[Remote] Senior Writer & Media Officer

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Canadian Lutheran World Relief is one of Canada’s oldest humanitarian agencies, and they are seeking a Senior Writer & Media Officer to support their Communications and Donor Relations team. This role involves storytelling and media engagement to bring CLWR’s international programs to life, as well as building media relations to enhance the organization's public voice.

Responsibilities

• Together with Senior Manager of Communications and Marketing, build and maintain relationships with program team, partner staff and freelancers, to generate a steady flow of content about CLWR’s international programs, including for donor appeals
• Conduct interviews with partners and beneficiaries virtually to collect content about CLWR’s programs, including sourcing photos and videos from local partner staff
• Write and edit long-form and short-form stories, features and updates for CLWR’s website, donor communications, social media and print publications
• Assess CLWR’s content and current events to find opportunities for CLWR to present a compelling voice and story on issues that matter
• Travel internationally and within Canada, as assigned, to gather first hand stories, photos and other content from CLWR’s program areas and field partners
• Prioritize informed consent, safety and sensitivity when conducting interviews with participants, program staff and CLWR supporters
• Organize any photos or other assets collected during reporting to ensure content gathered through travel and partner contributions is properly captioned, tagged, archived and accessible to the team
• Proactively pitch story ideas to journalists, editors and media outlets to grow CLWR’s profile and reach
• Write and distribute press releases and media materials, and maintain CLWR’s media contact lists
• Develop talking points and key messages on important issues or projects where CLWR is likely to receive public attention or questions
• Build relationships with journalists to support CLWR media relations
• Respond to incoming media inquiries, coordinating interviews and talking points with CLWR spokespeople
• Monitor news and media coverage relevant to CLWR’s work, flagging emerging issues or opportunities to the Senior Manager
• Track and report on media coverage and outreach results
• Proofread and quality-check materials before publication or distribution
• Support preparation of materials and communications for other departments, organizational events and campaigns as needed
• Assist with research, data gathering and preparation of reports and presentations as needed
• Together with Communications Associate, track CLWR’s grant visibility commitments and ensure we meet requirements
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor
• Participate in team meetings, learning initiatives and strategic planning sessions

Skills

• Several years of professional communications experience
• Strong writing skills to tailor writing to different audiences and formats
• Experience working in media or media relations
• Ability to write a press release and build relationships with reporters
• Comfortable traveling to unfamiliar settings
• Approach interviews with sensitivity and prioritize ethical storytelling
• Ability to work under short deadlines and respond to sudden news events
• Understanding of how storytelling and media relations support fundraising, programs, advocacy, and church engagement
• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and partners
• Eligibility to work in Canada
• Willingness to travel, including international travel to program areas
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends when deadlines or events require it

Benefits

• Flexible hours
• Generous compensation
• Fridays off in July and August
• 100% employer-paid benefits premiums
• 8% RRSP matching
• Openness to remote and hybrid work arrangements that suit your life
• An environment of respect and support from peers and supervisors
• The chance to work with a really special group of people who will no doubt turn into lifelong friends

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