Manager, External Communications & Media Relations

Core responsibilities

• Develop and execute proactive earned media plans that generate meaningful local, regional, and national media coverage.
• Own and maintain comprehensive media lists, continuously identifying new reporters, editors, producers, influencers, and outlets.
• Develop and manage an editorial pitch calendar tied to organizational priorities, awareness moments, advocacy efforts, campaigns, partner events, and seasonal opportunities.
• Monitor the news daily to identify opportunities to insert Food Bank into relevant conversations and rapidly develop media angles.
• Write compelling pitches, press releases, media advisories, web stories, and other press materials that resonate with reporters.
• Conduct thoughtful media outreach to secure coverage across print, digital, broadcast, radio, podcasts, and trade media.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media contacts across the New York City market and beyond.

Communications & Story Development

• Collaborate across departments and engage with Food Bank neighbors, program participants, volunteers, and staff to identify and develop compelling stories that showcase our mission, impact, and partnerships while humanizing food insecurity and advancing meaningful earned media opportunities.
• Gather information, statistics, and insights from internal and approved external sources to support media outreach and talking points.
• Draft talking points, background materials, and briefing documents to support media opportunities.
• Serve as a communications connector, ensuring earned media coverage, story opportunities, and key messaging are shared with internal stakeholders to support fundraising, marketing, advocacy, board engagement, and internal communications.
• Regularly partner with the Marketing Storytelling Manager to identify story opportunities and align earned media with marketing campaigns.
• Collaborate on newsletter content and integrated storytelling initiatives.

Reporting & Media Operations

• Lead all media monitoring, coverage tracking, reporting, and analysis.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews and logistics.
• Support crisis communications efforts as needed.

Events & Partnerships

• Support media relations surrounding events, activations, announcements, and campaigns, including onsite media coordination.
• Assist with entertainment public relations efforts, including related PR strategy and execution, pitching, and other duties as needed.
• Support the Director with coordination related to the organization's public relations agency and other vendors.