We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of 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. 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

• Experience: 8+ years in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably in a nonprofit, government, or mission-driven organization.

• Media Relationships: Established network of national and local press contacts, with a proven track record of securing high-impact coverage.
  Storytelling & Pitching: Strong ability to identify and package compelling narratives that align with institutional goals.

• Crisis Communications: Experience navigating media crises and rapid response scenarios.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Experience managing teams, external consultants, and cross-functional projects.

• Adaptability & Judgment: Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment with strategic agility and discretion.

The salary range for this role is between $104,310 and $130,435.

This is a hybrid role based at our Chicago office in Hyde Park. #LI-Hybrid #LI-SF1

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.