Manager, Public Affairs

Description

This position is hybrid-remote, with at least two days required per week in our Arlington, VA office.

Summary of Position

The position primarily supports NAA’s public affairs team in developing, implementing, and executing strategic communications initiatives and programming for a variety of audiences, including all segments of the rental housing industry and all tiers of media. The Manager, Public Affairs oversees the association’s industry and general operations communications and manages the development of policy, regulatory, and advocacy-based social media and website content.

Principal Accountabilities

• Oversee and execute industry and general operations communications efforts, including press releases, statements, pitches, and media responses, to increase coverage of operational issues, member programs, and awards in the press.
• Develop talking point documents, creative content, and strategic plans to support NAA public affairs efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with members of the industry press and national — including top-tier — media.
• Prepare key staff spokespersons for and manage media engagements, including strategic messaging, media training, and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with Government Affairs, Research, Executive, and Legal teams to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information, including press statements, policy analysis, and special projects.
• Serve as the editor of four NAA newsletters: two advocacy publications (Apartment Advocate and Apartment Advocate Pro), a Capitol Hill newsletter for lawmakers and their offices (Industry Insights), and a weekly executive leadership digest (NAA Five).
• Develop policy, regulatory, and advocacy-based social media and website news content.
• Maintain all media records and publicize NAA efforts among membership to continually increase awareness of NAA media. Enhance media recordkeeping to show growth in media relations, analyze media coverage to enhance media relations, and identify timely and relevant media pitches.
• Manage onsite press for Apartmentalize, including recruitment, pre-registration, and onsite check-in processes.
• Set clear expectations for cross-department projects, track timelines, and ensure deadlines are met across teams.

Competencies

• Communication proficiency
• Organizational skills
• Proactive outlook
• Critical evaluation
• Technical capacity
• Cultural awareness
• Relationship management
• Ethical practice

Our Benefits

NAA offers a rich benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Company-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• Transportation and phone allowance
• 401(k) match
• Education assistance
• Professional development opportunities

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Travel

Minimal, with occasional conferences.

Requirements

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a similar field.
• 3+ years of previous experience in a professional setting; communications experience preferred.
• Experience in media relations, including building and maintaining relationships with reporters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of AP style and rules of grammar and punctuation.
• Familiarity with PR and media relations.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects, manage competing deadlines, and deliver quality work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to interact with association staff at all levels, including senior leadership and executives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365.
• Basic photography and videography skills.
• Campaign, legislative, or government affairs experience is a plus.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment

Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary Description

$68,000–$73,000

Learn more here