Press Secretary

Obama Foundation • Chicago, IL

4d • $104,310 - $130,435 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Press Secretary will pitch The Obama Foundation’s stories to external audiences, focusing on traditional legacy media while supporting Creator/Influencer cultivation in partnership with the editorial team. The role prioritizes earned media and audience cultivation in support of the Foundation’s strategic communications efforts.

The Press Secretary will surface and pitch stories to external outlets, manage public relations, launch special projects, and work with external PR resources and consultants. The role will lead communications strategy for program launches and major events, provide strategic leadership within the communications function, and work across Foundation initiatives and programming to ensure cohesive messaging and effective traditional and new media outreach.

The position reports directly to the Vice President of Communications and is hybrid, based at the Obama Presidential Center.

Requirements

• Eight years of experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably in a nonprofit, government, or mission-driven organization.
• Established network of national and local press contacts, with a proven track record of securing high-impact coverage.
• Strong ability to identify and package compelling narratives aligned with institutional goals.
• Experience navigating media crises and rapid-response scenarios.
• Experience managing teams, external consultants, and cross-functional projects.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with strategic agility and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Support the Vice President of Communications in developing and executing a public relations strategy that conveys the Foundation’s mission to key external stakeholders.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with national and local traditional media and secure high-impact earned media coverage.
• Work with the social media team to engage audience-based communicators, such as influencers, to amplify the Foundation’s messaging.
• Surface, package, and pitch compelling stories highlighting the Foundation’s impact, leadership, and programming.
• Ensure messaging consistency and alignment across public-facing communications.
• Lead media strategy, planning, and execution for major Foundation events, announcements, and program milestones.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to maximize press coverage and public engagement.
• Support the development of crisis communications protocols and playbooks, and provide strategic counsel and rapid response to emerging media opportunities and challenges.
• Manage relationships with external PR agencies, consultants, and strategic communications partners, and oversee contract deliverables for alignment with the Foundation’s communications goals.
• Provide mentorship and leadership within the communications team and foster a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
• Work cross-functionally across departments to ensure cohesive messaging and media strategy.
• Lead and oversee special communications projects that advance the Foundation’s mission and visibility.
• Identify and execute new opportunities for audience engagement through media and strategic partnerships.

Benefits

• The Foundation refers candidates to an overview of its benefits package, including insurance, paid time off, and retirement; specific benefit details are not provided in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed