Overview:
Job Title: Communications Manager
Department: Communication
Reports To: Chief Communications Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Washington, DC | Hybrid
Schedule: Full-Time
Who We Are
Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) media organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with editorial and operational bureaus in Taipei, Bangkok, and Seoul. A congressionally funded grantee of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), RFA operates with full editorial independence.
Our mission is to provide accurate, uncensored news and information to people living in countries where a free press does not exist. We broadcast in nine languages and dialects — Mandarin, Cantonese, Tibetan, Uyghur, Burmese, Vietnamese, Lao, Khmer, and Korean — reaching audiences across China, North Korea, Vietnam, Burma, Cambodia, Laos and beyond via shortwave, satellite, and the internet. Our journalists work in some of the world’s most difficult media environments, often at considerable personal risk, filling a critical gap in access to truthful, timely news for millions of people who would otherwise have very little of it. That reality shapes everything about how we work and who we hire to lead this organization.
Job Summary
The Communication Manager joins a small, nimble integrated communications team responsible for external media, event-planning, and internal communications of a mission-driven private, nonprofit media corporation funded by the U.S. Congress and undergoing transformational change. More specifically, this role, which reports to the Chief Communications Officer, focuses on RFA’s reputation management, media relations, event planning, digital communications strategies and content creation, and stakeholder cultivation and engagement.
The ideal candidate would be an out-going, natural networker, adept at cultivating professional relationships with media and like-minded groups, finding ways and opportunities with both communities that strengthen RFA’s brand and public narrative. S/he would possess savvy and judgment in recognizing opportunities for RFA to showcase its translated and direct value with key players in policy-making and human rights circles. In addition, the individual in this role would help to lead internal communications as needed. S/he also contributes to strategic planning with department and company leadership by helping to develop and implement external media, opportunities for visibility that showcase brand expertise, and multi-channel strategies to promote organizational goals.
Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities
-
Media Relations & Outreach: Develop and cultivate relationships with reporters and editors to secure "earned media" coverage (e.g., news stories, interviews, or opinion pieces).
-
Spokesperson Duties: Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries and, in some cases, acting as the official voice of the organization when designated by Chief Communication Officer.
-
Crisis Management: Develop and execute rapid-response strategies to manage sensitive issues and mitigate reputational risk.
-
Content Development: Drafting media releases, statements, leadership/principal remarks, letters to the editor, op-eds and long-form pieces, explainers and fact sheets, and other writings as needed for outside and internal communications; as well as adapting content for digital and social media channels to extend reach and engagement.
- Public Engagement: Initiate and coordinate participation of RFA journalists and leadership in public events, such as panel discussions at think tanks, like-minded groups and organizations.
-
Media Monitoring: Track media coverage, public sentiment, and emerging narratives related to RFA and its coverage areas to proactively identify risks and opportunities; Track and report on the effectiveness of media outreach and communications efforts
- Event Planning/Management: Working with department leadership to develop events and roundtables, including salon-style gatherings, that showcase RFA's value, journalistic and issue expertise, and thought leadership with key communities and stakeholders.
-
Internal Communications: Working in consultation with Human Resources, Editorial, and other departments, to develop ways to raise awareness among employees of company ideals and objectives.
-
Executive Support: Provide communications counsel to senior leadership, preparing them for interviews in alignment with company goals and objectives.
-
Stakeholder Reporting: Support responses to information requests from federal agencies and congressional offices.
-
Digital Engagement: Support the planning and execution of digital communications efforts, in coordination with the rest of the Communication team, including social media messaging and email outreach, to amplify earned media coverage and key organizational moments.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
-
A bachelor's degree in a related field of study (Journalism, English, Marketing/Communications, or related work experience).
-
Minimum of five years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications.
-
Proven track record and success of devising and implementing communications strategies, in addition to overseeing project management of directed media campaigns, ideally for non-profit organizations, think tanks, or associations, undergoing growth and change.
-
Experience using media monitoring tools and analytics platforms to track coverage, gauge impact, and inform communications strategies.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, a portfolio that includes published materials such as press statements, op-eds, newsletters, and long-form content is highly preferred.
-
Seasoned in planning and managing public-facing and small-group events, including media briefings, panels, and stakeholder engagements.
-
Ability and willingness to work outside standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Established relationships with top-tier foreign policy reporters and media outlets in Washington, D.C., and key Asian markets.
-
Strong knowledge of Asian geopolitics, with lived or professional experience in the region.
-
Professional proficiency in one or more of RFA’s service languages, particularly Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese.
-
Prior experience in a commercial public relations agency environment, working on campaigns to message growth and organizational change for clients.
-
Experience working in a mission-driven, nonprofit, media, or international organization, particularly in a global or multilingual environment.
-
Familiarity with email marketing and CRM platforms (e.g., Mailchimp or similar tools), as well as experience with social media management or analytics tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or native platform insights).
Competencies
-
Strategic thinker with the ability to identify or create opportunities that drive awareness and message company value, while assessing risk and vulnerability.
-
Great interpersonal communications skills with the ability to engage effectively with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
-
Possess curious nature and “journalistic mindset” to ask questions that help to drive important, timely conversations that shape strategy.
-
Creative and forward-thinking, aware of story-telling trends and willing to think outside the box, innovatively in ways that refresh RFA’s narrative in accordance with its mission.
-
Versatile and willing to pitch in when needed, handling duties outside of the job description.
- Decisive and able to function in a fast-paced environment, especially during crisis situations that require a public affairs response.
-
Capable of having a strong sense of humor and “grace under pressure” demeanor amid challenging situations.
-
Adept at using key metrics and analytics to drive strategic planning, make smart choices, and inform campaign development.
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
This position is hybrid, with three days in-office and two days remote weekly. Work is sedentary, performed at a desk using standard office equipment, with occasional lifting up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Salary range: $85,500-$105,000 annually.
To be considered for this position, please include a cover letter with your application.
