Media Relations Manager

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, public relations, business administration, or a related field.
In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, a high school diploma or GED and four (4) years of on-the-job training/experience in disciplines such as public relations, media relations, journalism, print and broadcast interviews (both live and taped), in addition to the minimum experience stated below, will be considered.

Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in public relations, media management, or journalism, including print and broadcast interviews, both live and taped.

Certification/Licensure

N/A

Preferred

Skills

• Multimedia skills, such as video editing and web development.

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position, either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Mission Essential Designation

In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or severe weather, natural disasters, fires, operational emergencies, or related events.

Job Summary

The Media Relations Manager assists with managing media activities within the Office of Media Relations. The Media Relations Manager oversees Metro’s media relations efforts with traditional and non-traditional media and key external agencies. The incumbent works closely with the Vice President of Communications to develop media strategies that promote service excellence, talented teams, regional opportunities, partnerships, and sustainability. The incumbent provides professional, on-the-record comments to the media on behalf of Metro.

Essential Functions

• Develops comprehensive communications programs and messaging that highlight the “what’s right about Metro” narrative to build customer, stakeholder, and public support for ridership and regional transit priorities. Emphasizes progress in key policy areas, including safety, reliability, and financial sustainability. Collaborates with internal and external partners to execute communication strategies.
• Manages media relations events and activities for Metro, including the development, production, implementation, and administration of all strategic media plans. Analyzes and evaluates media plans for effectiveness and recommends appropriate channels to raise awareness about Metro’s initiatives.
• Creates communication campaigns for priority initiatives, including key policy matters, talent recruitment, customer experience, and other priorities identified by the Vice President of Communications and Senior Executive Team.
• Responds to the ever-changing media landscape, addressing daily inquiries in a timely manner, correcting inaccuracies, and generating information that tells Metro’s story. This includes performing 24-hour rotational on-call duties to support during service disruptions or emergencies, responding to media inquiries concerning Metro policies, business matters, and service issues outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of various topics that may affect Metro and the community it serves.
• Coordinates media relations activities such as photo opportunities, formal and informal press conferences, interviews, and positioning subject matter experts for backgrounders in collaboration with other departments and offices.
• Advises, prepares, and arranges interviews for the General Manager, Senior Executive Team, and subject-matter experts on various topics to maximize positive news coverage.
• Researches, writes, and edits a range of communication materials, including news releases, talking points, media advisories, social media posts, fact sheets, and media/press kits. Disseminates talking points to internal audiences for responding to media inquiries.
• Evaluates media-related campaigns on various channels to gauge effectiveness. Makes recommendations regarding communication strategies based on research and experience.
• Uses available technology to disseminate news related to Metro on all owned channels. Coordinates with other members of the Media Relations team to ensure news is appropriately transmitted.
• Builds professional relationships with reporters to establish credibility, positive rapport, and fair coverage of issues critical to Metro.
• Maintains the highest level of discretion while working with confidential information.

The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any position, nor do they limit the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal background check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening (for safety-sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description.  Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.

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