Media Relations and Communications Coordinator- volunteer

The Media Relations and Communications Coordinator will enhance RE(YOU)S’ visibility and public image. This volunteer will manage media outreach, develop relationships with journalists and media outlets, and coordinate RE(YOU)S’ communication strategy to ensure consistent messaging. They will also support the PR team in crafting content and reporting on media engagement efforts as a critical organiser of RE(YOU)S’ media and external communications.

Expanded Key Responsibilities

1. Media Outreach and Relationship Building

• Develop Media Relationships: Proactively build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets, focusing on those interested in community-based and sustainable initiatives.
• Database Management: Maintain an organised database of media contacts, tracking engagement history, response status, and relevant notes on each contact’s interests or preferred topics.

1. Press Release and Story Development

• Craft Press Releases: Draft, edit, and finalise press releases in collaboration with the PR and Communications Officer, ensuring each release aligns with RE(YOU)S’ messaging and goals.
• Develop Story Pitches: Work with the PR team to develop engaging story pitches and unique angles for RE(YOU) S initiatives. The goal is to secure in-depth media coverage beyond event announcements.

1. Coordinate Organizational Messaging

• Ensure Consistency in Public Messaging: Collaborate with the Community Outreach Volunteer and Marketing team to ensure that all external messaging—whether through press releases, social media, or event promotions—reflects RE(YOU)S’ values and brand.
• Internal Communications Support: Assist with internal communication efforts, ensuring team members are aligned with upcoming media initiatives or public messaging strategies.

1. Media Monitoring and Reporting

• Track Media Coverage: Monitor all media mentions, articles, and news pieces that feature RE(YOU)S and document the reach and impact of each mention.
• Prepare Monthly Media Reports: Compile monthly reports summarising media coverage, PR efforts, and any notable public feedback, which will be shared with the PR and Communications team.

1. Event Publicity Coordination

• Coordinate Media Coverage for Events: Proactively contact media contacts before RE(YOU)S events, inviting them to attend or cover the event. Facilitate follow-up with journalists after the event, ensuring accurate and positive coverage.
• Create Media Kits for Events: Develop media kits for significant events, including press releases, background information, high-quality images, and RE(YOU)S branding materials to make it easy for media to cover the event.

1. Support Crisis Communications and Reputation Management

• Assist with Crisis Response: Work with the PR and Communications Officer to prepare responses for any negative press or unexpected challenges, ensuring the organisation’s reputation remains intact.
• Prepare FAQs and Key Message Sheets: Develop and update a set of FAQs and key message sheets for RE(YOU)S initiatives. These will serve as a quick reference for the team in case of media inquiries.

1. Training and Mentorship for Junior Volunteers

• Onboard and Guide New Volunteers: Support the onboarding of any new PR or media volunteers, offering guidance on media best practices, outreach strategies, and RE(YOU)S’ communication standards.
• Mentorship: Mentor junior media volunteers, helping them grow their media relations skills and gain organisational communication experience.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Able to craft compelling press releases, story pitches, and responses that align with RE(YOU)S’ brand.
• Media Savvy and Relationship-Building Ability: Experienced or interested in developing media relationships, ideally with some familiarity with community-based or nonprofit work.
• Organized and Detail-Oriented: Able to maintain contact databases, track media mentions, and manage the details of media outreach efforts effectively.
• Proactive and Professional: Comfortable with reaching out to new contacts, pitching stories, and handling high-level organisational communication tasks.
• Experience with Media Tools (Preferred): Familiarity with media monitoring software or databases like Cision, Meltwater, or similar is a bonus.