Public Relations (PR) Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Public Relations Manager

DIVISION: Departmental

TITLE: Public Relations Manager

DEPARTMENT: Communications

DATE: 2/23/2026

REPORTS TO: Director of Communications

HOURS: Typically between 5–10 hours per week

CLASSIFICATION: At-Will & Volunteer

Our Mission: We are building a Gen Z-led movement seeking to empower young leaders to advocate for transformative policy and bold political action, predominantly at a state and local level. We are committed to a bottom-up movement that prioritizes the needs of the communities we represent and seeks to reclaim our future by advocating for social, economic, environmental, and other kinds of political reform.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Relations Manager is considered a departmental position and reports to the Director of Communications. They are primarily responsible for shaping and maintaining the public image of Beyond the Ballot. This role requires a skilled communicator who can craft compelling narratives, build strong media relationships, and ensure that all external communications reflect the organization’s values, mission, and strategy. The PR Manager will assist with press outreach, manage crisis communications, and develop proactive media campaigns to elevate the visibility and credibility of our work. As the frontline architect of how our movement is perceived, the PR Manager will translate complex policy positions and grassroots demands into clear, accessible, and impactful messages that resonate with the public. They will play a pivotal role in leveraging media as a tool for building collective power by amplifying youth-led organizing, ensuring Beyond the Ballot’s voice is not only present but leading in local, state, and national conversations. The PR Manager must be able to respond rapidly to breaking news and political developments, positioning our organization as a trusted, authoritative, and bold voice in the fight for justice.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma, GED equivalent, or technical school preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Prior work in the nonprofit sector, especially previously or currently serving in positions on other nonprofit roles, is highly preferred.

• Experience in managing and mentoring team members and fostering a positive work culture.

• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a team-oriented environment.

• Proficiency in Canva or Adobe Pro or other relevant basic graphic design software.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Work with relevant staff to build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets on behalf of the organization.

• Work with the Director of Communications and relevant staff to draft press releases, statements, op-eds, and talking points that align with organizational messaging.

• Coordinate interviews, press briefings, and both media training and events.

• Develop and execute a public relations strategy that supports Beyond the Ballot’s advocacy campaigns and organizational and political priorities.

• Ensure consistency of message across press materials, social media, and digital platforms.

• Monitor media coverage and provide analysis and recommendations.

• Manage and advise on crisis response strategies in coordination with the Director of Communications, the Rapid Response Committee, or other relevant staff.

• Ensure reputational risk is mitigated while staying true to organizational values.

• Collaborate with Communications and Digital teams to create story-driven campaigns that engage media and the public.

• Identify opportunities for thought leadership through op-eds, media features, and or panel participation, any kind of general public exposure.

• Coordinate joint communications efforts with partner organizations.

• Work with the Coalition and Outreach Manager to represent the organization in coalition calls and media strategy sessions when needed.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical abilities, working conditions, and other conditions of employment listed in this document are representative of but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of the requirements for positions in this classification.

Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.

Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.

Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.

Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret, and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgment and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile, and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.

Remote Work Requirements: Regular access to a stable internet connection is required.

Additional Work Conditions and Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between various in-person working environments. May require travel to multiple states.

Beyond the Ballot does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services, or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management and administration reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.

POLICY OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT AND NONDISCRIMINATION

Pursuant to Article 2 Section 3 of the organization’s Bylaws, Beyond the Ballot will not practice or permit any unlawful or unethical discrimination on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and or gender identity, physical handicap or disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. Beyond the Ballot is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our policy is clear and concise: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation.

Allegations of discrimination should be promptly delivered to the Executive Director, the Chief Human Resource Officer, and or any member of the Board of Directors.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE

Beyond the Ballot is committed to building a diverse workforce, ensuring and creating equity across our processes, procedures, and systems, and fostering an environment that is inclusive and representative of the communities we serve. Our organization was founded on the free expression of ideas, and our environment reflects those ideals by ensuring meaningful mechanisms are in place to ensure that the visions and interests of every individual employee have a seat at the decision-making table.