Core Job Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

• Support the VP of Communications in developing and executing a public relations strategy that translates the Foundations mission to key external stakeholders.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with national and local traditional media securing highimpact earned media coverage.

• Work with the social media team to engage audiencebased communicators such as influencers to amplify the Foundations messaging.

Storytelling & Message Development

• Surface package and pitch compelling stories that highlight the Foundations impact leadership and programming.

• Ensure messaging consistency and alignment across all publicfacing communications.

Major Events & Program Launches

• Lead media strategy planning and for major Foundation events announcements and program milestones.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to maximize press coverage and public engagement.

Crisis Communications & Rapid Response

• Support the development of crisis communications protocols and playbooks.

• Provide strategic counsel and rapid response to emerging media opportunities and challenges.

External Partnerships & Consultant Management

• Manage relationships with external PR agencies consultants and strategic communications partners.

• Oversee contract deliverables to ensure alignment with the Foundations communications goals.

Team Leadership & CrossFunctional Collaboration

• Provide mentorship and leadership within the communications team fostering a collaborative and highperforming work environment.

• Work crossfunctionally across departments to ensure cohesive messaging and media strategy.

Special Projects & Emerging Opportunities

• Lead and oversee special communications projects that advance the Foundations mission and visibility.

• Identify and execute new opportunities for audience engagement through media and strategic partnerships.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 8 years in public relations media relations or strategic communications preferably in a nonprofit government or missiondriven organization.

• Media Relationships: Established network of national and local press contacts with a proven track record of securing highimpact coverage.
  Storytelling & Pitching: Strong ability to identify and package compelling narratives that align with institutional goals.
  

• Crisis Communications: Experience navigating media crises and rapid response scenarios.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Experience managing teams external consultants and crossfunctional projects.

• Adaptability & Judgment: Ability to operate in a fastpaced environment with strategic agility and discretion.

The salary range for this role is between $104310 and $130435.

This is a hybrid role based at our Chicago office in Hyde Park. #LIHybrid #LISF1

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage Empathy Integrity Accountability Community Inclusivity Pragmatism Resilience Imagination and Hope.

Dont check off every box in the requirements listed above Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities such as women LGBTQ and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive diverse equitable and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging so if youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race color national origin sex gender identity religion sexual orientation age disability parental status veteran status or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability please email us at if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.