Senior Media Relations Manager

Work Days in Office: 4 days with 1 day optional telework from home location.

Travel: Up to 25%

Position Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Spirit of America:

Spirit of America is a privately funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Our mission is to engage citizens in preserving the promise of a free and better life. We do this by working alongside U.S. troops and diplomats and providing private assistance to defend freedom, and strengthen America’s national security, and save and improve lives.

Spirit of America leverages an unprecedented partnership with the U.S. military based on a groundbreaking agreement with the Department of Defense. Our agreement with the Department of Defense allows the military to collaborate with us, identify needs, receive and distribute our assistance, and provide us with logistical support. No other nonprofit has such an agreement. Thus, every dollar invested in Spirit of America builds on and leverages investments made by the U.S. government and military. That leverage — combined with our entrepreneurial, venture capital capability — provides philanthropic investments in Spirit of America with asymmetric impact and return on investment.

Our work saves and improves lives, prevents conflict, and strengthens America’s security. In the world’s toughest places, people experience the best of who Americans are and what we stand for.

About the Role:

Spirit of America seeks a dynamic and versatile Senior Media Relations Manager

who can work collaboratively within a fast-paced, deadline-oriented, multi-media communications department to help develop and execute a media relations strategy that advances Spirit of America’s business priorities. This is a hands-on role for a communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about advancing freedom and American values. The Senior Media Relations Manager will develop strong relationships with relevant news reporters and editors, drive a comprehensive media strategy, provide tactical media relations support, and partner with Spirit of America experts, leadership, and program leads to identify relevant and timely opportunities. Strong project management skills and excellent writing skills are essential to success.

In addition to media relations, this role will actively support external relations and broader communications activities, including events, stakeholder engagement, and content development, ensuring Spirit of America’s voice and mission are amplified across all channels.

Reports To: Vice President of Communications and External Relations

Direct Reports: None

Key Responsibilities:

The Senior Media Relations Manager will:

Media Outreach and Engagement

• Update Spirit of America's media strategy
• Serve as a liaison between Spirit of America and media outlets.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, and influencers to secure coverage.
• Develop and maintain media lists and outreach strategies.
• Respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and provide guidance to staff.
• Leverage events and thought leadership opportunities to engage media.

Message Development and Content

• Help shape Spirit of America’s narrative and key messages for media audiences.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, and news announcements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure timely, relevant content that supports organizational priorities.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee media monitoring and reporting systems.
• Track coverage and analyze impact to inform strategy and create relevant reports.

Capacity Building and Crisis Communications

• Prepare staff for media interviews and provide training as needed.
• Support crisis communications planning and response.

External Relations and Team Collaboration

• Work closely with communications team members to maximize media and communications opportunities.
• Assist with external relations initiatives, including events, stakeholder communications, and partnership activities.
• Support broader communications tasks as needed, including content creation, social media support, and campaign coordination.
• Contribute to a culture of excellence, innovation, and commitment to Spirit of America’s mission.

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

In the first 12 - 18 months, the Senior Media Relations Manager will help position Spirit of America as a trusted source for media, securing high-quality coverage that amplifies Spirit of America's mission and values and elevates its work and expertise. Reporters and editors view Spirit of America as a go-to resource, and outreach results in timely, impactful stories. The Senior Media Relations Manager updates media strategy and delivers clear, compelling messaging across channels, manages multiple priorities with precision, collaborating seamlessly with internal teams. Success means driving measurable growth in media engagement, strengthening Spirit of America’s reputation, and ensuring Spirit of America's voice is heard in conversations that matter.

A successful Senior Media Relations Manager is a proactive, entrepreneurial communicator who not only secures impactful media coverage but also supports the full spectrum of external relations—from events and stakeholder engagement to content creation and beyond. The manager anticipates needs, fills gaps without waiting for direction, and manages multiple priorities with agility. Reporters and partners see the senior manager as a trusted resource, and their ability to deliver polished work under pressure strengthens Spirit of America's voice across all channels.

Key Qualifications:

Required:

• BA/BS with at least eight years of media communications experience; or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in communications, public relations, journalism, national security, international development, or foreign policy
• Proven track record building productive relationships with reporters and media outlets, helping to secure media coverage and place contributed pieces
• Contemporary experience in multi-media communications, with superior writing and presentation skills
• Evidence of successful project management
• Evidence of skills in working as part of a team, meeting deadlines, and consistent and steady performance in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Established media contacts in the national security or foreign policy space

Compensation Range:

Salary ranges from $102,000 to $120,000 based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, and 403(b) contribution match to 4%.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Spirit of America is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics in accordance with applicable laws.

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