Communications Manager

Arizona State University•Washington, DC

3d•$73,680 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The McCain Institute, a part of Arizona State University, seeks a full-time Communications Manager based in Washington, D.C. The Communications Manager is responsible for writing and editing communications materials, garnering publicity for key initiatives and events, pitching news stories and interviews with McCain Institute experts, and assisting with the implementation of the McCain Institute’s communications and strategic engagement strategy. This position is heavily focused on booking print and broadcast media interviews for McCain Institute leadership and writing talking points, briefings, press releases, op-eds, presentations, digital copy, and other communications content. This role reports to the Senior Director of Communications and will work closely with the McCain Institute’s Executive Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Proven experience in media relations: public relations, journalism, newswriting, social media, etc.
Experience using contact management software to communicate with reporters and stakeholder lists; knowledge of Cision, Critical Mention, Mailchimp or equivalent.
Excellent communication skills; knowledge of AP Style.
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
Previous experience writing speeches, talking points, op-eds, presentations.
Ability to distill complex subjects into impactful communications materials.
Able to implement feedback and understand subtleties of different audiences.
Excellent research and analytical skills, highly detail oriented.
Strong work ethic, professional attitude, proactive, able to adapt to fast-moving situations, and highly professional team-player.
Ability to take direction and work in a team environment.
Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of Senator John McCain, foreign policy, democracy, human rights and other issues related to the McCain Institute’s mission and work.

Responsibilities

Identifies newsworthy impact stories within the organization and crafts communications plans to share these stories, including earned media pitches.
Serves as media booker for the McCain Institute’s executive director and staff.
Writes talking points, memos, and other briefing materials for media appearances.
Manages and updates media lists; tracks constantly changing press assignments.
Establishes and maintains relationships with relevant journalists.
Writes and edits press releases, media advisories, pitches, social media and web copy, op-eds, talking points, speeches, and other materials.
Compiles daily news clips and maintains long-term media tracker to share with leadership on a consistent basis.
Creates analytics reports, blog posts, promotional videos, slide decks, and detailed events and communications plans.
Actively participates in events, conferences, and meetings to provide media assistance and identify story opportunities, including the McCain Institute’s signature annual event the Sedona Forum.
Assists with promotional activities and media partnerships for the Sedona Forum.
Assists reporters and editors in their efforts to understand the mission and activities of the McCain Institute.
Carefully proofreads and ensures consistent formatting of all written materials to ensure consistent high-quality output.
Collaborates with key internal and external stakeholders to execute strategic goals and objectives.
And other duties as assigned.