic communications
• Written and spoken fluency in Spanish
• At least three years of experience leading internal and external communications efforts
• Ability to recognize, value, and include different perspectives, experiences, approaches, and cultures in achieving organizational goals.
• A genuine understanding and appreciation of the importance of Texas public schools