Full-time
Washington, D.C. (50/50 hybrid)
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
This media relations position will play a pivotal role in advancing Razom’s mission to support a secure, modern and democratic Ukraine. By working closely with national and local media contacts in the United States, this role will be focused on amplifying amplify Razom’s advocacy priorities through strategic media placement across print, broadcast, and digital media outlets.
This position requires a proactive approach to identifying media opportunities, writing pitches, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, and managing media operations across the Razom organization, and more specifically, the Razom Advocacy Team. The advocacy communications specialist incumbent will develop compelling media pitches, train local activists to effectively engage with the media, and leverage a deep understanding of Ukraine’s challenges to further Razom’s goals.
Reporting to the Director of Public Engagement, this role will be a key member of the Public Engagement team, contributing to the overall success of Razom’s Advocacy Program.
ABOUT US
Razom, which means “together” in Ukrainian, is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping build a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine.
Razom Advocacy, based in Washington DC, is a Razom program committed to advancing policy for Ukrainian victory and to nurturing community engagement across the United States and Ukraine.
The Public Engagement (PE) Team is an integral component of Razom Advocacy. By working with Ukraine supporters across the United States to build and sustain effective relationships with local activists and community leaders across the country. The PE Team routinely partners with business communities, civil society, faith-based leaders, academics, media outlets, diaspora communities and other stakeholders to cultivate support for a secure, prosperous, and democratic Ukraine.
REPORTS TO
Director of Public Engagement
QUALIFICATIONs & EXPERIENCE
● Demonstrated expertise in leveraging the entire toolkit of press tools, including but not limited to: press statements, press releases, social media posts, op-eds, and media advisories, with a clear understanding of their appropriate applications and timing for maximum impact.
● Strong network of journalists in foreign policy and national security
● Proven proactive and tenacious approach to media relations, demonstrating exceptional persistence and enthusiasm in pitching stories, targeted personal contact with reporters, producers, and editors, maintaining vigorous follow-up, and consistently overcoming challenges to secure media placements.
● A history of maintaining a balanced and prudent attitude toward risk, exercising careful judgment in public communications to uphold and protect the organization’s brand and reputation, while ensuring responsible and strategic media engagement.
● A track record of creativity and adaptability by leveraging non-traditional, hyper-local/community and emerging media channels, including podcasts, social media influencers, trade publications, blogs, sports, and niche hobbyist outlets, to effectively disseminate information and reach target audiences beyond conventional print and broadcast media
● Proven familiarity with newsroom workflows, hierarchies, and processes across platforms.
● High-degree of cultural competence and ability to work collaboratively and inclusively across diverse groups with a sensitivity and appreciation of cultural differences.
● Familiarity with broadcast best practices, such as basic lighting setups and microphone placement for live remote TV or radio interviews.
● Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
● Ability to travel as necessary
● Advantageous but not required: Ukrainian language fluency. Proven familiarity with Ukraine and a track record of supporting its fight for a stable, prosperous, secure, and democratic future. An understanding of Ukraine’s politics, culture, economy. Familiarity with the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Tier 1 Media Outlets
● Identify and leverage strategic media opportunities by recognizing underreported stories, anticipating high-impact news trends; find and demonstrate those trends’ relevance to Ukraine in order to provide journalists with necessary insights and to steer the policy conversation on Ukraine in the United States.
● Conduct proactive outreach to reporters, building and maintaining strategic relationships, identifying key voices on relevant issues, and positioning the organization as a credible and responsive source.
● Manage essential media operations by including databases, updating contact lists, tracking journalists, drafting and submitting press releases, monitoring media coverage, working across platforms such as Cision, MuckRack and BusinessWire, coordinating media events, and preparing briefing materials.
● Develop and execute compelling media pitches, tailoring content to appropriate reporters, timing pitches strategically, and adjusting the level of persistence as needed; additionally, manage follow-ups and track pitch success.
● Analyze prevailing media narratives by reviewing media coverage, anticipating narrative evolution, and strategically shaping stories to align with the goal of a secure and democratic Ukraine.
Local Media Outlets
● Conduct thorough research to map local media landscapes in target congressional districts, identifying key outlets and credible voices; engage with local contacts, including non-traditional and digital media, to understand and leverage regional communication channels.
● Understand the ideological and demographic makeup of target areas, and demonstrate an ability to adapt pro-Ukrainian narratives to their rhetorical styles.
● Cultivate strong relationships with local journalists from both print and broadcast outlets, adeptly adapting communication styles to suit different regional contexts; leverage these relationships to secure local media coverage and advance the organization’s mission.
● Train and empower local activists to engage effectively with the media, providing workshops and guidance to individuals with varying levels of experience, and equipping them with the skills needed to amplify their voices within their communities.
● Identify, cultivate, and train credible pro-Ukrainian voices from diverse fields such as faith, sports, veterans, and culture; ensure they are well-informed and provide opportunities for them to engage with local press effectively.
Other:
● Collaborate with teams across Razom to develop a comprehensive communications strategy, leveraging experience in strategic planning to identify macro-level patterns, assess resources and capacity, and translate overarching goals into actionable and effective plans.
● Develop a deep understanding of Ukraine’s culture, history, politics, and economics, and articulate the significance of Ukraine’s success in the war, effectively conveying why Ukrainian victory matters for Ukraine’s and America’s interests and values.
LOGISTICS AND BENEFITS
● Salary range: $75,000-$90,000
● Razom offers generous paid time off and competitive benefits packages
● In-person or hybrid role (50/50 remote/office) based in Washington, D.C.
● U.S. work authorization required
● Final salary based on experience and qualifications.
On September 13, Razom’s volunteers were caught in an airstrike while delivering humanitarian aid to Yampil Hospital in the Sumy region. Two bombs exploded just 100 meters from the hospital. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but shrapnel damaged vehicles and aid supplies. After the attack, the hospital treated injured civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, under extreme conditions.
Razom needs your help!
Innocent Ukrainians and volunteers are being targeted while delivering humanitarian aid.
Support Razom for Ukraine to replace the damaged vehicle and continue delivering life-saving aid across Ukraine. Every contribution saves lives!
