Public Relations & Advocacy Manager

Position Title: Public Relations & Advocacy Manager
Employment Status: Full-time
Reports to: VP Marketing & Communications
Creation Date: 3/10/2025
Agency Division: Marketing
FLSA Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: 6

This is a remote position that may require periodic travel to events throughout the DMV.

SCI Summary: SCI supports people with disabilities, behavioral challenges, medically complex needs, transitioning youth, the elderly, and other populations using Maryland Department of Health’s Targeted Case Management and Supports Planning work models.

Position Summary: Service Coordination Inc. (SCI) is seeking a Public Relations & Advocacy Manager to play a vital role in advancing SCI’s media relations and advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. This newly created position offers an exciting opportunity to develop and execute public relations and advocacy strategies that elevate SCI’s mission, shape public discourse, and support engagement with policymakers, stakeholders, and the communities we serve. Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Public Relations & Advocacy Manager will be responsible for supporting media relations efforts, compelling advocacy communications, and synthesizing complex policy topics into engaging, accessible content. This individual will be a strategic thinker, identifying timely and relevant opportunities for media outreach and advocacy while balancing projects.The ideal candidate will be a strong storyteller with impeccable writing skills, newsroom or media relations experience, and a solid understanding of the legislative landscape. They will bring innovative ideas, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and have the ability to make strategic recommendations that align with SCI’s broader communications and advocacy goals. While this behind the scenes role is not a spokesperson, this individual will be instrumental in shaping SCI’s external messaging and ensuring that great ideas are brought to life in support of our communities through compelling storytelling, media engagement, and policy-driven advocacy.

SCI Team Member Expectations: All SCI Team Members are expected to: Ensure services provided follow the organization’s mission statement, core operating values and policies and procedures. follow HIPAA, confidentiality and security procedures and principles; collaborate with peers, leadership, and support areas of the organization; actively participate in and contribute to leadership and other staff meetings and trainings; maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; follow self-direction and person-centered planning procedures and philosophy; and to foster a culture that values diversity.

Essential Duties:

Media Relations & Public Affairs
• In collaboration with the VP, develop and execute media relations initiatives that enhance SCI’s visibility and thought leadership.
• Contribute to building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key industry contacts to proactively identify opportunities for media coverage.
• Draft press releases, op-eds, talking points, and media statements that effectively communicate SCI’s impact and initiatives.
• Monitor news trends, media coverage, and legislative developments, identifying opportunities to position SCI’s leadership as expert voices in relevant discussions.
• Support media interview and speaking engagement preparation, including drafting key messages and briefing materials.

Advocacy & Policy Communications
• Partner on translating state and federal policy issues into clear, compelling, and engaging content that resonates with stakeholders, policymakers, and supporters.
• Support development of advocacy materials, including policy briefs, legislative updates, fact sheets, and op-eds that advance SCI’s policy priorities.
• Collaborate with SCI’s Government Relations team to align messaging and ensure strategic advocacy efforts at all levels.
• Support internal teams in understanding and effectively communicating policy-related developments that impact SCI and the communities we support.

Content Development & Strategic Messaging
• Collaborate on high-impact storytelling efforts, ensuring SCI’s mission and advocacy work are communicated effectively.
• Synthesize complex topics into engaging and accessible content that is tailored for various audiences, including policymakers, media, and the general public.
• Ensure brand consistency and alignment across all public-facing advocacy and media materials.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications team members to integrate advocacy messaging into broader communications strategies, including social media, newsletters, and digital campaigns.

Supervisory Duties:
• None

Education Required:
• Bachelors Degree

Experience Required:
• 7+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or policy communications, preferably in the nonprofit, government, or advocacy space.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for media, policymakers, and public audiences.
• Strong understanding of state and federal legislative processes, with the ability to translate policy issues into clear, actionable messaging.
• Experience working with journalists, media outlets, and press contacts, with a track record of securing media coverage.
• Ability to balance multiple project requests while identifying the most timely and strategic opportunities for media and advocacy engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and provide strategic recommendations.
• A creative thinker with a keen ability to identify and elevate newsworthy stories that align with SCI’s mission and priorities.
• Passion for SCI’s mission and a commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and complex needs.
• A coachable professional with a growth mindset who values mentorship, thrives in a continuous learning environment, demonstrates adaptability and a positive temperament.

SCI Value Related Competencies:
• People Come First (Customer Focus): Thinks and acts with people we support in mind when making decisions. Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external shareholders, uses information and feedback to improve services.
• Building Relationships and Connections: Interpersonal savvy. Relates to all kinds of people. Builds appropriate rapport, uses diplomacy and tact, diffuses high-tension situations comfortably. Establishes and maintains meaningful connections within the community and the organization (internal and external stakeholders)
• Education (Informing Others): Quickly finds common ground to solve problems. Is seen as a cooperative team player. Provides coaching and mentoring to Team Members. Consistent communicator, provides Team Members with the tools they need to perform their jobs in a timely manner. Explores all available options to make the best decision for internal and external holders
• Diversity: Values, appreciates and honors the ways in which cultural differences can create value in organizations. Is service oriented: Demonstrates a commitment to the philosophies for services and the goal of independence for the people we serve. Raises awareness in communities to appreciate the similarities and unique gifts of each person. Interacts with all kinds of Team Members equitably, deals effectively with all races, nationalities, cultures, disabilities, ages, and genders, supports equal and fair treatment and opportunity for all.
• Driving Solutions (Perseverance): Pursues all initiatives with energy, drive, and the goal to succeed.

Job-Specific Competencies:
• Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm
• Balances Stakeholders: Anticipating and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders
• Business Insight: Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals
• Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Drives Vision and Purpose: Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity
• Manages Ambiguity: Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear
• Organizational Savvy: Maneuvering comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Tech Savvy: Anticipating and adopting innovations in business - building digital and technology applications
• Customer Focus: Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions

Physical Demands: Generally, presents standard office environment. Must be able to remain in a stationary position >95% of the time. Continually operates a computer, keyboard and mouse, and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, printer, and mobile Smartphone device. Constantly positions self to comfortably maintain computer equipment. May occasionally be required to move about in an office setting or position office equipment weighing between 10-25 pounds. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. The person in this position frequently communicates with other people. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
IT Roles must be able to position self to maintain computers and equipment, including under desks and in server room(s). Frequently moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is subject to change at any time.

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Disclaimer: The recruitment process is approved by Service Coordination Inc.’s (SCI) Team Member Experience Advisory Committee and subject to change based on business needs.

SCI is an equal opportunity employer and committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, hair texture or protected hairstyle, veteran status, or genetic information. SCI is also committed to providing equal opportunity and access to individuals with disabilities by ensuring reasonable accommodations are provided to participants in the job application or interview process. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Kathryn Eckert at ... or ....

SCI is committed to fostering a safe and productive workplace for all Team Members and individuals engaged in business with the organization. As such, all positions require the completion and passing of a 9-Panel Drug Screening within 48 hours after accepting an offer of employment. A 9-Panel Drug Screening tests for illegal drugs within the State of Maryland.

SCI does not sponsor for immigration, including for H-1B, TN, and other non-immigrant visas, for this role.