Senior Manager, Media Relations

American Psychological Association•Washington, DC

1d•$106,000 - $164,000•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Media Relations manages day-to-day media relations and oversees related operations that position APA as an authoritative voice on psychology and mental health. The senior manager handles complex media inquiries, drives proactive story development, cultivates relationships with journalists, and leads journal review and research promotion. Working in close collaboration with the senior director and colleagues, the senior manager provides recommendations on media strategy and leads execution within their areas of responsibility. The role requires strong media relations expertise, sound news judgment, and the ability to set direction for staff and manage multiple priorities with moderate independence.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field
6-8 years of experience in communications, media relations or related roles, preferably in a nonprofit, scientific or association setting. A combination of education and years of experience may be considered.
Proven track record building relationships with journalists at major media outlets
Strong news judgment and ability to identify and develop compelling story opportunities
Solid grounding in science, including the ability to read, interpret and effectively communicate scientific literature
Excellent writing and editing skills across multiple formats (press releases, reports, op-eds, pitches) using Associated Press style
Experience managing consultants or staff
Knowledge of psychology, mental health or related fields
Familiarity with AI tools and their application to communications workflows, including research, content development and media monitoring.
Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite, including PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint

Nice To Haves

master’s degree preferred
Familiarity with media monitoring and distribution platforms such as Cision and Critical Mention preferred

Responsibilities

Manage complex media inquiries, identifying appropriate experts and recommending strategic approaches
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers across mainstream, trade, and emerging media platforms
Execute proactive media outreach and develop pitching strategies to expand APA's media presence
Issue media advisories or recommend approaches for breaking news stories, including developing and maintaining lists of expert psychologists available to respond
Develop media content including press releases, reporter pitches, talking points, and expert advisories
Serve as primary Public Affairs liaison for APA Publishing, developing and implementing media strategies for APA’s journals and books
Oversee the process of reviewing APA's journals for newsworthy research and trends, managing the work of other staff and consultants
Oversee development and distribution of press releases and proactive media outreach promoting journal research
Develop and implement new approaches to increase research coverage
Ensure APA can efficiently collect, track, assess, and reach a deep pool of subject matter experts in the field. Oversee tools needed to support this work, including APA's Media Referral Service
Lead recruitment of new expert spokespeople, with emphasis on building diverse expertise
Be the expert on the experts. Identify subject matter experts for communications opportunities across the organization, including articles, social posts, webinars, special projects, convention and event speakers, and book proposals
Direct the media monitoring function, setting standards for staff for daily clips, the weekly Media Watch newsletter, and media tracking
Oversee collection and analysis of media requests and outreach data, ensuring accuracy and overseeing translation of findings into strategic assessments/recommendations
Review and approve monthly clip reports, board reports, and quarterly reports before distribution
Lead development of annual media reports, synthesizing trends to inform assessment and improvement of communications strategy
Ensure accurate tracking of expert referrals, including demographic reporting
Run the press office onsite at APA's annual convention, managing media credentialing and handling contentious issues as they arise
Promote convention to reporters, including summarizing story ideas and coordinating reporter schedules and interviews
Work with convention staff in growing opportunities for more coverage of sessions and content
Oversees the work of 1-2 staff or consultants
Other Duties as Assigned