Public Relations Strategist

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform the life of every person impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment to our beneficiaries. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries to date and we’re just getting started. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a world-wide team of dedicated, passionate, professionals. Our team are creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Come join us!  

Job Summary

The Public Relations Strategist will play a crucial role in managing the organization’s image, reputation, and communication with the public, media, and stakeholders. The individual selected for this position will be a key member of the public relations team and will work closely with the Vice President of Public Relations to develop, implement, and oversee all aspects of Smile Train’s public relations strategies and activities.

Our ideal candidate is a strong writer with a creative mindset, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of media dynamics and public perception. Your primary objective will be to enhance the brand image, improve visibility, and foster positive relationships with various stakeholders.

This position is based in our New York office and a hybrid working model (2 days in the office and 3 days remote).

Responsibilities

• Develop PR Strategies: Create comprehensive public relations strategies that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. These strategies should encompass media relations, crisis communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, bloggers, and other media professionals to secure media coverage. Pitch stories, press releases, and media opportunities to promote the organization’s activities, events, products, or services.
• Content Creation: Develop engaging and compelling content for press releases, media kits, articles, blog posts, and other communication materials. Ensure that the messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligns with the organization’s brand identity.
• Crisis Management: Prepare and execute crisis communication plans to handle negative publicity or any issues that may arise.
• Brand Management: Safeguard and enhance the organization’s brand reputation through proactive PR efforts. Monitor public sentiment and respond to any misperceptions or negative feedback promptly.
• Event Management: Organize and coordinate press conferences, media events and other PR-related activities. Ensure proper media coverage and attendance to maximize exposure.
• Measurement and Reporting: Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of PR campaigns. Provide regular reports to senior management on PR activities, coverage, and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5+ years) in public relations, communications, or related roles, with a track record of successful PR campaigns and earned media.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent media relations skills and a network of media contacts.
• Crisis management experience and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior management.
• Analytical skills to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of PR efforts.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with industry trends, best practices, and emerging PR tools and technologies.

Smile Train believes that a workforce made up of people from diverse social, racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds results in a dynamic workplace and enhances the important work that we do.  We are committed providing equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, marital/familial status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual and reproductive health decisions, military status, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply.

To be considered, please submit a resume and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.