Communications Manager

Radio Free Asia•Washington DC, WA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Radio Free Asia (RFA) is seeking a Communications Manager to join its small, nimble integrated communications team. This role focuses on RFA’s reputation management, media relations, event planning, digital communications strategies and content creation, and stakeholder cultivation and engagement. The ideal candidate will be an outgoing networker adept at cultivating relationships with media and like-minded groups to strengthen RFA’s brand and public narrative. This individual will also possess savvy and judgment in recognizing opportunities for RFA to showcase its value with key players in policy-making and human rights circles, and will contribute to internal communications as needed. The role involves strategic planning with department and company leadership to develop and implement external media strategies, opportunities for visibility, and multi-channel strategies to promote organizational goals.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a related field of study (Journalism, English, Marketing/Communications, or related work experience).
Minimum of five years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications.
Proven track record and success of devising and implementing communications strategies, in addition to overseeing project management of directed media campaigns, ideally for non-profit organizations, think tanks, or associations, undergoing growth and change.
Experience using media monitoring tools and analytics platforms to track coverage, gauge impact, and inform communications strategies.
Exceptional writing and editing skills, a portfolio that includes published materials such as press statements, op-eds, newsletters, and long-form content is highly preferred.
Seasoned in planning and managing public-facing and small-group events, including media briefings, panels, and stakeholder engagements.
Ability and willingness to work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships with top-tier foreign policy reporters and media outlets in Washington, D.C., and key Asian markets.
Strong knowledge of Asian geopolitics, with lived or professional experience in the region.
Professional proficiency in one or more of RFA’s service languages, particularly Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese.
Prior experience in a commercial public relations agency environment, working on campaigns to message growth and organizational change for clients.
Experience working in a mission-driven, nonprofit, media, or international organization, particularly in a global or multilingual environment.
Familiarity with email marketing and CRM platforms (e.g., Mailchimp or similar tools), as well as experience with social media management or analytics tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or native platform insights).
Strategic thinker with the ability to identify or create opportunities that drive awareness and message company value, while assessing risk and vulnerability.
Great interpersonal communications skills with the ability to engage effectively with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
Possess curious nature and “journalistic mindset” to ask questions that help to drive important, timely conversations that shape strategy.
Creative and forward-thinking, aware of story-telling trends and willing to think outside the box, innovatively in ways that refresh RFA’s narrative in accordance with its mission.
Versatile and willing to pitch in when needed, handling duties outside of the job description.
Decisive and able to function in a fast-paced environment, especially during crisis situations that require a public affairs response.
Capable of having a strong sense of humor and “grace under pressure” demeanor amid challenging situations.
Adept at using key metrics and analytics to drive strategic planning, make smart choices, and inform campaign development.

Responsibilities

Develop and cultivate relationships with reporters and editors to secure "earned media" coverage (e.g., news stories, interviews, or opinion pieces).
Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries and, in some cases, acting as the official voice of the organization when designated by Chief Communication Officer.
Develop and execute rapid-response strategies to manage sensitive issues and mitigate reputational risk.
Drafting media releases, statements, leadership/principal remarks, letters to the editor, op-eds and long-form pieces, explainers and fact sheets, and other writings as needed for outside and internal communications; as well as adapting content for digital and social media channels to extend reach and engagement.
Initiate and coordinate participation of RFA journalists and leadership in public events, such as panel discussions at think tanks, like-minded groups and organizations.
Track media coverage, public sentiment, and emerging narratives related to RFA and its coverage areas to proactively identify risks and opportunities; Track and report on the effectiveness of media outreach and communications efforts.
Working with department leadership to develop events and roundtables, including salon-style gatherings, that showcase RFA's value, journalistic and issue expertise, and thought leadership with key communities and stakeholders.
Working in consultation with Human Resources, Editorial, and other departments, to develop ways to raise awareness among employees of company ideals and objectives.
Provide communications counsel to senior leadership, preparing them for interviews in alignment with company goals and objectives.
Support responses to information requests from federal agencies and congressional offices.
Support the planning and execution of digital communications efforts, in coordination with the rest of the Communication team, including social media messaging and email outreach, to amplify earned media coverage and key organizational moments.
Other duties as assigned.