Director, Media Relations

Position Overview

The American Gaming Association (AGA) seeks a Director, Media Relations to manage the AGA’s earned media efforts. As an integral member of the strategic communications team, the director is primarily responsible for advancing the industry through trade, regional, and national media engagement.

Reporting to the vice president, strategic communications and responsibility, the director works to promote the dynamic gaming industry through proactive communications efforts. We are looking for an energetic team player with strong self-management skills and experience working at an association or agency. Candidates should be eager to work in a fast-paced environment and able to manage a diverse workload with competing deadlines.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and outlets.
2. Pitch and secure regular coverage in trade, regional, and national outlets to advance the industry narrative, ensure AGA inclusion in topical news coverage, and advance storylines that support AGA advocacy efforts.
3. Lead writing and editing of compelling media materials including, but not limited to, pitches, messaging, press releases, advisories, letters to the editor, op-eds, quotes, and guest columns.
4. Provide day-to-day direction to AGA strategic communications agency.
5. Manage incoming inquiries on a timely basis by determining relevance, recommending appropriate response, and navigating internal approvals.
6. Lead briefing of AGA spokespeople by developing messaging and materials and managing principal through the interview process.
7. Speak on background to frame the industry’s narrative.
8. Identify actionable trends from the news cycle and ensure an accurate representation of AGA messaging and research.
9. Build and maintain media lists.
10. Support the Vice President, Strategic Communications and Responsibility and Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications with ad hoc media and communication projects.

Experience, Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Four to six years’ media relations and communication experience.
• Preferred background with an association or agency.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to tailor a message to a variety of audiences.
• Concise, persuasive writer with demonstrable experience in writing and placing op-eds, letters to the editor, and thought leadership content.
• Strong project management skills including the ability to effectively juggle multiple, shifting priorities.
• Superior organization skills and attention to detail.
• Effective presence with senior-level leaders.
• Proven experience at securing top-tier media including television, national print outlets, and digital programming.
• Command of AP Style and familiarity with Cision, TVEyes, and WordPress.

About the AGA

As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $329 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.

We offer the opportunity to work on behalf of a dynamic industry and fantastic benefits, including competitive pay; generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave; 401(k) retirement plan; comprehensive, company-paid healthcare; cell phone coverage; and monthly metro benefits. This position is expected on-site at our downtown office Tuesday through Thursday.

Resume and cover letter can be submitted via the AGA website: https://www.americangaming.org/careers