Sr. Executive Communications/Public Relations Specialist

NCARB • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Executive Communications/Public Relations is primarily responsible for developing speeches, op-eds, presentations, podcasts, and other material for volunteer and executive leadership, and implementing public relations strategies for the Council. This is a highly collaborative role responsible for assisting with developing and disseminating critical information about NCARB; and cultivating and managing internal and external relationships aimed at developing visibility and awareness of the Council. The Sr. Executive Communications/Public Relations works collaboratively with colleagues across the Council, supports the Vice President and Assistant Vice President, and provides support to team members in carrying out shared goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Journalism, Business, Communications, or related field; or, combination of substantial related experience, training, and education may substitute.
• Five or more years of relevant experience with at least three or more years of leadership experience in public relations, content generation, communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated track record of excellent writing and storytelling skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, a customer-centric focus, and a collaborative working style with the ability to proactively build relationships.
• Exceptional attention to detail and managing multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Adobe (PDF) Applications and Microsoft Office Suite to include Word, Outlook, Excel, and Power Point.
• Experience and familiarity with the AP Style Guide.
• Familiarity with Agile Processes, Project Planning and oversight at both the team and enterprise level.

Responsibilities

• Consult with and keep supervisor informed on the status of all projects.
• Build coalitions internally and externally (with peers, team members, Member Boards, volunteers, collateral and associated organizations, etc.) to share best practices and achieve common goals.
• Facilitate cooperation and teamwork throughout the organization.
• Communicate and operate in an open manner so that information and actions are clear and visible.
• Embrace ownership and take responsibility for the outcomes.
• Follow through on commitments.
• Be open to feedback and flexible to changing needs, priorities, and resources.
• Participate in outreach events as needed.
• Treat customers and colleagues in a fair and equitable manner.
• Reinforce organizational branding throughout the Council.
• Consistently exercise sound judgment; and, professional, expert, courteous, respectful, and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with establishing annual strategies and goals that ensure NCARB’s position as a leader and critical voice among Member Boards, architects, partner organizations, the media, legislators, and other key constituents.
• Establish and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, leading with a collaborative and service-oriented approach.
• Continually monitor the horizon for the latest in content innovation, best practices, and trends; and assess feasibility and relevance for NCARB.
• Help the team’s workflow process run smoothly.
• Assist with preparation for and participate in Agile team reviews, retros and planning sessions.
• Represent the Marketing & Communications team on Council-wide initiative project teams to provide subject-matter expertise and ensure the M&C team completes its deliverables for projects.
• Compile research for special projects as needed.
• Develop communications (ex. press releases, talking points, statements, presentations, speeches, and newsletters) for the NCARB Board of Directors, CEO, and other leadership.
• Coordinate internal communications on major announcements and initiatives.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Vice President and the Council Relations team on communication deliverables for engagements with the architectural alliance, international counterparts, and other external partners.
• Collaborate with Vice President and Assistant Vice President to coach and provide feedback to volunteer leadership during speech practices and video recordings.
• Understand the voice and preferences of individual leaders and adapt deliverables accordingly while maintaining the NCARB brand.
• Coordinate crisis communication with leadership as needed, including message development and internal and external distribution.
• In coordination with Vice President and Assistant Vice President, implement and pitch NCARB’s public relations initiatives from initial strategy and development through implementation and measurement, such as: project plans, asset creation, targeted pitching, trade show engagements, crisis communications, and media monitoring.
• Ensure the creation of news releases, announcements and other external communications that extend the NCARB brand, raise awareness of key initiatives, and provide grassroots public relations support.
• Coordinate NCARB’s response to requests for information from the media by designating an appropriate spokesperson or information source, as well as developing related op-eds or talking points.
• Secure placements in trade, industry, and mainstream publications by identifying story angles, pitching reporters and editors, and coordinating interviews and briefings.
• Build and maintain working relationships with trade media editors, freelancers, and other influencers in the architecture field.
• Manage external public relations contractor relationship(s), including PR monitoring service(s) and related corporate sponsorships opportunities.
• Proactively seek strategic visibility opportunities for the organization.
• Monitor media coverage, and share a monthly update with senior staff.
• Provide feedback on sponsored media, including podcasts, op-eds, and the like.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of integrated, customized, and relevant content that reinforces the value of NCARB, its products and services, and the overall NCARB brand with uniquely relevant and member/customer-focused perspectives.
• Use media, web, and email analytics to evaluate communication performance and refine content, timing, and channel strategies.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of NCARB and its writing standards and styles; and demonstrate consistency in adhering to those standards and styles in the editing process.
• Write, edit, and/or fact check press releases, executive communications, internal communications, and digital content.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and brand voice across multiple communication channels and messages so that they are clearly written, accessible, and error-free.
• Ensure the application of data to formulate evidence-based content recommendations.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical, vision, and dental Benefits
• Paid parental leave
• Life and disability insurance
• 401k
• Tuition assistance
• All-staff outings and retreats
• Full access to LinkedIn Learning, supporting self-directed/curated professional development

What This Job Offers

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