Job Postings

Microfinance Job: Media Relations at Unitus

Media Relations Manager

Unitus, an international nonprofit organization, works to reduce global poverty by increasing access to
life-changing microfinance services. We seek out and partner with young, high-potential microfinance
(MF) providers, helping them build capacity, attract capital, and achieve exponential growth. Through
this leveraged approach, Unitus seeks to empower millions of the world’s working poor while
transforming the financial systems now left out of their reach. The Unitus portfolio reaches more than 6
million families through 23 partners in Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico,
Philippines and Tanzania. Our goal is to reach more than 15 million of the world’s working poor by
2010.
Unitus has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, PBS, and National Public
Radio. We received Fast Company magazine’s Social Capitalist award for 2006, 2007, and 2008, and
were awarded the prestigious 4-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator in 2007
and 2008. Unitus is a 501(c)3 with offices in Seattle, Washington and Bangalore, India. For more
information, please visit www.unitus.com.
Position Location: Seattle, Washington
Position Summary:
Unitus is looking for a media relations professional who has a proven media relations/public relations
track record, extraordinary writing skills, strong media contacts, a passion for fighting global poverty,
and a background in strategic communications. This person will be key member of Unitus’s Global
Communications team. S/he will support communications efforts targeting the wider public, as well as
within the industry and to our microfinance partners.
The successful candidate will be able to do the following: Take Unitus’s media presence to the next
level. Develop core public relations strategy designed to increase awareness of Unitus in target
audience(s) in the US and select international markets. Support overall business and reputational
goals, promote brand strength, and maintain a strong industry leadership position.
Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop core PR strategy and outreach plan working closely with the Global Communications Director
• Develop compelling key media messages, core themes and story angles that complement Unitus organizational messaging
• Proactively secure media placement and respond to ongoing press inquiries
• Facilitate media interviews for key spokespeople including staff and board members and act as spokesperson when appropriate
• Work with President, board members and leadership team to draft executive presentations for multiple audience types and provide preparation guidance for speech delivery
• Write press releases, fact sheets, press kit, white papers, and other communications materials
• Develop op-ed strategy and other targeted outreach plans
• Develop and implement structured and sustainable Unitus speaker bureau including identifying and media training key staff and board
• Research and analyze press coverage of Unitus, microfinance, and “like” non-profit sectors
• Analyze, recommend, and implement new media vehicles for promoting Unitus and our work
• Represent Unitus at industry events and on industry committees as needed
• Develop and manage Unitus speaker/conference strategy and awards program
• Develop innovative PR programs and materials that get results
• Utilize a comprehensive approach to PR understanding that PR goes beyond simply media relations but also advocacy, public affairs, and industry relations

Requirements:

• 5-6 years experience in public relations/media relations in an agency or corporate environment
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills (writing samples required)
• Exceptional strategic thinking and planning abilities
• Proven media relations experience and a strong network of media contacts, preferably in the financial services, business, philanthropic, and/or international development sectors
• Talented, driven, and results-oriented individual who works well in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt strategies and tactics in response to external factors
• Experience working with international media and/or in a multinational environment highly desired
• Ability to “see into the future” (vision and strategic planning) and develop messages and strategies that cut across a variety of audiences and sectors a huge plus
• Strong public speaker
• Passionate about poverty alleviation and social development; Innate interest and respect for other cultures
• Attention to detail and tremendous tenacity!

There are many other areas for contribution. The desired candidate will bring the capabilities to
outperform this job description and grow their role within Unitus. Compensation will be competitive,
based on experience; compensation includes an excellent benefits package and a fulfilling work
environment.
Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining how your skills and experience align with Unitus’s
requirements here.
Unitus is an equal-opportunity employer.

© 2009 SeaMo: Connecting the Microfinance Community.