Reach and Read Director of Public Relations

Director of Public Relations
National, Remote
The Opportunity

As Director of Public Relations, you will shape how Reach Out and Read tells its story to the nation. Serving 4.8 million children and families through 41,000 clinicians and 11.2 million well-child visits each year, Reach Out and Read has an extraordinary opportunity to expand its visibility and influence as it builds on three decades of leadership in pediatric health, early childhood development, and early literacy.

This newly created role leads the organization's editorial and earned media work:
You will be the External Affairs team's primary editor and a senior writer for the brand, and you will manage the day-to-day relationship with Reach Out and Read's public relations firm to build an ambitious earned media strategy. You'll work closely with leadership, Affiliates, and clinicians to find strong stories and expand thought leadership nationally, owning written brand voice and earned media, alongside the Director of Design and Marketing, who leads paid media and visual brand expression.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and editor, a seasoned media strategist, and a collaborative partner who can translate complex ideas into clear, memorable messaging. This role reports to the Chief External Affairs Officer.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Serve as primary editor for all External Affairs content: social, print, digital, web, email, fundraising, policy, and executive communications — upholding voice, tone, clarity, and consistency organization-wide.
• Write and shape brand messaging, message frameworks, talking points, and thought-leadership content for high-priority initiatives, translating complex early childhood, health, and policy topics into clear, accessible language.
• Partner with subject-matter experts, leaders, and Affiliates to strengthen messaging while preserving a consistent voice; maintain the brand stylebook and a library of templates and editorial guidance.
• Coach writers and contributors across the organization, and strengthen editorial workflows, review processes, and quality control.
• Serve as an editorial adviser during crisis or high-risk situations, helping develop messaging frameworks and statements with the Chief External Affairs Officer.

• Lead the day-to-day relationship with Reach Out and Read's public relations firm, setting priorities and direction for an integrated earned media strategy that builds national visibility and thought leadership.
• Drive press releases, op-eds, story ideas, and media pitches, identifying timely angles that connect Reach Out and Read's work to the broader news cycle.
• Partner with Affiliates, clinicians, and leaders to generate state and local coverage, adapting national narratives and preparing spokespeople for interviews.
• Develop talking points and briefing materials, and guide rapid-response communications in high-stakes or time-sensitive situations.
• Set goals for and evaluate earned media performance to inform future strategy.

• Partner on social media strategy, reviewing and approving content and major campaigns for editorial quality and audience engagement.
• Ensure earned, paid, social, and owned content reinforce one another to extend the reach of high-value stories.
• Use performance data and platform trends to refine strategy, and equip Affiliates with adaptable content and tools for local markets.

• Serve as a senior communications adviser to colleagues and leaders across the organization and Affiliate network.
• Partner with marketing, brand, and creative leads to align editorial…