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Posting Period:
October 29, 2024 - Until Filled

Employee Type:
NEAMAC NEA Managers, Attorneys, Confidentials

Position Type:
Regular

Salary Range:
$139,604.00 - $198,321.00

Rank:
Manager Rank D

Position Details:

The National Education Association (NEA), America's largest organization committed to advancing the cause of public education, seeks a Media Relations Manager in the Center for Communications. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NEA proudly claims more than 3 million members devoted to the following mission: to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Our vision is a great public school for every student. We strive to improve the quality of teaching, to increase student achievement, and to make schools safer and better places to learn.

Position Summary: The Media Relations Manager is responsible for driving and shaping the Association's image and reputation in the media and managing a team of media strategists in developing and implementing effective media strategies to enhance the organization's public image, increase brand awareness, and increase the visibility of our leaders and members. This role involves building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and industry influencers, as well as identifying and creating opportunities that align with the organization's goals and ensuring that the organization's message is effectively conveyed to the public through the media. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a keen understanding of media dynamics, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The Media Relations Manager oversees the day-to-day operations and work of assigned professional staff on the Media Relations Team. This position reports directly to the Associate Director, Public Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

• Management: Manage a team of media strategists in developing and implementing a comprehensive media strategy that promotes the policies and priorities of NEA and its members.

• Media Strategy: Create and execute comprehensive media relations strategies that advance the organization's objectives and elevate our leadership and members. Expand primary press contacts and lead a persistent and sustained earned media strategy that consistently positions the Association's priorities, leaders, and members as champions for public education, racial and social justice, healthy communities, and labor.

• Counsel: Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders related to developing and implementing a communications strategy that deploys NEA's message in the media.

• Media Relations: Build, maintain, and expand relationships with journalists, producers, editors, and media outlets. Supervise preparation and distribution of press materials, including news releases, media advisories, statements, and opinion pieces.

• Content Creation: Develop engaging content for various purposes, including drafting of news releases, statements, advisories, op-eds, and talking points to promote key initiatives and events.

• Talkers/influencers: Assist with identifying and engaging key surrogates, influencers, stakeholders, and partners that can assist in lifting NEA's message.

• Voices: Identify members and other allies who can serve as voices for the association and develop strategies to elevate the profile of NEA leaders in the media.

• Crisis Management: Anticipate and prepare crisis communication plans and take a proactive role in managing the organization's response. Monitor media coverage and public sentiment; respond to inquiries during crises.

• Monitoring and Analysis: Track media coverage and analyze the effectiveness of media campaigns, providing regular reports and insights to senior management.

• Event Coordination: Proactively plan and manage press events, including media tours, briefings, and conferences.

• Collaboration: Work closely with state affiliates, organizational partners, NEA staff, and leadership to align messaging and strategy across the association for maximum amplification in media.

• Training: Develop and facilitate trainings for leaders, staff, state affiliates, and members that enhance necessary skills for working with media

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field required or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills may be acquired.

• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in communications and/or media relations, including 5 years of demonstrated experience in personnel management, including the ability to delegate responsibly, prioritize work activities, monitor progress, coach staff toward success, and ensure accountability.

• Excellent instincts for what drives news cycles.

• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Flexibility and a willingness to learn.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and strong attention to detail.

• Ability to meet deadlines and navigate a fast-paced environment where priorities change rapidly.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities, ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

• Demonstrated experience in building effective media relations into communications campaigns.

• Demonstrated existing relationships and experience working with broadcast reporters, producers, editorial staff, and bookers.

• Familiarity with public relations and media monitoring and clipping platforms (ex. Critical Mention, TVeyes, Cision).

• Demonstrated understanding of media organizations and the needs of journalists.

• Demonstrated understanding of how initiatives in media relations, paid media, digital engagement, government relations, marketing, and development fit together in a successful communications strategy.

• Proven ability to take complex policy and repackage it for external users in a variety of compelling and easily understood formats.

• Experience working with professional membership organizations and operating successfully within an affiliate structure.

• Ability to travel frequently (20-30 overnights per year).

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. To apply for this position or to search for other openings, please go to our jobs page at Careers at NEA (myworkdayjobs.com)

NEA Participates in E-Verify. Read more here E-Verify Participation & Right to Work.

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.