Sr. Manager, Communications & Public Relations-NY, DC, Chicago-Remote

Autism Speaks•New York, NY

20d•$75,000 - $95,000•Remote

About The Position

Autism Speaks is seeking a dynamic Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations to join their remote team. The role prefers candidates located in New York, Washington, or Chicago. This position offers a strong writer and media relations professional the chance to enhance the organization's voice, cultivate media relationships, and support mission-driven storytelling. The Senior Manager will be a creative, motivated, and strategic communicator, adept at supporting rapid response communications and building relationships with media contacts. This role supports the execution of strategic communications initiatives to advance Autism Speaks’ mission, boost organizational visibility, and engage with media across national, regional, and trade outlets. Reporting to the Vice President Communications & Public Relations, this position will focus on proactive media relations, executive communications, organizational messaging, and high-profile campaigns, partnerships, and events. The Senior Manager will actively pitch, secure, and coordinate media opportunities, collaborating across teams to increase Autism Speaks’ visibility and storytelling efforts. The ideal candidate possesses strong writing and media relations skills, sound judgment, excellent organizational abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field preferred.
6-8 years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or a related communications role.
Track record of pitching and securing media coverage.
Experience drafting and editing media materials such as press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents.
Experience working with media monitoring, distribution, or reporting platforms.
Availability for occasional travel, generally a few times per year and time-sensitive evening or weekend assignments.
Commitment to respectful, community-centered communications and Autism Speaks’ mission.
Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling messaging.
Strong news judgment, media instincts, and the ability to identify timely story opportunities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines and communications needs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Sound judgment, professionalism and commitment to respectful, community centered communications and Autism Speaks mission.
Experience using new tools and technologies, including AI, to improve workflow, efficiency, and productivity while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in nonprofit, advocacy, healthcare, disability, and mission-driven communications environments.

Responsibilities

Support proactive media strategies tied to organizational priorities, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and major announcements.
Actively pitch, secure, coordinate, and staff national, regional, local, and trade media opportunities.
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, producers, editors, and freelance writers.
Draft and edit communications materials including press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents.
Support media interview preparation for executives, spokespeople, self-advocates, families, researchers, partners, and ambassadors.
Monitor news cycles, identify timely opportunities for media engagement, and support rapid-response communications and sensitive media inquiries as needed.
Collaborate with internal teams to identify stories, spokespeople, and community perspectives that support communications priorities and help identify gaps in available stories, voices, or subject matter relevant to proactive communications efforts.
Help maintain consistency across external communications materials and public-facing messaging.
Help manage media lists, coverage tracking, reporting, and communications resources.
Collaborate across departments to support integrated communications efforts and ensure alignment in public-facing messaging.
Coordinate with external PR agencies, consultants, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders as needed.
Support internal communications processes and help manage communications approvals and workflows as needed.
Serve as a communications resource for regional teams, helping support local visibility opportunities and messaging alignment.
Assist with communications tied to corporate partnerships, fundraising campaigns, organizational initiatives, and community events.
Assist with communications support surrounding celebrities and other high-profile supporters, and select organizational events as needed.