Media Relations Manager

Job Description

NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country.  NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence.  As a “best place to work” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation.

Summary of Position:

We are looking for a candidate to boost NRECA’s earned media presence, elevate the association’s standing as an energy thought leader and spearhead strategic communications campaigns with a focus on advancing electric cooperative advocacy priorities. The ideal candidate will sustain and teach a co-op media training course, coach and supports co-ops through proactive and reactive media engagements, and serve as an NRECA ambassador to core groups of co-op communications leaders. This is a hybrid position located in Arlington, VA.
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Shapes the news cycle by building and executing a strong media relations strategy to support NRECA’s communications priorities.
• Spearheads strategic communications campaigns designed to elevate the profile of the association.
• Expands and leverages productive working relationships with reporters, editors and bookers at national and regional outlets to support NRECA’s aggressive earned media outreach.
• Writes news releases, pitches, statements, advisories, op-eds, website content and other external communications materials. Develops and executes high-level messages, talking points, and media pitches.
• Coordinates with subject matter experts to ensure maximum exposure for NRECA policy perspectives, key research and public remarks by NRECA principals.
• Trains electric co-op leaders in media relations, providing them with coaching on the skills and tools to expand their effectiveness as they engage the media.
• Serves as an NRECA ambassador to co-op leaders and supports them during proactive, reactive and crisis situations. 
• Operates as a team player to recognize opportunities in their infancy and work collaboratively to achieve successful outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• 7 or more years’ experience in journalism, communications or media relations with experience in writing for non-technical audiences.
• 2 or more years of experience working on Capitol Hill preferred.
• Ability to travel several times per year to key association events.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail [email protected] or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement". 

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.

For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop.