Manager, Brand Communications & PR

Room to Read

3d • $86,000 - $97,000

About The Position

The Manager, Brand Communications & Public Relations leads Room to Read’s global brand communications and public relations efforts to strengthen the organization’s reputation, increase visibility, and support fundraising goals. Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, this role develops and implements communications strategies, manages media relationships, oversees brand messaging, and supports corporate partnerships, executive communications, and major events.

The Manager supervises the Public Relations and Corporate Communications Associate based in London and manages Room to Read’s external communications and public relations agency. The position works closely with executive leadership, fundraising teams, and colleagues across the organization.

Room to Read is an education organization working to advance literacy and gender equality. It collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to develop and implement education programs. The organization states that its work has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in public relations, brand communications, corporate communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications and public relations strategies.
• Strong media relations experience, including building journalist relationships, pitching stories, and securing media coverage.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including experience developing press releases, speeches, executive communications, and brand messaging.
• Experience working with senior leaders on executive communications, media engagement, or thought leadership.
• Experience developing communications content across digital, print, social media, and other platforms.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with external partners, agencies, influencers, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience managing projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines across multiple communications initiatives.
• Experience supervising staff or leading the work of colleagues, agencies, or external partners.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located; Room to Read cannot provide sponsorship.
• Personnel must adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain consistent brand messaging about Room to Read’s mission, programs, and impact.
• Create and update messaging materials, guidelines, and resources for staff, board members, and external partners.
• Train and support organizational spokespeople in communicating key messages.
• Work with program and research teams to incorporate accurate data and impact stories into communications.
• Ensure consistent messaging across digital platforms, publications, social media, and media coverage.
• Support crisis communications planning and response.
• Provide communications and public relations support for corporate and foundation partnerships.
• Collaborate with fundraising and program teams on communications initiatives supporting donor engagement and organizational priorities.
• Develop public relations strategies for major fundraising events, including galas and virtual events.
• Create speeches, scripts, talking points, and other materials for executives and board members participating in events.
• Identify opportunities to increase media coverage and visibility through partnerships and events.
• Develop and implement global media relations strategies to increase awareness of Room to Read.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and other key contacts.
• Identify stories, develop media pitches, and secure print, broadcast, and digital coverage.
• Draft and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, and other executive communications.
• Support media interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities for senior leadership.
• Maintain accurate media contact records and track media engagement.
• Manage the external public relations agency, including its priorities, deliverables, timelines, and performance.
• Identify and secure pro bono advertising opportunities to expand Room to Read’s visibility.
• Work with creative partners to develop advertising content for print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
• Build and maintain relationships with ambassadors, celebrities, and influencers.
• Coordinate ambassador and influencer participation in campaigns, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate new ambassadors and partnership opportunities.
• Lead brand communications and public relations planning and contribute to departmental goals and priorities.
• Supervise, coach, and support direct reports, including performance management and professional development.
• Manage agency relationships and coordinate communications activities across teams.
• Contribute to budget planning, tracking, and reporting.
• Monitor progress and report on communications activities and results.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid premiums for employee medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 50% medical and 100% dental and vision premium coverage for eligible dependents.
• 22 days of PTO, with one additional day accrued each year up to 27 days.
• 12.5 paid holidays.
• Immediate enrollment in a 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match.
• $600 per year home office allowance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager