Director, Media Relations

Position Overview

The director, media relations is responsible for driving Consumer Brands’ media relations efforts to tell a compelling industry narrative and advance the organization’s advocacy agenda. Reporting directly to the vice president, communications, this person will work as a strategic partner with the VP of communications as well as collaboratively with spokespeople and issue experts around the organization to develop key messages, industry and executive thought-leadership opportunities, and comprehensive earned media campaigns across a variety of priority issue areas.

Key areas of responsibility

Media Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters from traditional, industry trade, and emerging media outlets.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with communications staff in targeted congressional offices and key committees.
• Identify and elevate targeted media opportunities to increase brand awareness and profile of the association brand and its senior leadership team.
• Proactively build press awareness of industry campaigns, issues, and events.
• Offer insight and understanding about leveraging new and emerging media technology to strengthen public awareness of key issues among target audiences.

Media Communications

• Write talking points, press releases, media advisories, Op-Eds, letters to the editor, blog posts, and executive briefing documents.
• Maintain an acute understanding of policy and industry issues, including understanding their history, current activity, and future developments.
• Collaborate across functions to develop key messaging around the release of research and storytelling campaigns.
• Conduct in-house media training for spokespeople, orchestrate and accompany execs on interviews.

General

• Be proactive and creative in pitching ideas internally to breakthrough with key messages.
• Provide information, updates, and background materials to Consumer Brands members, staff, and stakeholders on all media matters.
• Manage the tracking and reporting of Consumer Brands media hits.
• Maintain organization media lists.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5+ years in media role or related work with increasing responsibility required.

Skills

• Excellent written communications skills.
• Strategic and creative thinker.
• Strong entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
• Superior project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple priorities, manage deadlines and budgets, and work with little supervision.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, effectively navigate conflict, and build and maintain strong relationships with the media, members, and other key stakeholders.
• Existing relationships with media preferred.
• Comfort around senior-level management – internal and external.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite and Cision.
• Strong knowledge of AP Style.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The Consumer Brands Association is an equal opportunity employer that supports a diverse workforce. We seek candidates for employment based on knowledge, skills, and abilities that are relevant to job performance. We do not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

Please submit a resume and cover letter here: Director, Media Relations – Consumer Brands Association