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- Communications: Media Relations Volunteer -

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- Communications: Media Relations Volunteer -

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. Volunteer shifts typically are on-call/virtual.

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Locations

- Remote/Virtual Volunteer Opportunities -,Aitkin County,Anoka County,Beltrami County,Benton County,Big Stone County,Blue Earth County,Brown County,Carlton County,Carver County,Cass County,Central Minnesota Chapter,Chippewa County,Chisago County,Clearwater County,Cook County,Cottonwood County,Crow Wing County,Dakota County,Dodge County,Douglas County,Douglas County, WI,Faribault County,Fillmore County,Freeborn County,Goodhue County,Grant County,Hennepin County,Hubbard County,Isanti County,Itasca County,Jackson County,Kanabec County,Kandiyohi County,Koochiching County,Lac qui Parle County,Lake County,Lake of the Woods County,Le Sueur County,Lincoln County,Lyon County,Mahnomen County,Martin County,McLeod County,Meeker County,Mille Lacs County,Morrison County,Mower County,Murray County,Nicollet County,Nobles County,Northern Minnesota Chapter,Olmsted County,Pine County,Pipestone County,Pope County,Ramsey County,Redwood County,Renville County,Rice County,Rock County,Roseau County,Scott County,Sherburne County,Sibley County,Southeast Minnesota Chapter,Southwest Minnesota Chapter,St. Louis County,Stearns County,Steele County,Stevens County,Swift County,Todd County,Traverse County,Twin Cities Area Chapter,Wabasha County,Wadena County,Waseca County,Washington County,Watonwan County,Winona County,Wright County,Yellow Medicine County

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 for responding.

During Disasters:
  • Carry out the same duties from: Red Cross shelters, aid stations, warehouses, emergency operations centers, etc.

Qualifications

  • Media relations education and/or experience
  • Submission of a portfolio of news releases, video clips of on-camera work or equivalent work samples

Time Commitment

Flexible.  Weekly/monthly time commitment depends on needs of the regional communications department.

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

Length of Appointment

12 months with a renewable opportunity

Relationships

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

Training

  • Orientation to the American Red Cross
  • Introduction to Red Cross Communications
  • Disaster Public Affairs Overview (Online)
  • Disaster Cycle Services Overview (Online)
  • Public Affairs Essentials (Online)
  • Social Media Basics (Online)

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