Roles Specific Outcomes

Media Relations Planning

Develop tactical media relations plans, build media lists, identify and develop story ideas to pitch to journalists working with US-based media to increase visibility of MSF’s programs, advocacy initiatives, and expertise.
 

 

Media Relations Outreach

Execute  media plans for specific issues, contexts, or events to keep the public informed about MSF’s work.

 

External Communications

Write, edit, and distribute press releases and other communications materials to support media relations plans  within established systems and procedures.

 

Brand Positioning

Execute media plans and tactics to increase brand visibility.

 

Media Monitoring & Analysis

Support monitoring and evaluation of media coverage and make recommendations based on data.

 

Media Training

Conduct or support spokesperson briefing and training for specific media interviews and general capacity building to strengthen communications impact.

 

These core accountabilities should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job.  Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.
 

Complexity and Problem-Solving Skills

• Works independently with minimal supervision and provides technical guidance when required on planning, organizing, prioritizing, and overseeing activities to efficiently meet MSF objectives.

 

Behavioral Competencies

THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.

 

People Focus

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.

 

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.

 

Global Perspective

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.

 

Cultivates Innovation

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.

 

RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.

 

Drives Results

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.

 

PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.

 

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.
 

Values Differences

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

 

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

 

SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

 

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

 

Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.

 

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

 

Technical Competencies

 

Plans and Aligns

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.

 

Financial Acumen

Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

 

Tech Savvy

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.

 

Data Collection and Analysis

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

 

Project Management Skills

The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.

 

Presentation and Written Communication Skills

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

 

Supervisory Responsibility

• May supervise the media support work of office volunteers, interns, and/or work-study students for specific clerical, administrative, or research projects, as required. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

 

Desired Qualifications & Experience

At a minimum the Job Holder should possess:

• Min. 3-5 years media relations experience, preferably with a nonprofit organization, plus a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional knowledge and understanding of media landscape, combined with solid news judgment.
• Demonstrated track record of generating earned media coverage.
• Demonstrated knowledge of media database and media monitoring programs.
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills, and ability to effectively present information to the media.

 

Travel Requirements 

Domestic or international travel as requested to provide emergency or other communications support. This may include local, national, or international media work; content creation, reporting, or advocacy support.

Nearest Major Market: Manhattan
Nearest Secondary Market: New York City