Fair Trade USA is a non-profit, mission-driven organization that tackles social and environmental sustainability with an innovative, entrepreneurial approach.  We empower farmers and workers to fight poverty, improve the lives of their communities, and protect the environment.  We are the leading independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States.   

Fair Trade USA seeks a highly motivated, team-oriented communicator with strong public relations and communications strategy experience. The Senior Public Relations Manager will be responsible for all media engagement, executive communications, issues management, stakeholder management and proactive media strategy for the organization. The ideal candidate will be flexible, able to wear many hats, work independently, and feel comfortable engaging and negotiating with many different stakeholders and parties. On the record experience is required, and a background with consumer products, lifestyle, industry trade, and traditional business media is a strong plus. We’re looking for a strategist with vision, who can also hit the ground running to execute. Passion for the Fair Trade mission is a must!

This position sits within the larger Integrated Marketing & Communications Team. Its high-level goals are to raise consumer awareness and purchase of Fair Trade Certified™ products, as well as position Fair Trade USA as a thought leader in the public sphere. 

Specific duties include:

• Lead all proactive and reactive media relations
• Serve as lead spokesperson for Fair Trade USA, on and off the record
• Manage Fair Trade USA’s PR firm
• Lead executive communications, including media training and preparation for all interviews, speaking engagements and other activities
• Manage presence at public events, including panels and speaking opportunities
• Build integrated communications and stakeholder management strategies around key announcements and initiatives
• Work in step with the Marketing & Communications team to support annual marketing campaigns and programs
• Write and manage external communications, e.g. press releases, announcements, public statements
• Collaborate with Fair Trade USA’s brand partners on PR activities and events
• Lead Fair Trade USA’s celebrity engagement strategy
• Master storyteller able to evangelize the Fair Trade USA story

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 6-8 years prior public relations and/or corporate communications experience
• Experience with complex cause-oriented organizations or initiatives
• Thoughtful and calculated approach to communication and storytelling, where passion also shines through
• Demonstrated verbal and written skills with the ability to quickly punch out a catchy press release or official statement (writing test will be administered)
• On-the-record and feature story experience with a diversity of media outlets (samples will be requested)
• Experience planning and conducting media events and deskside tours
• Must be a multi-tasker able to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environment
• Well organized, able to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Passion for sustainability