DC: Media Relations Director/American Rights at Work

Media Relations Director


Reports to: Director of Communications
Starting Salary Range: $65-75,000, commensurate with experience
Status: Full-time, Exempt, Unit Position
Location: Washington, DC

Position Overview:
American Rights at Work, a nonprofit advocacy organization focused on protecting and advancing workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively, seeks a Media Relations Director. We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of crafting and executing successful media strategies and placements, who is a great writer, willing to aggressively pitch a broad terrain of press, and has experience selling challenging or controversial issues, and responding on-the-record with media.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:

* Develops organization’s overall and project-specific media strategies.
* Manages the execution of media plans, including oversight of all components and staff with tasks related to the plan.
* Serves as one of the organizational spokespersons.
* Identifies proactive media opportunities to generate ongoing news about the organization and its campaigns, in addition to managing reactive press.
* Oversees and contributes to writing of press releases, editorial memos, advisories, pitches, op-eds, letters to the editor, and speeches.
* Develops message materials, talking points, and backgrounders in coordination with staff.
* Lead organizer of press events and editorial board meetings.
* Initiates, cultivates, and maintains relationships with media, communications colleagues, and spokespeople.
* Provides communications training and preparation and support for media spokespeople.
* Develops and maintains organization-wide media protocols.
* Manages databases and archives of information of use to journalists.
* Works with staff, consultants, and coalition partners who assist with projects where applicable and necessary.

Qualifications:

* Minimum 5-7 years experience in media relations, public relations, and/or public affairs.
* Proven track record of story placement in major media outlets, and individually crafting and executing media strategies.
* Prior communications experience with advocacy groups, legislative offices and organizations, and/or electoral campaigns.
* Outstanding writing skills.
* Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively about the role of communications in achieving the organization's goals while also remaining focused on the detail-oriented work and follow-through required by the position.
* Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Can juggle multiple priorities and projects effectively, and capable of shifting gears accordingly.
* Comprehensive working knowledge of, and personal contacts with media.
* Ability to translate complex issues into clear, simple ideas.
* Familiar with the special requirements of print, broadcast, and online media.
* Experience executing editorial news strategies.
* Demonstrated relationship-building skills.
* Commitment to and experience in social justice advocacy; experience with workers’ rights policy preferable.
* Knowledge of, and experience with new media a plus.
* Proficiency with MS Office suite, Nexis Lexis, media/PR databases.

Application Instructions:
To apply, send cover letter, resume, work samples, and references by December 22 to commdir@americanrightsatwork.org. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Incomplete applications, or applications delivered by fax, mail, or in person will not be considered. Please no phone calls or direct solicitations. EOE.


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