Public Relations Manager

National Aquarium•Baltimore, MD

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium is seeking a Public Relations Manager to plan media relations outreach and implement tactics, provide reporting, writing and media relations support as a member of the National Aquarium Marketing Department. The PR Manager will focus on building and maintaining the National Aquarium’s reputation in an effort to encourage visitation and support by guests and donors. In addition to performing media relations duties, the Public Relations Manager works closely with the Social Media, Visual Creative and Content teams to ensure all public-facing communications are consistent with the National Aquarium style and tone. The Public Relations Manager manages relationships with public relations partners, including local and national public relations agencies, and crisis communications firms as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, public relations, marketing, or related area.
3 – 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public relations or related field required.
Proven media relations experience with both local and national outlets.
Local and national media contact lists and successful media placements required.
Exceptional writing and public speaking skills.
Ability to be onsite and available for media efforts, at times outside of standard workday hours.
Decisive and resourceful with the ability to anticipate and act on events and opportunities in an appropriate manner.
Ability to facilitate both media and crisis training.
Professional demeanor to represent NA favorably in a public forum.
Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team, exercising sound judgment.
Demonstrated ability to uphold and promote NA’s values and to link NA’s communications efforts to the values and the mission.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Director of the unit to execute PR strategy and manage agency efforts.
Serve as the primary PR contact for all inbound/outbound requests, managing the media relations inbox.
Implement and manage a sustained, targeted media/public relations campaign for the Aquarium, working with all stakeholders as necessary.
Draft and edit press releases, media alerts, talking points, nominations, and other public-facing materials.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media, influencers, community partners, and other key external stakeholders.
Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and emerging issues to identify opportunities and mitigate reputational risks.
Proactively Identify, develop, and pitch compelling stories, announcements, and thought leadership opportunities to local, regional, and national media outlets.
Facilitate on-site interviews, press conferences, media events, and media tours.
Direct site visits and tours involving photography and filming in the building.
Regularly gather and maintain current information from various divisions and departments for use as content in communications and marketing materials.
Identify spokesperson(s) for media opportunities and coordinate all necessary Aquarium teams to accommodate interviews.
Conduct media training for spokespersons.
Play key role in issues management, rapid response management and crisis communications for NA.
Manage relationship with reporting agencies (as appropriate).
Maintain media monitoring databases and develop requested reports.
Consider and promote NA’s impact on and relationships within the community.
Represent the Marketing department on various internal committees.
Support company mission.
Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned or required.