Location: Chicago Office
Time Type: Full-time
Closing Date: April 22, 2025
Salary: $104,310 – $130,435
Posted On: Today
Job Requisition ID: JR10066
About the Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation operates under a fundamental belief: ordinary people working together can change history.
With a mission to inspire action and empower individuals to transform their communities, the Foundation fosters collaboration and connection to amplify impact.
Rooted in the South Side of Chicago, the Foundation is developing the Obama Presidential Center, which aims to honor the legacy of the nation’s first African American President, Barack Obama, while providing a space for community engagement and leadership development.
Our values drive all our initiatives, reflecting our commitment to equity, anti-racism, and proactive change in communities globally.
This belief stands at the forefront of our work, from leadership training in the United States to supporting global education for girls.
Purpose of Role
The Press Secretary will be instrumental in sharing compelling narratives about the Obama Foundation with various external audiences, particularly traditional legacy media.
Focusing on audience cultivation, this position will prioritize earned media that aligns with the Foundation’s strategic communications efforts.
Working closely with the Vice President of Communications, the Press Secretary will manage public relations, lead special projects, and ensure cohesive messaging across all initiatives and programming.
Core Job Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Media Relations
- Support the VP of Communications in developing and executing comprehensive public relations strategies.
- Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with national and local media to achieve high-impact earned media coverage.
- Collaborate with the social media team to engage audience-oriented communicators to amplify the Foundation’s messaging.
Storytelling & Message Development
- Identify, package, and pitch compelling stories that showcase the Foundation’s impact and leadership.
- Ensure consistent messaging across all public-facing communications.
Major Events & Program Launches
- Lead media strategy and execution for significant Foundation events and program milestones.
- Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to enhance press coverage and public engagement.
Crisis Communications & Rapid Response
- Develop and support crisis communication protocols and rapid response strategies.
- Provide strategic guidance for emerging media opportunities and challenges.
External Partnerships & Consultant Management
- Manage relationships with PR agencies, consultants, and strategic communications partners.
- Oversee contract deliverables to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s goals.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Mentor and lead the communications team, promoting collaboration and high performance.
- Work across departments to ensure cohesive media strategies.
Special Projects & Emerging Opportunities
- Lead special communication projects that elevate the Foundation’s visibility and mission.
- Identify and execute opportunities for audience engagement through media and strategic partnerships.
Required Qualifications
Experience: 8+ years in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
Media Relationships: Established network of national and local press contacts with a proven record of securing coverage.
- Storytelling & Pitching: Ability to craft compelling narratives aligned with institutional goals.
- Crisis Communications: Proven experience navigating media crises and rapid responses.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Adept at managing teams and cross-functional projects.
- Adaptability & Judgment: Capable of operating in a fast-paced environment with strategic acumen.
Foundation Values
The Obama Foundation is founded on values of Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.
Don’t meet every requirement? Apply anyway! The Foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds and welcomes diverse perspectives, as we believe they enrich our work and mission.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Obama Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse work environment. We do not discriminate on any basis.
If you need accommodations due to a disability during the application process, please contact us at careers@obama.org.
Join us in building a better future together. For more information, visit www.obama.org.
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