Media Relations Volunteer - Orange County

Red Cross Media Relations volunteers are part of a professional volunteer team that develops and delivers the Red Cross story behind-the-scenes, on-camera, in-person and online through media channels, websites, social media feeds and other content platforms.

Responsibilities:

• Be on call during shifts to vet and assess media inquiries, share information on smaller incidents, and notify leadership of the need to scale up response.
• Serve as media spokesperson for local news outlets in person, over the phone or through Skype interviews.
• Work with chapter and regional leadership to write and pitch local stories to local media.
• Showcase Red Cross services and programs through earned media outreach at events, training, interviews, etc.
• Write and distribute media advisories and press releases.
• Maintain a list of subject matter experts to speak with the media.
• Maintain a media log of queries, interviews and news stories.
• Create and maintain media lists.
• Protect the reputation of the Red Cross by identifying and assessing potential for harm to the Red Cross brand, misinformation, or information gaps. Work with communications management to develop a strategic approach.  

Requirements: 

• Spanish speakers needed!
• Flexible and dependent on individual projects and local disaster responses. Time commitment is determined by the needs of the regional communications department. May be 4-12 hours per day during disasters.
• Media relations education and/or experience
• Background in Red Cross response (training provided), branding & messaging
• Submission of a portfolio of news releases, video clips of on-camera work or equivalent work samples
• Willingness to comply with current public health and Red Cross policies
• 18 years of age or older

Volunteer Locations available across Orange County, California!