Deadline: Ongoing
The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Communications Officer based in Baltimore, USA.
CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas.
Key Job Responsibilities
The Communications Officer will perform the following functions-
- With collaboration with RIO, research and write communications plan to promote CRS’ work in LACRO to U.S. media and other key audiences. With a keen eye on CRS’ growing Hispanic supporter base, identify priorities issues and programs and advise on the best communications channels and timing for disseminating content. Some travel involved.
- Similarly, identify and prioritize top agency messages/topics for Hispanic audiences and develop a plan, to include spokespeople and key messaging, for outreach to Catholic and secular media outlets targeting the Hispanic audience.
- Be a vital source of information about LACRO and related issues for key U.S. programs charged with outreach to Hispanic supporters, including CRS offices in the United States. Identify their information needs and work with the RIO to develop engaging material (presentations, marketing pieces, etc.) accordingly.
- Act as a liaison with HQ MarCom staff (web unit, social media, etc.) and help develop and disseminate timely content/messaging related to LACRO programming and issues across channels. For example, during an emergency, work with RIO to write talking points, program updates, newswire posts, web stories and other social media content using sitreps, program documents and other field materials.
- Collaborates with Senior Advisor for Hispanic Outreach [USOps] and Hispanic Marketing Manager to craft and execute the communications/media plan to reach defined Hispanics audiences in the United States.
- Write media releases, pitches, and briefings to support agency awareness goals and audience needs.
- Field media inquiries in collaboration with RIO and facilitate interviews with HQ staff when applicable.
- Serve as Communication’s Hispanic Media expert and keep the unit up-to-date on key issues as well as opportunities for collaboration on media pitches, campaigns, content development, etc.
- In conjunction with the RIO LACRO, identify and visit one region or program area each year that will provide the best return to generate high-value media placements and storytelling content to support CRS’ Hispanic outreach goals, as feasible.
- Assist colleagues in advocacy, and legislative staff to craft public messages and general outreach as it relates to issues relevant for Hispanic audiences.
- Attend and take an active role in the Diversity Cross Divisional Team, to understand the needs of regional Relationship Managers in their outreach to Hispanic audiences. Support plans to respond to needs of regional outreach.
- Review and advise colleagues during the drafting of marketing campaigns such as Rice bowl, CAR/Emergency, Gaza/Emergency, Anniversaries, International Days and advocacy best ways to compose and disseminate messages appealing and relevant to Hispanic audiences.
- Serve as Spanish speaking spokesperson for CRS with media as needed.
- Participate in emergency briefings and remain current on priority topics.
- Work with RIO in LACRO to identify and train staff and partners on messaging and speaking to media.
- Maintain and grow media contacts with key journalists and outlets that cater to Hispanic audiences in the U.S. with a focus on secular and broadcast to reach key Hispanic audiences.
- Maintain CRS Hispanic social media presence as it relates to outreach plan.
- Facilitate the creation of an official list of resource people for translation, writing and content development who can be tapped to fulfill needs from U.S. regional offices in collaboration with the Senior Advisor for Hispanic Outreach and Hispanic Marketing Manager.
- Assist in arranging for and support Spanish-speaking staff on U.S. based media tours relevant to agency priorities and needs.
- Assist with development of 12 CRS en el Mundo segments.
- Limited travel; potentially once per year to LACRO countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- A. in journalism/communications or international relations or related field required.
- At least 5 – 7 years of proven experience in public and media relations
- Knowledge of U.S. Hispanic media market
- Knowledge of issues of interest to U.S. Hispanics and Hispanic Diaspora groups throughout the U.S.
- Fluency in Spanish both spoken and written is required. Native speaker preferred.
- Strong knowledge of issues pertaining to the Latin America/Caribbean region.
- Experience working in a Spanish language media outlet preferred.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet) required
How to Apply
Applicants must create an online profile to apply for the position.
For more information, please visit CRS.
