Public Affairs and Media Relations Director

Job Type: Full-time/Exempt

Work Location: This is a hybrid work assignment, allowing mostly work from home but will require frequent travel to the Philadelphia office for in-person meetings and occasional travel to events to provide on-site support where needed.

Department: Marketing & Communications (MarCom)

Salary:  Compensation begins at $125,000 per year, with final salary determined based on experience and qualifications 

Overview:

The Public Affairs and Media Relations Director is responsible for developing and implementing the communications and media outreach elements of the organization’s marketing and communications plan and for implementing a broad range of public relations and media engagement activities. The person in this role is part of a fast-paced, multi-functional, and highly collaborative Marketing & Communications team, while also serving as a communications advisor and contributor to facilitate the writing and brand awareness of subject matter experts and others across the organization. In addition to serving as TruMerit’s point of contact for journalists, the Director performs a key role in publicizing the launches of the organization’s products and initiatives, as well as creating and advancing thought-leadership pieces such as speeches, op-eds, customer case studies, and expert insight briefs.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

50% - serving as TruMerit’s strategic and hands-on media outreach coordinator, with the goal of increasing positive coverage in general and trade press. 

• Develop and frequently update the organization’s strategic media plan, focusing on leveraging TruMerit assets and initiatives into positive media coverage, promoting brand awareness and understanding among key audiences, and safeguarding brand reputation. 
• Actively identify media opportunities for TruMerit, cultivate relationships with beat reporters and industry publications, and proactively identify and pitch stories. 
• Create press releases, media kits, fact sheets, talking points and other press materials to support the organization’s product launches and other initiatives.  
• Media-train key executives and prepare them for press interview opportunities as they arise. 
• Work with the MarCom digital team to leverage social media in engaging with traditional media, reaching out to key influencers, pitching journalists and monitoring coverage.    
• Track media coverage, analyze trends, and provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership. 

25% - writing executive op-eds, customer case studies, and feature articles.

25% - supporting marketing and events, as well as supporting SMEs across the organization in developing reports, expert insight briefs, etc. for public distribution.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts, marketing staff, and the business development team to support the development and/or review of official reports, online communications, customer communications, customer and stakeholder case studies, and marketing assets to assure clarity and alignment with organizational messaging and key narratives. 
• Work with the Global Affairs chief in advancing the organization’s positions with relevant constituents and stakeholders, including U.S. regulatory agencies, foreign ministries and international bodies such as United Nations agencies.

Other

• Supervise and provide leadership to assigned staff, ensuring effective performance management, professional development, and alignment with organizational goals. 

Qualifications:

Experience, Skills & Abilities:

Required:

• Three+ years of experience as a journalist. 
• Seven+ years of experience in media relations for a government agency, non-governmental organization, or corporate communications department—with responsibility for developing organizational messaging and executing on media outreach plans. 
• Excellent writer and editor, as indicated by a portfolio of published works—including journalistic reporting, press releases, thought leadership pieces, and marketing collateral. 
• Experience and knowledge in leveraging social media platforms to enhance media outreach and pitching. 
• Strong knowledge of government relations and advocacy. 
• Proficiency in meeting strict deadlines and balancing multiple ongoing projects. 
• Proven ability to lead and supervise team members, including experience in performance management, coaching, and fostering a collaborative work environment. 

Desired:

• Speechwriting experience for a high-profile corporate executive, government agency leader, or political figure.
• Video/audio scriptwriting experience.
• Experience working with healthcare issues—healthcare workforce issues would be a further plus.
• Experience working with media contact software (i.e. Cision, Meltwater)

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

About TruMerit, formerly CGFNS International, Inc.

TruMerit is a worldwide leader in healthcare workforce development. Formerly known as CGFNS International, the organization has a nearly 50-year history supporting the career mobility of nurses and other healthcare workers—and those who license and hire them—by validating their education, skills, and experience as they seek authorization to practice in the United States and other countries. As TruMerit, this mission has been expanded to building workforce capacity that meets the needs of people in a rapidly evolving global health landscape. Through its Global Health Workforce Development Institute, the organization is advancing evidence-based research, thought leadership, and advocacy in support of healthcare workforce development solutions, including globally recognized practice standards and certifications that will enhance career pathways for healthcare workers. 

TruMerit, is an NGO in Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which serves as the central forum for international and social issues.

TruMerit is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

TruMerit will not discriminate against or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants.

Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities or religious needs.

Benefits & Compensation:

We offer competitive compensation and benefits to meet different employee needs and lifestyles. Benefits include a retirement plan with a match after one year of service for eligible contributions, medical, dental, vision, company-paid basic life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, employee and dependent supplemental life insurance, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.