Senior Manager, Communications and Public Relations

Autism Speaks

. Support proactive media strategies tied to organizational priorities, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and major announcements .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $75,000 - $95,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in public relations and media communications, with a strong ability to draft and edit various communication materials while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proven track record in building relationships with media professionals and securing coverage for organizational initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Public Relations ExperienceMedia Relations SkillsPress Release DraftingMedia Monitoring PlatformsStorytelling Ability

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Press Release DraftingMedia AdvisoriesTalking Points DevelopmentBriefing Materials CreationStory IdentificationMedia Coverage TrackingEditing SkillsProofreading SkillsMessaging Document CreationCommunications Strategy

Soft Skills

Strong Writing SkillsSound JudgmentProfessionalismCollaborationTime Management

Tools & Technologies

Media Monitoring PlatformsAI ToolsCommunications Resources

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit CommunicationsAdvocacy CommunicationsHealthcare CommunicationsMission-Driven CommunicationsCommunity-Centered Communications

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support proactive media strategies tied to organizational priorities, campaigns, partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and major announcements
Pitch, secure, coordinate, and staff national, regional, local, and trade media opportunities
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, producers, editors, and freelance writers
Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents
Support media interview preparation for executives, spokespeople, self-advocates, families, researchers, partners, and ambassadors
Monitor news cycles and support rapid-response communications and sensitive media inquiries
Collaborate with internal teams to identify stories, spokespeople, and community perspectives
Maintain consistency across external communications materials and public-facing messaging
Manage media lists, coverage tracking, reporting, and communications resources
Collaborate across departments on integrated communications efforts and public-facing messaging
Coordinate with external PR agencies, consultants, partners, vendors, and stakeholders
Support internal communications processes, approvals, and workflows
Serve as a communications resource for regional teams
Assist with communications for corporate partnerships, fundraising campaigns, organizational initiatives, community events, celebrities, high-profile supporters, and select organizational events

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field preferred
6-8 years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or a related communications role
Track record of pitching and securing media coverage
Experience drafting and editing press releases, media advisories, talking points, briefing materials, statements, FAQs, and messaging documents
Experience with media monitoring, distribution, or reporting platforms
Experience in nonprofit, advocacy, healthcare, disability, and mission-driven communications environments preferred
Availability for occasional travel and time-sensitive evening or weekend assignments
Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling skills
Ability to translate complex or technical topics into clear, compelling messaging
Strong news judgment and media instincts
Ability to identify timely story opportunities
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and communications needs in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Sound judgment and professionalism
Experience using new tools and technologies, including AI, while maintaining accuracy and confidentiality
Commitment to respectful, community-centered communications and Autism Speaks’ mission
Responsibility for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Autism Speaks data and information

Benefits

Comp & perks

Occasional travel opportunities, generally a few times per year
Equal opportunity workplace
Reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities
Diverse, multicultural, and inclusive workplace