SR. PRESS OFFICER, HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS

Work Location: US - New York, NY (other possible location: US - Washington, DC). Full-time, funded role with up to 10% expected travel. English required; Spanish, French, or Arabic preferred.

About the role

CARE is hiring a Senior Press Officer for its Media and Communications team to help manage and execute CARE’s strategic media relations in order to further our organizational objectives so we can continue to grow our voice, profile, and message-pull through in US and global media. With a focus on proactive media engagement and strategic relationship-building with journalists, the candidate will work across the global CARE network to raise the profile of our development and humanitarian work—as well as our advocacy and fundraising priorities—in US and international media.

The role involves developing, managing, and/or executing communications strategies that support CARE's signature issues, humanitarian/development programs, advocacy priorities, and fundraising goals. The Senior Press Officer will identify unique opportunities for CARE media coverage in line with our strategic priorities, elevate the voices of CARE’s thought leaders and subject matter experts, and provide focused media relations support to CARE teams in select regions. They will also support media relations efforts around CARE’s humanitarian crisis responses, coordinating with CARE’s country, regional, and other global teams to ensure timely outreach and quality earned placement.

Reporting to the Director of Media and Communications, the ideal candidate has a strong background working on a media relations team—preferably in a humanitarian or development context—and an appreciation for international affairs. Strong preference will be given to candidates who have experience working with a humanitarian or development NGO. This role is US-based, with preference given to candidates in New York City, Washington, DC, or Atlanta. Spanish speakers are also preferred.

Responsibilities

• Media Relations Management
  • Build and cultivate CARE's relationship with key editors, journalists, and outlets that inform the public on issues related to fighting poverty, responding to emergencies, and empowering girls and women.
  • Strategically target emerging media outlets, reporters, and influencers (podcasts, independent outlets, newsletters, etc.).
  • Develop and implement strategies for communicating CARE's signature issues and advocacy priorities to the public, positioning CARE to drive distinctiveness and target desired audiences.
  • Increase public awareness of CARE by promoting its poverty-fighting work and women's empowerment brand across US and global media through proactive pitching and managing media inquiries.
  • Disseminate pitches, press releases, and statements to targeted journalists.
  • Vet media inquiries and obtain information for journalists/producers from US outlets.
  • Connect journalists with appropriate CARE colleagues and staff interviews as needed.
  • Seek opportunities for journalists to visit CARE programs and organize press briefings.
  • Track and monitor CARE coverage and relevant topics using media monitoring and AI tools.
• Messaging and Content Development
  • Collaborate with CARE colleagues—including senior leadership—to develop, draft, edit, obtain approvals for, and disseminate press releases and statements, often on short notice.
• Spokesperson Management
  • Identify and support spokespeople, often members of CARE's senior leadership, ensuring they are prepared for interviews.
  • Develop, obtain approvals for, and disseminate talking points and briefing packets.
  • Manage media trainings and workshops for spokespeople on a consistent and ad hoc basis.
  • Occasionally serve as spokesperson as needed.
• Humanitarian Response
  • Help manage and support CARE's media relations work during humanitarian crises or major events (e.g., armed conflict, earthquakes, typhoons).
  • Line up talking points and spokespeople, identify unique opportunities for CARE coverage, and ensure key journalists receive updates and pitches.
  • Staff interviews as needed and track coverage.
  • Collaborate with CARE’s global Regional Communications Advisors, country-level stakeholders, and other communications colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, international relations, journalism, or a related field.
• 7 to 9 years of combined media relations, communications, public relations, or journalism experience.
• At least 4 years of media relations experience, either at an agency or in-house.
• Knowledge of key US and international media outlets (including podcasts, independent outlets, and newsletters).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• Preferred:
  • Master's degree in communications, international relations, journalism, or a related field.
  • Background in crisis communications, international relations, or humanitarian affairs.
  • Spanish, French, or Arabic language skills (strong preference for Spanish speakers).
  • Experience working in the Global South.
  • Experience working for a humanitarian NGO.
  • Experience in complex, decentralized organizations.
  • Ability to work in intense environments accompanying humanitarian crises.

Pay

Annual pay range: $97,300.73 – $113,112.11. Starting salaries are based on candidate experience, education, knowledge, skills, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed apply only to jobs based in the US.