Public Relations & Communications Specialist

Braille Institute is seeking a dynamic Public Relations & Communications Specialist to increase awareness, visibility, and engagement for both the Braille Institute and Vision Support America brands. This role is primarily responsible for developing and executing public relations and earned media initiatives that elevate the organization's mission, programs, services, and impact throughout the communities we serve. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of public relations or communications experience, a proven track record of pitching and securing media coverage, excellent storytelling skills, and the ability to cultivate relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and community partners. While public relations and publicity are the primary focus of this position, the Specialist will also support marketing campaigns, events, outreach activities, and day-to-day marketing coordination efforts. This role is ideal for a communications professional who enjoys both strategic media relations and hands‑on execution. Key Responsibilities – Public Relations & Media Relations Increase awareness and interest for the Braille Institute parent brand and the Vision Support America low vision brand. Develop and execute proactive public relations strategies that increase visibility for organizational programs, services, events, advocacy efforts, and client impact stories. Identify compelling stories, client success stories, thought leadership opportunities, and newsworthy initiatives that can generate earned media coverage. Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, national, and industry media contacts, journalists, editors, producers, influencers, and community publications. Research, write, and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, talking points, and other media materials. Develop and pitch story ideas to media outlets and secure interviews, features, event coverage, and speaking opportunities. Assist in positioning organizational leaders as subject matter experts and thought leaders. Serve as a secondary spokesperson for the organization when appropriate. Coordinate media attendance and support at events, announcements, and community outreach activities. Monitor, track, and report on earned media coverage, audience reach, publicity outcomes, and media engagement opportunities. Assist with crisis communications preparation and media response coordination as needed. Marketing & Communications Support Support the development and execution of integrated marketing campaigns that advance organizational objectives and increase audience engagement. Assist in the creation and coordination of content for websites, newsletters, email marketing, social media channels, and promotional materials. Help ensure consistent messaging, voice, and brand standards across all communication channels. Support community outreach, partnership development, and external engagement initiatives. Collaborate with internal departments to identify and promote impactful stories and organizational achievements. Maintain marketing and communications calendars, project timelines, and content schedules. Event & Marketing Coordination Support planning and execution of events, conferences, exhibit booths, donor events, community outreach activities, and awareness campaigns. Coordinate event logistics, timelines, vendor communications, promotional materials, and marketing support. Assist with event promotion through media outreach, digital marketing, email campaigns, and social media. Provide on‑site event support, media coordination, photography coordination, and post‑event follow‑up. Track event participation, media engagement, and promotional outcomes. Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and organizational priorities. Contribute to additional marketing and communications initiatives as assigned. Qualifications – Required Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field preferred. 3–5 years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, communications, marketing, or a related field. Demonstrated success developing media pitches and securing earned media coverage through local, regional, broadcast, print, digital, or industry media outlets. Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Experience creating press releases, media pitches, talking points, media kits, and communication materials. Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with media professionals and community partners. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Professional presence and confidence interacting with executives, media representatives, community leaders, donors, and stakeholders. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common marketing and communication platforms. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and media opportunities. Qualifications – Preferred Existing media contacts and relationships within Southern California media markets. Experience working within nonprofit, healthcare, education, disability services, or mission-driven organizations. Familiarity with media monitoring and public relations tools such as Cision, Meltwater, MuckRack, CoverageBook, PR Newswire, or similar platforms. Experience supporting events, conferences, regional outreach initiatives, and integrated marketing campaigns. Experience working with social media, email marketing platforms, and content management systems. Why This Role Matters The Public Relations & Communications Specialist helps shape how the public, media, donors, partners, and community stakeholders understand and engage with Braille Institute and Vision Support America. Through strategic storytelling, earned media outreach, community engagement, and marketing support, this role plays a critical part in expanding awareness, increasing consumer engagement, and advancing the organization’s mission of eliminating barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. This position works in a standard office environment. Physical Requirements: The role operates with standard office equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr