Senior Manager, Media Relations

APA•Washington, DC

1d•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 (master’s degree preferred)
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

Familiarity with media monitoring and distribution platforms such as Cision and Critical Mention preferred

Responsibilities

Media Relations: 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.
Journal Review and Research Promotion: 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.
Maintain and Grow APA’s Pool of Subject Matter Experts: 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.
Media Monitoring and Reporting: 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.
Convention: 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.
Supervisory Responsibility: Oversees the work of 1-2 staff or consultants.
Other Duties as Assigned