Manager, Public Relations

Company: United Service Organizations (USO)
Location: Arlington
Posted on: January 23, 2023

Job Description:

Why join our team?
USO mission and exceptional team, around the world, make this a great place to work. We offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have an exceptional 401k match, great benefits including training/education reimbursement and really fun team members that put the mission first. Working for the USO is more than a job. It's a calling. (Do what you like, like what you do)!
Here is what an independent external survey told us:

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• 97% agree they like the work they do
  
• 90% are satisfied with the pay and benefits
  
• 95% would recommend working here to friends and family
  
• 95% would recommend the USO services to a friend
  
  The Manager of Public Relations position is dedicated to developing strategic and comprehensive public relations campaigns and activities to build awareness of the organization, increase engagement and loyalty with supporters, improve utilization of the organization's programs by service members and their families, grow audiences and generate donations.
  
  Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)
  
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  • Develop strategic PR and media engagement campaigns, plans, and concepts to build awareness of the organization, increase engagement and loyalty with supporters, improve utilization of the organization's programs by service members and their families, grow audiences and generate donations.
    
  • Provide public relations guidance and assistance to various internal department and teams, with a specific focus on developing communications plans and media activations that help facilitate the achievement of their goals and objectives.
    
  • Generate ideas for stories to be placed in news outlets, draft press releases, backgrounders, and other press related documents.
    
  • Work with managers in the Marketing department to develop holistic plans to support activations with corporate partners, military customers, and other key stakeholders.
    
  • Develop and execute strategies to leverage the reach of corporate partners, supporters and other influencer channels to tell the USO story and meet USO public relations and business goals.
    
  • With the Director of Communications, create the organization's crisis media management plans.
    
  • Lead, manage, and mentor the Media Relations Specialist, and manage PR agency and vendor relationships.
    
  • Other duties as assigned.
    
    Job Specifications
    
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    • Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or related field.
      
    • 5+ years work experience in a PR or media relations communications role, including 1+ years in a supervisory capacity. Relevant experience in a not-for-profit, military, political, policy and/or global organization preferred.
      
    • Experience working with national, regional, and local media.
      
    • Background in developing strategic communications plans and public relations campaigns.
      
    • Knowledge of leading-edge public relations strategies and tactics that can be part of integrated marketing strategies.
      
    • Experience working with advertising, marketing, and brand specialists to create holistic and integrated campaigns.
      
    • Understanding of the PESO model of communications.
      
    • Strong writing skills are a must.
      
    • Strong interpersonal, customer service and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
      
    • Proficiency using computers and electronics equipment. General knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite.
      
    • Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment related to controversial and/or culturally sensitive subjects. Ability to handle confidential information with tact and poise.
      
    • Must show initiative, self-motivation, and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple projects with competing priorities. Ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing organizational needs.
      
    • Ability to achieve desired results while working collaboratively in a team environment. Willingness and ability to work non-standard hours as needed.
      
    • Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, SOFA status, valid driver's license.
      
    • Must be a strong advocate of the USO's mission.
      
      Details
      
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      • This position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location.
        
      • USO locations will adhere to local area and DOD guidelines regarding COVID vaccination/testing requirements. Employees may be required to be vaccinated or tested regularly per local requirements.
        
      • Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
        
      • Background check - education, criminal and driving required.
        
      • The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
        
        If that's not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:
        
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        • The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
          
        • I have been with the USO for 4 years and have consistently been able to grow in my knowledge and position. It is a fun place to work and my work/life balance is manageable. The way the organization has handled COVID has been top notch - I never felt fearful that I would lose my job or be put in a situation where I did not feel safe. The benefits are great - PTO and 401k matching are top level.
          
        • There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
          
        • Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
          
        • The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
          
        • The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.
          
          Apply today and be a force behind the forces

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