Media & Press Relations Specialist

Become a changemaker with Islamic Relief Canada Join our team and work towards our mission to mobilize Canadians to transform more lives around the world in the most trusted manner.

About The Department
The Communications and Government Relations team is at the forefront of shaping and sharing the impact of our humanitarian work and advocacy. We foster strong connections with government officials and policymakers to advocate for meaningful change. With an innovative approach to media relations and public engagement, we work to amplify community stories that highlight our humanitarian efforts around the world.

Job Purpose
The Media & Press Relations Specialist will play a key role in elevating Islamic Relief Canada's presence in the media landscape. This position is responsible for drafting press releases, op-eds, and media pitches, building and nurturing relationships with journalists, and securing coverage for IRC's programs and events. The specialist will also occasionally support content production (photo, video, and/or design) to strengthen media storytelling and ensure messaging is consistent across platforms. This is an entry-level, bilingual role ideal for a recent graduate eager to grow in media relations and communications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, op-eds, media advisories, and pitches to secure coverage for Islamic Relief Canada's programs, campaigns, events, and research projects.
• Build and nurture relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets (national, local, community-based, and specialized.)
• Collaborate with local staff from various departments to coordinate media coverage across the country.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare regular reports on media performance and impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams (Fund Development, Programs, Marketing) to identify media opportunities and leverage events for coverage.
• Assist with the development of media kits, key messages, and talking points for spokespersons.
• Support multimedia production (photo, video, graphic design) to enhance media storytelling and coverage.
• Coordinate translation of press materials and ensure accurate dissemination on French-language platforms.
• Conduct media research to map relevant outlets, journalists, and trends to inform outreach strategies.
• Assist with organizing press conferences, interviews, and media briefings.
• Stay informed about current events, public opinion, and sector trends to proactively identify opportunities for media engagement.
• Participate in relevant events, conferences, and networking opportunities to expand media connections.
• Support the Communications and Goverment Relations team with various communications and administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Excellent written and spoken skills in English and French are required, including strong analytical and report-writing capability and strong attention to detail.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the Canadian and Quebec media landscape, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and editors.
• Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills.
• Proactive and resourceful storyteller with a go-getter attitude — eager to chase down stories, embed with teams, and actively pitch to media.
• Relationship builder with excellent networking and communication abilities.
• Experience with multimedia production (photo, video, or graphic design) is an asset.
• Previous experience in media relations, communications, or at a media agency is a strong asset.
• Availability to occasionally work evenings or weekends for events or media opportunities.

This is a remote position based anywhere in Canada, but ideally Ontario or Quebec-based. The candidate will be required to attend occasional in-person meetings and staff events throughout the year.

Starting Salary
$60,000.00

Please note: The posted starting salary is intended to provide potential candidates with a general understanding of the compensation associated with the position. The actual salary offered will start at this figure, with adjustments possible based on individual qualifications and other relevant factors.