About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 120 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary

The Senior Media Relations Officer is responsible for developing and leading public relations campaigns and implementing strategies aimed at fostering a positive public image through strategic outreach. This includes creating and executing effective communication and media relations programs, as well as fostering relationships that drive positive visibility and engagement.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• In support to the Deputy Director, develop and lead the execution of public relations campaigns and strategies throughout the year to generate earned media around programming, fundraising and advocacy priorities.
• Proactively engage global communications and program staff to identify newsworthy stories and key spokespeople and create actionable plans to bring those stories to life through new and traditional mediums.
• Monitor and maintain an active portfolio of media pitches and build strong global connections with target media contacts. Focus on ensuring high-quality coverage of CRS’ priorities, especially with Spanish-language and European-based media.
• Ensure that all communications are carefully crafted to protect the organization’s interests while effectively conveying key messages and are used consistently across communications channels.
• Oversee preparation of talking points and other supporting material for media engagements.
• Act as spokesperson or the organization in media platforms, with particular attention to Spanish-language media opportunities.
• Maintain relationship with relevant media partners to develop goodwill and strong ties for the organizations to reach its target market widening organization presence.
• Serve as the lead expert and thought partner for international communications teams on media topics, including prioritizing stories, resolving issues, and providing counsel on various issues and priorities.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, or communications
• At least six years of work experience required in communications/media relations
• Previous experience in managing multiple projects in a single department.
• Previous experience in managing a single departmental project.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the U.S. and global news media landscape and understanding of how media outlets function
• Use exceptional judgment and a deep understanding of CRS’ programming context to create high-level messaging
• Strong knowledge of international affairs
• Strong time management skills, ability to multitask.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Ability to deal effectively with deadlines
• Strong representational skills
• Team player
• Self-motivated; proactive worker

Required Languages – English and Spanish

Travel – Up to 30%.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff.  When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals.  These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – consistently takes responsibilities for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity  – consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust  – shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Supervisory Responsibilities – none

Key Working Relationships 

Internal: Marketing & Communications; OverOps; OverOps MarCom; Advocacy

External: Local, national, and international journalists; vendors

What we offer 

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Note: All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

 CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.