Current Openings
Director, Communications
Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director, Communications will serve as the Association’s head of marketing and communications and is responsible for steering the company’s communication strategies ensuring they align with the Association’s values, mission, and strategic objectives.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Under the general direction of the President and CEO, the Director, Communications will:
- Lead development and execution of marketing and communications strategy for the organization following objectives set by Alliance leadership
- Direct media relationships, maintaining relationships with key members of the press and serving as lead media contact; identify and prepare Alliance leadership for media and other public engagements; draft and edit press materials on policy issues
- Build and maintain strategic research and communications partnerships between the Alliance and third-party organizations (consultants, allied groups, researchers, designers, third-party email marketing and media monitoring groups, etc.)
- Lead message development for the Alliance, collaborating with others within the organization and member firms to ensure consistent, clear, and effective communications
- Collaborate and build relationships with communications staff from member firms, trade groups, regulators, and other relevant parties
- Advance stature of Alliance leadership and member company representatives, including identifying issues, activities, and developments requiring visibility, while connecting media and other relevant parties at key moments
- Strategize and develop press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds and other content; manages legislative campaigns; reviews other significant written and electronic content before publication
- Supervise Social Media Manager, providing direction, feedback, and fostering development
- Oversee print and digital content creation by marketing & communications team members and/or outside consultants; track and promote coverage of Alliance members and industry issues
Desirable Qualifications
- 8+ years of strategic communications, legislative campaigns and/or marketing experience
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working on Capitol Hill
- Demonstrated familiarity with the news/media industry a plus
- Experience working for a nonprofit, mission-based organization
- Exceptional writer and editor with the ability to create compelling and creative content while distilling and presenting complex information plainly and succinctly
- Experience leading a communications and marketing team demonstrating expert knowledge of communications and digital marketing strategies, media relations in a policy and/or advocacy environment
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with members of the local and national press
- Ability to execute independent judgement and anticipate the needs of the Alliance on a day-to-day basis
- Outstanding leadership and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with issue experts and other colleagues
- Strong time management skills, ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, professional environment while managing multiple projects and developing communications under tight deadlines
- This position requires the individual to be available for extended hours
- Highest level of integrity and professionalism
- Experience with communications technology and software including media monitoring and email marketing tools; basic design skills a plus
- Proficient in all Microsoft Office and G Suite applications
This is a full-time position with a salary commensurate with skills and experience, and the following benefits:
- 20 days of paid time off, plus major holidays and two floating holidays
- Medical, dental and vision plan
- 401(k) plan with a generous matching policy
- Medical and/or dependent flexible spending plan
- Paid parental leave
- Employer-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term insurance policies
- Pre-tax mass transit plan
We believe that diversity in lived experiences, perspectives, knowledge, and ideas strengthens journalism, its business and our own organization. The News/Media Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer, where we encourage applications from candidates from communities traditionally underrepresented in journalism and from people of every age, race or color, ethnic background, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic background, disability status, medical condition, military or veteran status, and marital or familial status.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. N/MA’s head office is located in Arlington, VA. We prefer candidates for this role who reside in the Washington, D.C. area. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Please mention “Director, Communications” in the subject line so we can direct your application to the right people. Please be prepared to provide three professional references upon request.
About News/Media Alliance: The News/Media Alliance is a nonprofit organization representing more than 2,200 news and magazine media organizations and their multiplatform businesses in the United States and globally. Alliance members include print and digital publishers of original journalism. Headquartered just outside Washington, D.C., the association focuses on ensuring the future of journalism through communication, research, advocacy, and innovation. Information about the News/Media Alliance can be found at www.newsmediaalliance.org.