Manager, Media Relations

At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We're not just a workplace - we're a vibrant community of passionate, forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, transparent, and data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us!

SUMMARY

USA for UNHCR is seeking a strategic and media-savvy the Manager, Media Relations will lead the day-to-day execution of a proactive earned media strategy that increases visibility for UNHCR's work among U.S. audiences, strengthens relationships with journalists and media outlets and positions the organization and its leadership as trusted, authoritative voices on refugee and humanitarian issues. Building U.S. media relations capacity is a priority for USA for UNHCR as the organization seeks to elevate awareness, enhance organizational credibility and amplify its mission-driven work.

This role will leverage media engagement to support fundraising campaigns, donor engagement and moments of high-impact giving, while driving compelling storytelling and timely responses to news opportunities. The Manager will execute and operationalize consistent, strategic coverage across national, regional and sector-specific media, reinforcing UNHCR's role as a leading humanitarian organization and strengthening donor confidence and support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Journalist & Media Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with U.S.-based journalists, editors, producers and editorial boards across national, regional and digital outlets

Serve as a primary operational point of contact for U.S. media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses

Pitch compelling, human-centered stories that demonstrate impact, urgency and responsible stewardship of donor support Proactive Storytelling & Donor-Driven Messaging

Develop media narratives that connect global humanitarian crises to U.S. donor values, generosity and action, within established communications and strategy and messaging frameworks

Draft and oversee U.S.-focused press materials, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points and media briefs that support communications objectives

Elevate stories of impact, innovation and accountability that strengthen donor confidence and long-term support Media Strategy in Support of Fundraising

Develop and execute a U.S. media relations strategy that supports annual fundraising goals, emergency appeals and major donor initiatives

Align media outreach with fundraising campaigns, donor moments and development priorities through proactive partnership with Development teams

Identify opportunities where media visibility can drive donor awareness, urgency and trust Leadership Visibility & Thought Leadership

Position organizational leaders and subject matter experts as trusted spokespeople whose voices reinforce credibility with donors, partners and the public

Prepare spokespeople for media engagements by assessing audience, message sensitivity and reputational risk

Monitor U.S. news cycles and humanitarian developments that may impact donor sentiment or giving behavior Issues Management & Rapid Response

Coordinate real-time media response execution during emergencies, crises or urgent fundraising moments, escalating as appropriate

Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure messaging is accurate, ethical and aligned with fundraising and brand standards Measurement & Impact

Track and analyze U.S. media coverage with a focus on reach, audience engagement and fundraising relevance

Collaborate with Development teams to assess how earned media contributes to donor acquisition, retention and campaign performance and apply insights to refine outreach approaches Other Functions

Serve as a liaison to and collaborate with UNHCR's global and regional communications teams

Collaborate with external consultants as appropriate

Other duties as assigned QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree required

Minimum of 7-9 years of progressive experience in U.S. media relations, public relations, or journalism, preferably within a nonprofit, humanitarian, or fundraising-driven organization

Strong understanding of the U.S. media landscape and national news cycle

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute media strategies that support nonprofit fundraising and donor engagement

Proven success pitching and securing earned media coverage across national, regional, and digital outlets

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex humanitarian issues for U.S. audiences

Experience exercising sound judgment and managing multiple priorities in high-profile or sensitive situations

Strong understanding of ethical storytelling and donor-sensitive communications

Familiarity with media monitoring tools and journalist databases (e.g., Cision)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software applications

Understanding of refugee and displacement issues WORK LOCATION

Hybrid +Washington, DC + May also involve travel to some locations within the company's region

COMPENSATION

$99,710-$119,652

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Please apply immediately or by January 29,2026.

WHY YOU'LL WORKING HERE

We're proud to be consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work, a reflection of our deep commitment to employee well-being, growth, and purpose. Our benefits are designed to support your whole life, not just your work life. While specific offerings may evolve over time, highlights currently include:

Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans)

Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA

Industry-leading 401(k) match

Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness

Mental and financial wellness resources

Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones

Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement

Professional development support

Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health

Please note: Benefits are reviewed regularly and subject to change.

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS

USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply.

Why Join USA for UNHCR?

Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values every day. We're passionate about creating meaningful change, dynamic in our collaborative approach, and transparent in how we work together to support refugees. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and a data-driven mindset, we stay forward-thinking, ensuring your unique talents fuel innovation and impact. Here, you'll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills in a nurturing environment, and see the transformative power of your work - on the lives of refugees and on your own journey.