Media Relations Outreach Specialist (Media Relations Strategist)

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Posting Period

October 29, 2024 – Until Filled

Employee Type

NEASO NEA Staff Organization

Position Type

Term (Fixed Term)

Salary Range

$78,823.00 – $123,716.00

Rank

NEASO Rank 6

Position Details

The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members on public education by proactively promoting key NEA messages and supporting the execution of an earned media strategy across national, regional, trade, and specialty outlets.

Position Summary

The Media Relations Strategist works in the Center for Communications. A successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and developing media lists, creating press clips and reports, analyzing results, supporting the maintenance of relationships with media bookers and reporters, and developing strategies to increase the visibility of Association spokespeople and surrogates across TV networks, radio, digital streaming programs, podcasts, and more.

Specifically, this position involves:

• Handling daily incoming media inquiries and interview requests and working with the communications team to determine the appropriate level of engagement and strategic response.
• Maintaining and developing media lists and a calendar of key dates, events, and opportunities for consideration in building out NEA’s media strategy.
• Keeping a keen understanding of industry trends affecting the organization, its affiliates, public education, and unions, making appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy.
• Developing compelling research-based talking points to build narrative momentum and stand out in a crowded news cycle.
• Writing message-based media collateral, including op/eds, press statements, media releases, and quotes ready for immediate placement.
• Supporting the pitching of Association leadership and surrogates for media appearances, drafting pitches, handling logistics, and managing preparation and research.
• Assisting Senior Media Relations Strategists in maintaining relationships with national print, broadcast, digital streaming, radio, and podcast outlets.
• Supporting NEA’s presence at key events and identifying opportunities for NEA leaders to engage key audiences and enhance media narratives.
• Proofreading and copyediting media content following AP style and/or NEA style guidelines.
• Managing media relations tools (e.g., Cision, Critical Mention, TVEyes, Headliner, CapCut, etc.).
• Producing daily/weekly press clips and reports for “NEA in the News.”
• Monitoring, evaluating, and analyzing media results, creating reports to show successes and lessons learned.
• Ensuring real-time monitoring of spokespersons and key surrogates’ appearances, pulling clips for use in NEA’s owned content.
• Supporting media training sessions with leaders, members, and activists.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

The position involves:

• Skill in using a personal computer, proofreading, editing, and communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach, and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.).
• Capability to travel by various transportation methods, such as airplane and car.

Minimum Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience for comparable knowledge and skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of public relations experience, focusing on media pitching and writing for various outlets, along with project management.
• Demonstrated experience with earned media strategies, including social media tracking and using social media for outreach.
• Proven experience in communicating with media outlets.

Other Requirements

• Strong communication, planning, social media, and writing skills.
• Ability to work extended hours on evenings and weekends.
• Samples of work (e.g., writing samples, strategic plans, creative briefs) required at the interview.
• Frequent travel is required.

Selection Criteria

Tier 1 (Essential)

• Proven experience building long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including media and advocacy groups.
• Ability to integrate media relations into communications campaigns.
• Understanding of media needs and strategies for print and electronic communications.
• Skill in simplifying complex policy for various formats.

Tier 2 (Significant)

• Existing relationships with broadcast reporters, producers, and bookers.
• Experience with public relations and media monitoring tools (e.g., Critical Mention, Cision).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

Tier 3 (Desirable)

• Ongoing professional development and training in communications.
• Knowledge of the Center for Communications’ mission and strategic objectives.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance (Repeated)

The position requires:

• Skill in using computers, oral and written communication, proofreading and editing, clear and articulate speech, interpersonal relations, reasoning, and problem-solving.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, sit for extended periods, stoop, bend, reach, carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.), and travel.

Equal Opportunity Employment

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability.

Know Your Rights

Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

To apply, visit our Careers at NEA page.

E-Verify Participation

NEA participates in E-Verify. Learn more about E-Verify Participation and Right to Work.

DC Wage Transparency

NEA complies with the DC Wage Transparency Act of 2023.