Media Relations Manager

NRECA • Arlington, VA

42d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. Position eligible for NRECA’s hybrid schedule which allows flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per/week.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to travel several times per year to key association events.
• Ability to report to the office when required.

Nice To Haves

• 2 or more years of experience working on Capitol Hill preferred.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees