Associate, Public Relations

Organization Overview

UNICEF USA (“UUSA” or “We”) relentlessly pursues a more equitable world for every child, upholding the rights of all children and empowering every child, everywhere. We also support the fundamental belief that children should have a voice and role in shaping their futures and the futures of their communities.
Over eight decades, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has built an unprecedented global support system for the world’s children, and has boldly taken on the biggest, seemingly impossible challenges facing children. UNICEF relentlessly works day in and day out to deliver the essentials that give every child an equitable chance in life: health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children.
We know that sustainable change is attainable, but it can’t be achieved alone. It takes a committed team – individuals, governments, corporations, volunteers and staff – who demonstrate a relentless commitment to working tirelessly, day in and day out in some of the toughest, hardest to reach places. Big problems need big solutions, and we harness our collective, global voice and energy to do more good, in more places for children. We will never stop supporting UNICEF to develop smarter, more cost-effective solutions; scaling up proven, data-driven programs; and harnessing new technologies to create measurable change for children.
UUSA is organized under the laws of New York State as a not-for-profit corporation. As such, UUSA is a tax-exempt organization as defined under Section 501C(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is governed by an independent, non-salaried Board of Directors.

Position: Associate, Public Relations

Location: Remote/Flexible

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: The estimated salary range for this role is $60,170 - 72,200. The midpoint for this salary range is $72,200. Actual pay will vary based on varying factors, including but not limited to relevant experience.

Associate, Public Relations

The Public Relations Associate plays an integral role in supporting the External Communications Team’s overarching goal of increasing awareness for UNICEF’s mission and programming with key audiences as well as elevating the brand here in the United States. With a core focus on News and Emergencies, the PR Associate will be tasked with crafting press materials, developing media lists for traditional local, regional and national outlets, building and fostering relationships with social publisher accounts and ideating ways to engage Gen Z audiences through earned and paid opportunities as well as mining for stories and conducting outreach to key and emerging markets in the United States.

This position will report to the Director of Public Relations and will have a direct line of communication to the Senior Director, Managing Directors and Vice President of External Marketing and Communications. In addition, the Associate will work in close collaboration with the Entertainment & Sports Marketing Coordinator on monitoring and reporting.

Key Responsibilities/Outcomes (including but are not limited to):

• Support the External Communications team by increasing awareness and showing the impact of UNICEF’s mission and programming with a focus on news and emergencies, crisis, and brand by conducting outreach and securing coverage with social publisher accounts, local and national media.
• Identify different pitch angles and generate creative story ideas to garner interest with reporters and producers across secondary media markets to build awareness for UNICEF’s mission across the United States.
• Develop key press materials for media outreach including pitches, press releases and MAT releases with approval from Global Programs on stats and fact-checking when needed.
• Lead on crafting key messages and general talking points for upcoming campaigns and moments (e.g.: TOT, World Children’s Day, World Immunization Week, Mental Health Awareness Month, etc.)
• Serve as point for UUSA media program visits by developing briefings, supporting on travel and providing on-ground point coverage.
• Spearhead holiday gift guide pitching (EOY, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day & Father’s Day) from soup to nuts inclusive of media material development, media list development and outreach.
• Strengthen UUSA press outreach by cultivating reporter and editor relationships with broadcast, print and online outlets
• Monitor for media coverage; generates media recaps and comprehensive impact reports for campaigns, moments and fundraising initiatives (e.g.: TOT, MSNBC KIND, etc.)
• Serve as representative for the External Communications team on cross department all-hands calls sharing updates and bringing news back to the team
• Support the External Communications team foundationally through vendor management and payment, call coordination, seasonal calendars and recap development
• Alert team to reporter/editorial movement and emerging issues being covered in the media that would affect UNICEF or UNICEF USA and advise on media strategies and responses
• Represent UUSA at events and potentially travel domestically and internationally in support of the organization’s public relations efforts
Oversee and manage UNICEF USA’s Internship Program for incoming PR Interns; interview process, work plan and assigning tasks

Core Skills and Competencies

• Excellent oral, written communication and project management skills
• Proficient in developing press materials, press releases, pitches, key messaging, briefing memos and more
• Proven ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors and social media publishers across local and national outlets
• Experience with exploring social publisher paid opportunities and an understanding of social media landscape
• Knowledge of tracking, analyzing and reporting media coverage
• Strong attention to detail, solution oriented, self-starter and go-getter mentality
• Creative ideation and ability to identify unique stories
• Effectively collaborate across teams and support cross-departmental goals
Agency experience preferred but not required

Must possess current and valid US Work Authorization and be eligible to work for any US employer without sponsorship.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. UNICEF USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. UUSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@unicefusa.org .