Job Overview:
As the PR Manager, you will be based in Seoul office. You will report directly to the Sr. Communications Mgr. for IRC Korea. In this role you will work with global and Korean teams to raise IRC’s profile through PR strategies that generate media coverage and visibility to key audiences.
You will partner with the Fundraising colleagues in Korea as well as the global policy and Advocacy team. You will develop key messaging stretching from issues and products regarding Korean humanitarian/development issues and debates, as well as proactively placing brand strengthening material to support brand and profile to support fundraising and highlighting corporate partnerships.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Generating and maintaining strategic brand positioning and messaging (20%)
- Work alongside global communications colleagues and Korean digital communications manager, as well as Fundraising colleagues to develop appropriate messaging on key proactive and reactive issue areas across the scope of IRC’s work.
- Work with the Executive Director of IRC Korea to ensure alignment between strategic communications positioning with Korean overall priorities.
- Collaborate with Digital communications and fundraising colleagues in Korea to ensure pro/reactive message accuracy that engages audiences for proactive campaigns and new cycle opportunities.
- Keep the team updated on Korean affairs
- Actively follow Korean media for key or trending issues.
- Follow relevant political issues related to the above.
- Identify key issues and trends and highlight and prepare key partners.
PR activities and generating media coverage (70%)
- The PR & Media manager will increase the profile of IRC in Korea by developing and executing communications strategies positioning IRC as a leader in our sector, and showcasing our programming solutions work around the world.
- The role will act as a key press contact and media liaison as well as generating effective media coverage as a vital part of IRC’s strategy to build its supporter and donor base in Korea. The role also includes broader outreach and engagement including exploring influencer marketing and partnership opportunities.
- Based on global priorities and the market context, this role will develop and deliver key communication messaging for Korean audiences. The role collaborates with the Korean Digital Communications manager to set priority communications themes for Korea, and to ensure that we are coordinated across our media and digital output.
- The post folder will protect the reputation of the organisation by using their expert judgement to help enact strategies to minimise the risk of negative coverage and well as ensure media outputs protect beneficiaries, staff and programming from harm.
- Secure media coverage in target Korean outlets in line with Korean brand, income and advocacy objectives
- Develop communications plans, collaborate on cut-through policy/research products, write, edit and disseminate press releases, statements, op eds and briefings in conjunction with country staff and policy and advocacy colleagues.
- Lead on supporting and preparing spokespeople, board members, luminaries and other representatives for media interviews and programme visits across the organization.
- Respond to journalist enquiries in a timely manner to meet external timelines; provide background information, arrange interviews and facilitate visits as required.
- Build expertise on current and potential issues in the humanitarian NGO arena through research and monitoring of national media, and competitors and in liaison with US colleagues.
- Be flexible as to working hours, in particular when unforeseen circumstances arise which require speedy responsiveness to media enquiries.
- Willingness to travel
External Relationship development (10%)
- Identify and form relationships with key journalists and media outlets in Korean covering issues relevant to the IRC, across print, broadcast, online and social media.
- Represent IRC externally and build close relationships with press counterparts within partner organizations, other NGOs and statutory donors that lead to opportunities to promote IRC in the media and among target audiences.
- Explore opportunities for media partnerships that can raise the profile of the IRC in Korea.
- Create and maintain collaborations that generate visibility.
- Explore influencer and other channels for outreach to key audiences.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
- Reports to the Executive Director of IRC Korea and with an additional management line into Global Public Affairs and Communications
- Engages closely with the digital communications manager in Korea.
- Collaborates with Korean staff from the Mass Market Fundraising team
- Collaborates closely with communications colleagues in the US and in the European offices.
- Interacts with Global Crisis & Response Communications team to leverage IRC country directors, country programme staff and technical unit colleagues for Korean communications efforts.
- Works closely with counterparts in NGOs and relevant networks in Korea.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Experience:
- Strong professional experience in communications or related field.
- Experience / knowledge of developing and implementing Media/PR strategies ranging from advocacy to marketing/PR
- Experience working in the humanitarian or development aid sector
- Experience from working in an international organisation.
- Knowledge of the Korean media environment
- Experience in successful PR activation in connection with for example fundraising campaigns
- Experience of dealing with media enquiries into crisis or sensitive issues.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Creative problem solver who can find opportunities and collaborate internally to produce external products that cut through into media and meet strategic objectives.
- Good contacts with key Korean journalists and media outlets, and knowledge and ability to develop relationships quickly.
- Knowledge of key debates in Korean and globally on humanitarian issues international aid
- Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills in Korean; adept at writing clean, engaging, jargon-free copy for a range of channels. Excellent written and spoken English
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive working relationships with colleagues in Korea as well as globally.
- Good organisational and time management skills and the ability to work to timelines, prioritise and multi-task in a fast paced environment.
- Experience working with digital teams and across digital campaigns.
Desirable:
- Experience as a journalist or PR professional
- Experience of influencer marketing and content partnerships.
- Experience of conducting media relations and communications opportunities in developing countries and critical contexts.
- Demonstrable ability in utilising online and other tools for monitoring media coverage is valuable
- The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Equality, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Korean speaker. Fluent in English
IRC strives to be an equal opportunities employer committed to equality of opportunity and to non-discrimination for all job applicants and employees. IRC seeks to ensure diversity in the workforce regardless of gender, race, religious belief, nationality, ethnic/national origin, age, marital status or disability.
How to apply
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