PR & Donor Communications Manager

ABOUT DKMS

DKMS is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders by creating awareness, recruiting stem cell donors to provide a second chance at life, raising funds to match donor registrations costs, and supporting the improvement of blood cancer therapies by our own research.

POSITION SUMMARY

The PR and Donor Communications Manager at DKMS will focus on external communications and media storytelling, with a special emphasis on developing compelling narratives that highlight donor impact and engage key audiences. This role is ideal for a communications professional with PR experience who is ready to take the next step in their career, working collaboratively within a structured team environment.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Building relationships with the media, creating media lists, dealing with press inquiries, logging requests and escalating as appropriate to the Head of Department.
• Work directly with external PR Agency, pitching media stories, connecting with interviewees, ensuring all DKMS representation is correct, and coordinate monthly reporting.
• Develop media pitches with a focus on human-interest stories, especially donor journey and patient outcomes.
• Pro-actively handling follow-up with key journalists/publications.
• Play a key role in supporting DKMS’ marketing and communications activities such as World Blood Cancer Day and helping to develop and deliver regional and national PR activities.
• Develop content to raise awareness and encourage registrations.
• Lead storytelling efforts by interviewing donors, patients, and fundraisers to craft compelling stories for media, donor communications, and digital channels.
• Working closely with digital marketing colleagues to provide content for social media and the DKMS website.
• Coordinate and distribute monthly coverage reports provided by the PR agency.
• Help draft and deliver key publications such as a cross-organization annual report, including close liaison with an agency for realization
• Occasionally contribute internal updates for the DKMS intranet, while prioritizing external donor-facing stories and outreach.
• Engage with internal communications activities for international projects/milestones
• Support the local incidence management and crisis resolution program in close collaboration with the global team.
• Support with communications guidelines for various topics in different areas of the organization
• Ensure invoices related to the role are processed promptly and pass on information and invoices to the Finance Department.
• Work on ad hoc projects and any other duties as required by the Country Managers, subject to capacity.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in PR, communications, or journalism, with a strong portfolio of storytelling or media placement.
• Ideal candidates have nonprofit or cause-driven brand experience and are looking to take on more ownership while continuing to grow under supportive management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to adapt writing style for a range of audiences.
• Sensitivity and empathy in liaising with patients and their families.
• Experience or demonstrable interest in digital communications and social media.
• Strong organizational skills, creative thinker with a strong passion for DKMS’ mission.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with members of the public and colleagues at all levels.
• Brings a creative mindset and willingness to think outside of the box
• An understanding and working knowledge of the media landscape.
• Preferred candidate has media contacts and/or a desire to grow their own media contacts.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative and proven ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Flexible approach with the ability to adapt to new and changing situations.
• A high level of competence in MS Word, Outlook and Excel and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) experience.
• Willingness to travel internationally on occasion.

To Apply: Please send resumes and cover letters to dkmsrecruiting@dkms.org and place “PR and Donor Communications Manager” in the subject line.