What are the responsibilities and job description for the Communications Manager position at Semafor?
About this role:
Semafor is looking for a Communications Manager for its growing global news business. Reporting to the Head of Global Communications, this role will be responsible for helping to manage the overall day-to-day operations of Semafor’s communications efforts. This is an incredibly unique opportunity to be part of a diverse and global team at its inception point. Embedded deep within the fabric of the newsroom, you’ll be working with our journalists and editors each day on amplifying scoops and breaking news, as well as supporting and promoting other core areas of our business.
Responsibilities:
- Working closely with the Head of Global Communications to help develop and execute on a robust day-to-day communications strategy.
- Pitching booking producers across major broadcast networks (including TV, radio, podcasts) daily, working closely with newsroom leaders and journalists on promoting scoops and breaking news.
- Securing daily press coverage across television, radio, print, and digital outlets for a range of coverage areas.
- Cultivating strong relationships with national TV and radio/podcast bookers as well as maintaining targeted media lists.
- Identifying opportunities to build the Semafor brand and business narrative in order to enhance the external understanding of Semafor among consumers, trade and clients internationally.
- Working closely with Semafor’s events team on key external moments for the brand.
- Helping to develop and implement a creative internal communications strategy.
- Assisting with speaking/panel engagements for Semafor staff at external events.
- Drafting talking points, briefings and internal messaging as it pertains to internal and external communications, including writing and editing media alerts on deadline.
- Overseeing media monitoring, including compiling timely press recaps and reports using a range of PR tools i.e Critical Mention, Cision.
- Working closely with counterparts across Semafor’s key business functions from events to revenue and commercial.
- Working closely with the editorial team to build a workflow for ensuring relevant stakeholders, internal and external, are aware of major story launches.
- Identifying third-party commentary topics, trends and news agenda items in order to proactively pitch and secure daily media coverage.
- Identifying new workflows and processes to improve the communications function.
What makes you qualified:
- 5 year minimum experience in communications, preferably at a news organization, in media/entertainment/politics or other similar work environments.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent is preferred.
- Deep passion for news and current affairs with broad understanding of the current global / U.S news/media environment is a must.
- Proven ability to garner media attention, craft stories and drive daily results.
- Previous experience with booking network appearances for individuals/brands, as well as interacting with reporters on daily enquiries and media requests.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced news environment on deadline.
- A strong sense of what makes a good feature or news angle, and a varied contact list across the media landscape (inc broadcast, print and online, with contacts in news, lifestyle and entertainment).
- Expertise in coordinating press, socials and campaigning strategy for major news lines and exclusives across multiple departments.
- Impeccable writing skills with the ability to write and produce clear and concise communications materials under time constraints.
- Previous experience with using PR & social media tools i.e Critical Mention, Muck Rack, Mail Chimp, Twitter.
- Experience with handling set-up and logistics for speaking engagements and events.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
- Proactivity and resourceful problem-solving skills.
- A team player.
Compensation:
The base salary for this position at the time of posting will range from $70,000.00 - $90,000.00. Individual compensation varies based on job related factors, including business needs, experience, level of responsibility, and qualifications.
