Media Relations Specialist

National Alliance to End Homelessness•Washington, DC

11d•$65,590 - $98,265•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is a leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to preventing and ending homelessness in the United States. The Alliance works in partnership with federal, state, and local stakeholders—including policymakers, service providers, researchers, advocates, and people with lived experience—to promote data-driven, evidence-based, and racially equitable solutions to homelessness. If you are committed to helping the nation SOLVE the problem of homelessness, consider joining the Alliance. What we are looking for: The Alliance is looking for a high-energy Media Relations Specialist committed to helping end homelessness by advancing accurate, favorable, and consistent messages on issues related to homelessness in the media. As a key member of the Communications team, the Specialist develops and executes strategies to elevate the Alliance’s priorities, strengthen its public presence, and shape the national dialogue on homelessness. This position requires strong news judgment, proven media relations experience, and the ability to communicate complex issues through clear and compelling messages.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Four to six years relevant experience working directly with the media.
Demonstrated commitment to having an impact on homelessness, poverty, or related issues.
Expert understanding of news media with a demonstrated track record for securing positive media coverage on challenging issues. Experience writing and placing op-eds is desired.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts through clear and simple messages.
Ability to independently develop and execute strategies, communicate updates, and report on outcomes.
Strong news judgment with an ability to prioritize competing opportunities and independently manage multiple projects on deadline.
Ability to communicate non-partisan messages in a deeply partisan news environment.
Strong command of written tone and voice.
Experience managing an online media database and related media tracking tools.
Demonstrated experience and ability to recognize and respond to the ways race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity intersect to further promote racial equity and social justice.
Demonstrated experience and ability in working with marginalized or vulnerable populations (e.g., LGBTQ, people with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Experience working on homelessness, affordable housing, or justice-oriented issues is preferred.
Journalism or public relations experience are a plus.
Working knowledge of federal poverty and homeless programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage proactive and reactive media outreach, including developing and distributing press releases, pitches, talking points, and other messaging.
Respond to a high volume of incoming media queries with accuracy and timeliness.
Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, and policy reporters across print, broadcast, online, and podcast outlets.
Maintain and manage media lists and databases.
Collaborate with the VP, Communications to develop and execute media strategies for major announcements, initiatives, and events.
Support media training for Alliance spokespeople, including preparing messaging and interview guidance.
Partner with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communications channels.
Develop metrics reports to track and assess media impact.
Monitor daily news coverage, identify emerging trends, and share relevant updates with staff.
Track favorable and unfavorable trends in homelessness coverage and identify key reporters and outlets.
Work with partner organizations to support joint media outreach.
Develop content and speakers for Alliance conferences and events.
Contribute to Alliance publications and website.
Represent the Alliance at meetings and conferences as appropriate
Perform other duties as assigned by the VP, Communications or CEO.