At The Obama Foundation, our mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. We seek to build an active democratic culture where people are equipped and motivated to make change in the communities where they live, work, and play. Right here on the South Side of Chicago, we’re building a home for this vision, a global center for change with a range of opportunities - coordinated programming, community outreach events, educational moments, and more - that invite visitors from down the block or across the globe to turn hope into action.
Achieving our ambitious goals starts with an exceptional team built on our Hope to Action Values - Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope. A Framework that anyone, anywhere, can use to build trust, activate participation, and expand opportunity in their community.
Purpose of the Role
The Press Secretary will play a pivotal role in pitching The Obama Foundation’s stories with external audiences, with a focus on traditional legacy media but also a lens toward Creator/Influencer cultivation in partnership with the editorial team. The role will focus on audience cultivation, prioritizing earned media with a lens toward supporting and enhancing the Foundation’s strategic communications efforts.
The Press Secretary will be responsible for surfacing stories and pitching external outlets, managing public relations, launching special projects and working with external PR resources and consultants. Additionally, this role will drive program launches and major events for the communications team and provide strategic leadership and management within the communications function. This role encompasses working across the Foundation, on all initiatives and programming, ensuring cohesive and impactful messaging and traditional and new media outreach.
As the Press Secretary, you’ll be reporting directly to the Vice President of Communications.
Core Job Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Support the VP of Communications in developing and executing a public relations strategy that translates the Foundation’s mission to key external stakeholders.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with national and local traditional media, securing high-impact earned media coverage.
Work with the social media team to engage audience-based communicators, such as influencers, to amplify the Foundation’s messaging.
Storytelling & Message Development
Surface, package, and pitch compelling stories that highlight the Foundation’s impact, leadership, and programming.
Ensure messaging consistency and alignment across all public-facing communications.
Major Events & Program Launches
Lead media strategy, planning, and execution for major Foundation events, announcements, and program milestones.
Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to maximize press coverage and public engagement.
Crisis Communications & Rapid Response
Support the development of crisis communications protocols and playbooks.
Provide strategic counsel and rapid response to emerging media opportunities and challenges.
External Partnerships & Consultant Management
Manage relationships with external PR agencies, consultants, and strategic communications partners.
Oversee contract deliverables to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s communications goals.
Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Provide mentorship and leadership within the communications team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
Work cross-functionally across departments to ensure cohesive messaging and media strategy.
Special Projects & Emerging Opportunities
Lead and oversee special communications projects that advance the Foundation’s mission and visibility.
Identify and execute new opportunities for audience engagement through media and strategic partnerships.
Required Qualifications
8 years in public relations, media relations, or…