Vice President, Public Affairs & Media Relations

Overview

The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association for America’s 21,500 independent community grocers. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers associations, manufacturers, and service suppliers.

Vice President, Public Affairs & Media Relations

Reports To: Chief Communications & Engagement Officer

The National Grocers Association (NGA) is actively seeking a dynamic and motivated Vice President of Public Affairs & Media Relations to join our team. As a key player in our organization, the VP will lead the development and execution of a robust communications strategy that aligns with NGA’s overarching public policy objectives. In this role, the Vice President of Public Affairs & Media Relations will be responsible for overseeing media relations, serving as a key spokesperson, and crafting communication and public affairs strategies on a diverse range of issues. The primary goal is to drive the narrative of independent community grocers in a way that enhances the association’s brand, advances its public policy objectives, engages industry stakeholders, and tells the story of the independent grocer’s critical role in serving their communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute NGA communications strategies with primary responsibility managing NGA’s advocacy communications and messaging.
• Manage and shape NGA’s advocacy message to all audiences and stakeholders, including policymakers, NGA members, industry participants, voters, and grocery consumers.
• Create narratives and policy related materials for use in briefing reporters, external stakeholders, and internal partners.
• Oversee day-to-day media inquiries and work internally to respond in a timely manner.
• Manage relationships with reporters and proactive outreach for story development and placement.
• Lead issue advertising campaigns, including driving ad strategies, message crafting, and placing ad buys.
• Lead on drafting and editing NGA content, including columns, press releases, op-eds, LTEs, talking points, backgrounders, issue one-pagers, fundraising materials, fact sheets, newsletters, and blogs.
• Supervise day-to-day relationships with internal team, vendors, and external agencies to execute successful communications and public affairs objectives.
• Maintain and support key inter-departmental initiatives and will liaise between the government relations and communications teams.
• Stay abreast of the latest public relations and social media technologies and tools and identify areas for growth.
• Analyze data to inform strategic decisions and report findings to executive leadership.
• Lead and support research projects and create materials to help internal teams better understand and act on audience trends.
• Actively participate in meetings and support company initiatives in a positive manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications, or equivalent experience, with at least five to seven years of related work experience, i.e., at a trade association, media organization, government agency, or Capitol Hill office.
• Must have media relations background with on-the-record experience.
• Has a positive and proactive attitude along with excellent communication, specifically written, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Attention to detail and able to work cooperatively in a small, team environment.
• Available to travel (anticipate 10% travel).
• Experience and understanding of public policy, specifically issues related to small business and food retailing is a plus.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, one writing sample, and salary requirements to [email protected] with the subject “Vice President – Public Affairs.” Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis with an expected start date in spring 2024.

About NGA

NGA is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package, including partial employee-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off (PTO), 11 paid holidays and one floating holiday, potential to work on a hybrid schedule, 401(k) eligibility starting in the 1st quarter of the following 6 months of employment, and opportunities for development. Located close to the U.S. Capitol, NGA is a fun, fast-paced office that believes in a culture of teamwork, strong work-life balance, and commitment to service.