Manager, Brand Communications & PR

World Change Starts with Educated Children®

IMPORTANT: All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the country where the position is located. Room to Read is not able to provide sponsorship.

Manager, Brand Communications & Public Relations

Position Overview

The Manager, Brand Communications & Public Relations leads Room to Read's global brand communications and public relations efforts to strengthen the organization's reputation, increase visibility, and support fundraising goals.

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications, this role develops and implements communications strategies, manages media relationships, oversees brand messaging, and supports corporate partnerships, executive communications, and major events.

The Manager supervises the Public Relations and Corporate Communications Associate based in London and manages Room to Read's external communications and public relations agency. The position works closely with executive leadership, fundraising teams, and colleagues across the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities

Brand Communications Strategy (25%)

• Develop and maintain consistent brand messaging that communicates Room to Read's mission, programs, and impact.
• Create and update messaging materials, guidelines, and resources for staff, board members, and external partners.
• Train and support organizational spokespeople to communicate key messages effectively.
• Collaborate with program and research teams to incorporate accurate data and impact stories into communications.
• Ensure consistent messaging across digital platforms, publications, social media, and media coverage.
• Support crisis communications planning and response.

Partnerships & Event Support (25%)

• Provide communications and public relations support for corporate and foundation partnerships.
• Collaborate with fundraising and program teams on communications initiatives that support donor engagement and organizational priorities.
• Develop public relations strategies for major fundraising events, including galas and virtual events.
• Create speeches, scripts, talking points, and other materials for executives and board members participating in events.
• Identify opportunities to increase media coverage and visibility through partnerships and events.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership (20%)

• Develop and implement global media relations strategies to increase awareness of Room to Read.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and other key contacts.
• Identify compelling stories, develop media pitches, and secure coverage across print, broadcast, and digital channels.
• Draft and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, opinion pieces, and other executive communications.
• Support media interviews, speaking engagements, and thought leadership opportunities for senior leadership.
• Maintain accurate media contact records and track media engagement.
• Manage the external public relations agency, including priorities, deliverables, timelines, and performance.

Advertising & Influencer Engagement (20%)

• Identify and secure pro bono advertising opportunities to expand Room to Read's visibility.
• Work with creative partners to develop advertising content for print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
• Build and maintain relationships with ambassadors, celebrities, and influencers.
• Coordinate ambassador and influencer participation in campaigns, events, and fundraising initiatives.
• Identify and cultivate new ambassadors and opportunities for partnerships.

Leadership & Team Management (10%)

• Lead brand communications and public relations planning and contribute to departmental goals and priorities.
• Supervise, coach, and support direct reports, including performance management and professional development.
• Manage agency relationships and coordinate communications activities across teams.
• Contribute to budget planning, tracking, and reporting.
• Monitor progress and report on communications activities and results.

What Success Looks Like

• Stronger Brand Visibility: Room to Read gains meaningful media coverage and increased awareness among priority audiences.
• Consistent Messaging: Staff, leadership, board members, and partners communicate clear, accurate, and compelling messages about Room to Read's mission and impact.
• Effective Media Relationships: Strong relationships with journalists and media outlets generate ongoing opportunities for coverage and thought leadership.
• Successful Partnerships: Communications initiatives strengthen corporate, foundation, ambassador, and influencer relationships while supporting fundraising goals.
• Impactful Events: Major events benefit from effective public relations strategies, compelling executive messaging, and opportunities for media exposure.
• Strong Team Performance: Staff and external agency partners deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and contribute to organizational priorities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in public relations, brand communications, corporate communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications and public relations strategies.
• Strong media relations experience, including building journalist relationships, pitching stories, and securing media coverage.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including experience developing press releases, speeches, executive communications, and brand messaging.
• Experience working with senior leaders on executive communications, media engagement, or thought leadership.
• Experience developing communications content across digital, print, social media, and other platforms.
• Ability to build and manage relationships with external partners, agencies, influencers, and internal stakeholders.
• Experience managing projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines across multiple communications initiatives.
• Experience supervising staff or leading the work of colleagues, agencies, or external partners.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.

We Offer

The salary range for this role is $86,000 to $97,000. Compensation may vary depending on several factors including, but not limited to, experience, skill set, and relevant education or certifications. Benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid premiums for your medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 50% medical and 100% dental and vision premium coverage for eligible dependents
• 22 days of PTO (+1 additional day accrued each year up to 27 days)
• 12.5 paid holidays
• Immediate enrollment in a 401(k) plan with up to a 6% match
• $600/yr allowance for home office

Room to Read is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.

Room to Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.

Read is a child-safe organization; all personnel must adhere to Room to Read’s Child Protection Policy, Child Protection Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.

Room to Read is an equal opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.

Child Protection Principles

• Room to Read is committed to the education and welfare of children and protecting them from abuse and exploitation
• Room to Read has zero tolerance for child abuse and exploitation.
• All children have the right to be free from abuse and exploitation, including neglect, maltreatment, and physical, mental or sexual violence, injury or abuse.
• All children should be treated with respect and dignity.
• The well-being of the child is Room to Read’s first priority when dealing with all identified or suspected cases of child abuse.
• Room to Read shall integrate child protection into all its organizational strategies, structures and work practices.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Principles

• Room to Read Representatives must create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.
• Room to Read has zero tolerance for adult sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Sexual exploitation and abuse are serious violations of fundamental human rights and will not be accepted or tolerated.
• All adults should be treated with respect and dignity.
• Room to Read implements a survivor-centered approach, putting the survivor’s rights and dignity at the forefront.
• Survivors referred to available professional assistance (e.g. mental health counselling), upon consent.

About Room to Read:

Founded in 2000 on the belief that World Change Starts with Educated Children®, Room to Read envisions a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality, where all children have room to read, learn and grow – creating lasting change. Through our Literacy Portfolio, we train and coach teachers of the early grades in literacy instruction; create and publish quality books and curricular materials in local languages; and establish children’s libraries filled with diverse children’s books that can be enjoyed at school and home. Our Gender Equality Portfolio supports adolescents, particularly girls, in developing life skills that promote gender equality, helping them to pursue lifelong learning and make informed decisions.

We support young people of all genders to overcome gender biases and build the knowledge and skills to create a gender-equal world. Room to Read collaborates with local communities, partner organizations, publishers, and governments to test and implement innovative models that can be integrated into the education system to deliver positive outcomes for children at scale. To date, Room to Read has benefited more than 50 million children in 28 countries.

Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.