Director of Public Affairs & Media Relations

Job Description

The Director of Public Affairs & Media Relations is responsible for shaping and executing the association’s external media and public affairs strategy, with a strong focus on advancing policy and advocacy priorities in Washington, D.C. This role builds relationships with national, trade, and policy media, develops proactive media strategies, and works in close collaboration with the Government Affairs team.

This role is essential to raising the visibility of the association’s thought leadership, regulatory positions, and industry expertise. It requires a strategic communicator who can navigate the intersection of media, public policy, and reputation management.

Duties & Responsibilities

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Lead day-to-day media relations strategy with a focus on Washington, D.C.-based and national policy press.
• Build and manage strong relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across relevant beats (financial services, regulation, policy).
• Pitch stories, op-eds, and interviews that elevate the association’s positions and industry role.
• Monitor the media environment, including coverage of the title insurance, real estate, and mortgage sectors, and respond rapidly to relevant news cycles.

Message Development & Spokesperson Support

• Draft and distribute compelling press releases, media statements, op-eds, and talking points.
• Prepare association leadership and subject matter experts for interviews, public appearances, panel participation, and other speaking engagements.
• Coordinate media outreach around events, legislative milestones, and leadership announcements.
• Create briefing materials and coordinate press logistics as needed.
• Partner with the Vice President of Communications and other departments to ensure message alignment with executive and member priorities.

Policy & Advocacy Integration

• Collaborate closely with the Government Affairs team to align communications strategies with legislative and regulatory goals.
• Translate complex policy topics into accessible messages for media, members, and the public.
• Support advocacy campaigns and grassroots initiatives with media outreach and public visibility.
• Contribute to content for ALTA’s website and publications and take ownership of the weekly Advocacy Update from ALTA’s CEO.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Senior Director of Digital Strategy & Marketing Communications to ensure integrated campaign execution across channels.
• Support the Director of Digital & Print Media in finding relevant articles for the daily e-newsletter.
• Contribute to communications planning for annual conferences, events, and key milestones.
• Provide insights on reputation risk and proactive positioning, along with crisis communications planning.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, Journalism, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, preferably in a trade association, PR agency, on Capitol Hill, or in a government or policy environment.
• Demonstrated success securing media coverage and managing press relationships in top-tier media and trade outlets.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with executive leaders and policy experts; experience preparing spokespeople for public appearances.
• Proven experience creating and managing public affairs content for social media platforms in a professional setting.
• Familiarity with policy and legislative processes; Capitol Hill or federal agency experience is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Other

Classification: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
Reports to: Vice President, Head of Federal Government Affairs
Location: Washington, D.C.
Annual Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000

ALTA is a strong organization that prioritizes teamwork and collaboration and fosters a positive culture. If your knowledge, skills, and abilities are transferrable and you think you’re a great candidate for ALTA, apply by sending a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

ALTA is an equal opportunity employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.