Director, Media Relations

A Hiring Company

Pittsburgh (Allegheny County)

Hybrid

USD 100,000 - 105,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A regional development organization in Pittsburgh is seeking a Director of Media Relations to shape and promote its public image. This pivotal role involves executing media strategies, managing stakeholder communications, and developing relationships with media outlets. Applicants should have extensive experience in public relations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle complex issues. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $105,000 annually with a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

8-10 years of progressive experience in media and public relations.
Experience in agency and/or corporate communications preferred.
National media experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute an annual PR plan that supports the Conference’s agenda.
Serve as the primary contact for all incoming media inquiries.
Cultivate and manage media relationships.

Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Ability to conceptualize and produce communications deliverables

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to handle politically sensitive information

Self-starter with teamwork abilities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related field

Job description

Overview

The Director, Media Relations is a member of the dynamic marketing and communications team that is integral in supporting the Allegheny Conference’s work. In this role, you are pivotal in shaping and promoting the public image of the Conference, its affiliates, and its high-impact economic development initiatives. You will develop and execute media and public relations plans, thought leadership content, and cultivate media relationships. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the regional and industry-specific media landscapes, development of strategic media content and outreach, and a proven record of managing media relationships in a public policy setting. You will play an active role in supporting local and state advocacy policy strategy for the organization, alongside earned media storytelling efforts that support business attraction and investment to our region. The selected candidate should be a curious listener, proactive collaborator, and savvy communicator.

Location: Hybrid Work

Compensation: Base pay range $100,000.00/yr - $105,000.00/yr. Compensation details: 100000-105000 Yearly Salary

Responsibilities

Provide editorial and strategy oversight for earned media, reports, and publications, and contribute to key message development. Develop and execute an annual PR plan that supports the Conference’s agenda. Maintain consistent contact with subject-matter experts within the organization to seek communications opportunities and ensure appropriate media coverage.
Monitor the news cycle for opportunities and threats and analyze trends to inform communication strategies.
Serve as the primary contact for all incoming media inquiries, secure appropriate spokesperson(s), and advance interview opportunities. Collaborate with strategy and policy teams to develop media strategies that support broader organizational goals and ensure appropriate media coverage.
Develop story ideas, pitches, and key messages; determine the most compelling way to share them with members of the news media. Cultivate and manage media relationships. Work with the VP of Communications and Communications Manager to develop news conferences/briefings, media tours/visits, advisories, op-eds, statements, and news releases. Coordinate media-focused activities from planning to execution.
Develop and implement reporting methods to measure the effectiveness of media relations activity. Prepare executive summaries of coverage and provide input on how to leverage earned media placements, adjust strategy, and amplify across Conference channels. Serve as a strategic media advisor to organization leaders and support issues management. Report media results to senior leadership and the board of directors.
Assist in the research, editing and proofreading of other communications materials. Ensure compliance with writing, graphic and brand standards. Contribute to stewardship of organizational and regional brands, and reputation management and protection.
Facilitate efficiency of the organization by performing other duties and participating in special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Technical Communications or related field preferred.

Knowledge: Experience in state and local public policy and/or business development knowledge required. Knowledge of the business and civic leadership audiences is a plus.

Experience: 8-10 years of progressive experience in the media and public relations; experience in an agency and/or corporate communications preferred. Proven ability to write a variety of deliverables (web copy, articles, editorials, backgrounders, news releases, talking points). Comfort working with senior-level leadership. National media experience is a plus.

Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to conceptualize and produce a range of communications deliverables. Ability to work with subject matter experts to understand complex source material (reports, policy statements, legislation, regulations). Ability to identify and cultivate relationships with regional, trade, and national media and to solicit interest via media advisories, press releases, and pitches. Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines with attention to detail and strategic focus. Ability to handle politically sensitive and confidential information. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of internal colleagues with good judgment, maturity, and diplomacy. Self-starter with proven ability to work in a team environment.

Seniority level