Director, Media Relations

WHO WE ARE

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide electricity for more than 220 million Americans and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. As a whole, the electric power industry supports more than 7 million jobs in communities across the United States. In addition to our U.S. members, EEI has more than 65 international electric companies, with operations in more than 90 countries, as International Members, and hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.

The Director, Media Relations will be responsible for day-to-day communications and media outreach and relationship building to broaden awareness and increase the visibility of the electric power industry and EEI’s policy agenda. Must be able to work seamlessly across various teams to work with subject matter experts to respond to media inquiries on a wide range of issues and contribute to the execution of advocacy communication campaigns.

This is a hybrid position which requires the incumbent to reside in the District of Columbia metropolitan area and come into the office a minimum of three days each week with two of the mandatory days being Tuesday and Wednesday.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactively work to build and grow relationships with national and trade reporters.
• Handle incoming media inquiries, including requests about EEI’s position on a wide range of policy issues, requests for industry statistical and financial data, and requests for EEI publications, reports, and other materials.
• Work effectively with EEI’s subject matter experts and member company communicators to stay informed of policy developments and to respond to media inquiries.
• Draft statements, press releases, media advisories, letters to the editor, media plans, and executive briefings on a wide variety of topics and policy issues impacting EEI and the electric power industry.
• Identify and cultivate proactive media opportunities for EEI experts and industry leaders to help positively advance the industry’s messaging and policy objectives; help prepare EEI experts for media interviews.
• Build key relationships with member company media relations staff.
• Handle requests for information from EEI members.
• Assist on crisis communications, such as storm response and grid security threats.
• Develop content and strategies, such as op-eds and key messages, to help strengthen the industry’s voice and visibility on key issues.
• Provide basic day-to-day news and information support for the department.
• Provide clips to EEI’s internal news clip service and help to edit and distribute EEI’s Daily Energy News.
• Provide ongoing and continuous monitoring of industry-related news developments. Work with media relations tools, e.g. CISION, to update and maintain media contact lists.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or press-related experience on Capitol Hill or in a trade association, PR agency, corporation, or government agency.
• Energy experience preferred.
• Understanding of government and public policy processes.
• Ability to quickly and competently digest and process complex industry issues.
• Ability to interact professionally with EEI staff, the news media, and member company officials.
• Ability to efficiently juggle complex tasks under deadline pressure.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should apply online through EEI’s career site. EEI uses Clear Company as our applicant tracking system. An application is considered when all required fields are completed.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this role begins at $130,000.00 – $175,000.00. Starting annual salary will be determined on individual qualifications. EEI also offers an annual performance incentive which is prorated for mid-year start dates. This incentive is typically up to 10% of the base salary. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness incentives and programs, transportation subsidy, and professional development opportunities.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEI is committed to providing a productive and safe environment. To achieve that goal, we conduct background and reference check investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Employment M/D/F/V.