Senior Manager, Strategic Communications & Public Relations

LED FastStart•Baton Rouge, LA

About The Position

Louisiana Economic Development is seeking an experienced public relations and strategic communications professional to help shape how Louisiana's economic story is told locally and nationally. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications, the Senior Manager will lead LED's proactive public relations and earned media efforts, particularly expanding Louisiana's presence in national business, economic and industry media. The role involves identifying stories and opportunities that place Louisiana in national conversations about business, investment, innovation and economic growth. This is not a traditional government public information officer role; success is measured by helping create the news cycle, not merely responding to it. The Senior Manager will execute LED's broader communications strategy and statewide economic narrative, tell stories about Louisiana's businesses, workers, communities and industries, and translate complex business, economic and policy issues for general audiences. The role also positions LED leadership and Louisiana business leaders as voices in national conversations, builds relationships across media and business communities, monitors issues affecting Louisiana's reputation, and supports reputation management, crisis communications and rapid response.

Requirements

Seven or more years of experience in public relations, strategic communications, corporate communications, public affairs, journalism or a related field.
Demonstrated success developing and executing proactive earned media strategies.
Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling and verbal communications skills.
Strong understanding of the national media landscape and what makes a local or state story nationally relevant.
Ability to translate complex business, policy and economic topics for general audiences.
Strong relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with executives, journalists, business leaders, government officials and community partners.
Sound judgment and ability to operate effectively in a highly visible environment.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships with national business, economic, financial, technology, industry or political media.
Experience securing national earned media coverage.
Experience in corporate communications, public relations agency work, economic development, business journalism or public affairs.
Experience working with senior executives or other high-profile principals.
Knowledge of Louisiana's business, policy and economic landscape.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a proactive earned media strategy focused on increasing Louisiana's presence in national business, economic, financial and industry media.
Build and maintain relationships with national reporters, editors, producers, columnists and other influential voices covering relevant sectors.
Identify, develop and pitch Louisiana stories with relevance beyond the state's borders.
Create opportunities for national profiles, feature stories, interviews, trend pieces, podcasts, editorial engagements and other high-impact coverage.
Connect Louisiana's economic story to national and global trends and identify opportunities for the state to shape relevant conversations.
Develop proactive media strategies around major investments, Louisiana businesses, emerging industries and LED initiatives.
Build relationships with Louisiana media and work strategically with in-state outlets to shape public understanding and generate national interest.
Work with the Executive Director of Communications to execute LED's broader communications strategy and statewide economic narrative.
Identify compelling stories about businesses, workers, communities and industries shaping Louisiana's economy.
Translate complex business, economic and policy issues into clear, engaging communications for general audiences.
Tell the broader story of what economic growth means for Louisiana businesses and communities, beyond capital investment and job numbers.
Develop communications strategies around agency priorities, major initiatives and emerging opportunities.
Collaborate with LED's content and creative teams to extend earned media opportunities across digital, social and other communications channels.
Position LED leadership and Louisiana business leaders as credible voices in national conversations about economic development and business competitiveness.
Develop opportunities for interviews, contributed content, podcasts, panels, conferences and other platforms reaching priority audiences.
Monitor national news and industry trends for timely opportunities to share Louisiana perspectives, proof points and stories.
Help develop distinctive points of view that give national audiences a reason to pay attention to Louisiana.
Build a network across national media, Louisiana business, economic development, industry and government.
Develop relationships with companies and partners to create joint storytelling and national exposure opportunities.
Navigate sensitive issues with sound judgment and understanding of the environment surrounding LED's work.
Help strengthen Louisiana's reputation among business decision-makers and the broader public.
Monitor national and state media coverage, emerging issues and conversations affecting Louisiana's economic reputation.
Identify opportunities to address misconceptions proactively or provide context around complex issues.
Partner with LED's engagement team to identify emerging grassroots concerns and community conversations early, develop proactive communications strategies, and ensure local stakeholders have clear, timely information before issues escalate.
Support the Executive Director of Communications on reputation management, crisis communications and rapid response when needed.