DC: Director, Public Affairs and Media Relation/ American Institute of Architects

Job Title Director, Public Affairs and Media Relation
Job Contact Email aiajobs@aia.org
Employer American Institute of Architects
Posted 12/15/09
Job Description

The function of this position is to increase the effectiveness and impact of AIA government advocacy activities by developing and executing media relations and other communications strategies that raise awareness, understanding, and acceptance of AIA public policy positions among clients, government officials, and the general public.

Job Duties:
# Develop and implement media relations and communications strategies that achieve AIA strategic and operating plan goals through pro-active outreach to target media.
# Develop, nurture, and expand relationships with key reporters, editors, producers, etc. covering issues important to the AIA legislative and regulatory agenda to ensure that the AIA is positioned as a reliable source in news and feature coverage.
# Ensure the organization is understood by the media and that the media are interested in presenting information to legislative and regulatory stakeholders. Build relationships with and coach member leadership to create AIA government advocacy spokespeople consistent with the Institute's thought leadership positioning.
# Identify and secure speaking opportunities for designated AIA government advocacy spokesperson, including coordinating with the Executive office and Leadership and Member Communications teams.
# Work with the Managing Director, Communications and Marketing and Vice President, Government and Community Relations to set priorities in determining core government advocacy and overall AIA brand messages for outreach.
# Work closely with the Director, Media Relations to supervise PR agency activities to ensure quality work product related to overall Institute media relations activities and coordinate AIA Government and Community Relations team communications.
# Monitor relevant issues that impact the AIA legislative and regulatory agenda in order to evaluate media and communication activities
# Evaluate the competitive media landscape concerning the AIA legislative and regulatory agenda.
# Assist in developing the annual Government and Community Relations department's operating plan, which addresses critical issues in the communications area.
# Create/update and write and distribute all government advocacy media relations materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, testimony, etc. and maintain all government advocacy material posted to the AIA Media Relations Support Center hosted on the AIA Web site and AIA social media entities
# Provide local AIA components with public/media relations counsel to localize national component government advocacy issues related to the AIA legislative and regulatory agenda.

Experience-

Comprehensive knowledge of media operations, including newsroom responsibilities and editorial decision-making. Working knowledge of journalism, including sourcing, editing, and writing for print, broadcast, online, and electronic publication. Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing social media as a media relations tool to initiate, augment, and respond in support of government advocacy activities. Highly polished interpersonal skills, as the position requires working with individuals at the highest level of government and the design profession.

Bachelors degree, preferably in journalism or communications, political science. Five to seven years experience in public affairs, public relations agency or advocacy organization with heavy emphasis on media outreach to news organizations.

Supervisory Requirements:

None

For a detailed job description, please visit http://www.aia.org/aianational_jobs

To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to AIA Human Resources to aiajobs@aia.org.