Media and Public Relations Senior Manager

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America•Lawrence, KS

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

GCSAA is seeking a media and public relations professional to lead day-to-day execution of its media and public relation strategies and enhance the association’s brand, visibility and reputation. This role serves as a key liaison between GCSAA, the media and industry stakeholders, driving strategic communications and media relations efforts aligned with organizational goals. This position will oversee efforts to build brand awareness by cultivating relationships with journalists, bloggers and influencers; securing media coverage; executing campaigns; analyzing public sentiment; and representing GCSAA at golf tournaments and industry events. The ultimate goal of this role is to enhance the image, reputation and professionalism of GCSAA and its members.

Requirements

Ability to plan and execute strategic media and public relations campaigns aligned with organizational objectives.
Strong experience managing media relations, including pitching stories, coordinating interviews and securing coverage across local, regional and national outlets.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
Editing materials including press releases, media advisories, talking points and digital content.
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with media, stakeholders and internal teams.
Crisis communication/reputation management skills, with the ability to respond effectively to sensitive situations.
Experience analyzing media coverage and audience sentiment to inform strategy and reporting.
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with strong attention to detail.
Familiarity with AP Style and media monitoring/distribution tools such as Meltwater or comparable platforms.
Experience collaborating on social media campaigns and digital content strategies.
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field, or equivalent work experience.
Minimum three to six (3–6) years of experience in public relations, media relations or communications.
Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite/ability to learn new platforms.
Ability to travel up to 15%, including overnight stays and attendance at golf tournaments and industry events.
Position must live within a commutable distance from our headquarters office in Lawrence, KS.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of turf grass management/agronomy valued but not required.
Experience with CMS or HTML a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day execution of media and public relation strategies.
Enhance the association’s brand, visibility and reputation.
Serve as a key liaison between GCSAA, the media and industry stakeholders.
Drive strategic communications and media relations efforts aligned with organizational goals.
Oversee efforts to build brand awareness by cultivating relationships with journalists, bloggers and influencers.
Secure media coverage.
Execute campaigns.
Analyze public sentiment.
Represent GCSAA at golf tournaments and industry events.
Enhance the image, reputation and professionalism of GCSAA and its members.