Media Specialist

Description:

The American Immigration Council (the Council) works to strengthen America by shaping how America thinks about and acts towards immigrants and immigration, and by working toward a more fair and just immigration system that opens its doors to those in need of protection and unleashes the energy and skills that immigrants bring. The Council brings together individuals adept at solving problems and employs four coordinated approaches to advance change—litigation, research, legislative and administrative advocacy, and communications.

Position Summary

The Media Specialist is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team, supporting the execution of earned media strategies that advance the Council’s goals across communications, advocacy, and external engagement. This role plays an important part in elevating the Council’s voice as a trusted authority in the immigration space by identifying media opportunities, pitching stories, and building relationships with reporters and emerging media platforms. The Media Specialist supports the development and placement of compelling narratives that translate complex immigration policy, litigation, and research into accessible and engaging media coverage.

Working closely with the Media Manager and cross-functional teams, this role contributes to both proactive media outreach and rapid response efforts, helping ensure the Council remains visible, relevant, and credible in a fast-moving policy environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Execute proactive media outreach, including pitching feature stories, interviews, and media opportunities to national, local, and trade outlets
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, producers, podcast hosts, newsletter writers, and other media contacts, including emerging digital platforms
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to identify timely media opportunities, story angles, and spokespersons tied to the Council’s work
• Draft and edit media materials, including pitches, media advisories, talking points, and background materials
• Support earned media strategies across program areas, including research releases, advocacy campaigns, events, and leadership visibility
• Monitor media trends and identify opportunities to expand the Council’s reach across traditional and non-traditional platforms, including podcasts, newsletters, and influencer partnerships
• Track media outreach, placements, and performance, maintaining accurate records and supporting reporting efforts
• Coordinate media logistics, including interviews, briefings, and follow-up communications
• Support the planning and promotion of webinars and public events, including drafting agendas, talking points, and speaker materials
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to ensure alignment with organizational messaging, priorities, and brand standards

Work Environment

The Council is a fully remote employer, and this role operates in a remote work environment. Our team collaborates virtually, and we provide the necessary IT equipment to support your work.

This role requires maintaining a professional demeanor in a remote/office work setting. Responsibilities include extended periods of sitting at a desk, frequent use of a PC workstation for prolonged hours, occasional verbal communication with team members and stakeholders via virtual platforms, and the possibility of lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds, though this is not likely to be a frequent requirement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum of 2–4 years of experience in media relations, communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience supporting media outreach, including pitching stories, coordinating media opportunities, or working directly with reporters
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to draft clear, concise, and compelling pitches and communications materials
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience collaborating across teams and levels
• Familiarity with media databases or tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater) preferred
• Experience engaging with or supporting digital and emerging media platforms (e.g., podcasts, newsletters, or influencer outreach) preferred
• Background or demonstrated interest in immigration advocacy, public policy, or social justice issues strongly preferred

Occasional travel may be required for this role, including attendance at meetings, conferences, or events as necessary to support the organization’s initiatives and objectives.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range provided reflects a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on The Council's commitment to equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, years of experience, certifications or professional licenses, job-related skills, internal equity, and business needs.

Our compensation structure is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Typically, individuals are hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role. Compensation decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the unique facts and circumstances of each applicant.

Additionally, full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in The Council's comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, an employee assistance program, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 3 months of employment, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, and employer-paid life insurance and disability benefits.

Application Process: To ensure a complete application, all candidates must submit the required materials, including a resume and cover letter, through our application portal. As part of our interview process, candidates may be asked to participate in virtual interviews, which will require on-camera presence.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible interview experience. If you require accommodations due to a disability or sincerely held religious beliefs—such as an alternative format or assistance during the interview—please let us know in advance, and we will make every effort to support your needs.

Eligibility to Work: In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, we are required to hire only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States. Applicants selected for employment will need to provide documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. The Council participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please visit dhs.gov/E-Verify.

The American Immigration Council ("The Council") is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.