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Communications: Media Relations Volunteer

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Communications: Media Relations Volunteer

This position supports the Regional Communications and Public Affairs department. Red Cross Media Relations volunteers are part of a professional volunteer team that develops and delivers the Red Cross story behind-the-scenes, on-camera, in-person and online through media channels, websites, social media feeds and other content platforms.

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Locations

Remote/Virtual Volunteer Opportunity

Key Responsibilities

  • Be on call during shifts to vet and assess media inquires, share information on smaller incidents, and notify leadership of need to scale up response.
  • Serve as media spokesperson for local news outlets in person, over the phone or through Skype interviews.
  • Work with chapter and regional leadership to write and pitch local stories to local media.
  • Showcase Red Cross services and programs through earned media outreach at events, training, interviews, etc.
  • Write and distribute media advisories and press releases.
  • Maintain list of subject matter experts to speak with media.
  • Maintain media log of queries, interviews and news stories.
  • Create and maintain media lists.
  • Protect the reputation of the Red Cross by identifying and assessing potential for harm to Red Cross brand, misinformation or information gaps. Work with communications management to develop a strategic approach  

Relationships

Communications, marketing and development staff, Red Cross volunteers, and community partners.

Development Opportunities

  • Obtain Red Cross training and networking opportunities
  • Hands-on experience with a professional non-profit organization and staff
  • Opportunity to see work viewed by the public, promotional campaigns, and disaster communications

Qualifications

  • Media relations education and/or experience
  • Background in Red Cross response (training provided), branding & messaging
  • Submission of a portfolio of news releases, video clips of on-camera work or equivalent work samples
  • Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross  policies

Training

  • Orientation to the American Red Cross
  • Public Affairs Essentials (Online)
  • Introduction to Red Cross Communications
  • Fundamentals of Disaster Public Affairs, National Response (Webinar) (Recommended)
  • Social Media Basics (Recommended)

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