Media Relations Specialist

American Farm Bureau Federation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

American Farm Bureau Federation seeks a communications professional to build, maintain and monitor media relationships, manage inquiries, and produce editorial content aligned with policy messaging. The role supports staff for media interviews and proactively pitches stories to the press in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Based in Washington, DC, the position allows telework two days per week. A bachelor's in communications plus at least two years of media engagement experience are required,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field (must-have).
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in communications and media engagement.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under tight deadlines.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce and edit editorial content aligned with messaging priorities.
• Assist with media interviews preparation for AFBF staff.
• Pitch stories to press and manage media inquiries.
• Monitor and report on AFBF coverage weekly.
• Manage Newsline audio program and contribute to broadcast efforts.
• Assist with production of materials for issue-related campaigns.
• Coordinate scheduling and taping of interviews in the AFBF studio.
• Create digital and social media content.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Proofreading

Deadline driven

Teamwork

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Job description

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

Build, maintain and monitor relationships with media, manage inquiries from trade media and assist with general inquiries. Produce and disseminate editorial content, assist with studio operations and monitor and report on organization’s news media outreach.

REPORTS TO:

Director , Public Policy Communications & Media Engagement

LOCATION:

Washington, DC; eligible to earn telework 2 days/week

PAY RANGE:

$70,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Produce and edit editorial content that is aligned with messaging priorities.
• Assist with preparing AFBF staff for media interviews.
• Pro-actively pitch stories to press and assist in managing incoming media inquiries.
• Monitor and create weekly reports on AFBF coverage.
• Manage Newsline audio program and contribute to other broadcast efforts.
• Assist with the production of materials for issue-related campaigns.
• Manage the scheduling and taping of recorded and live interviews in the AFBF studio.
• Assist with production and creation of digital and social media content.
• Assist with special projects, including market basket surveys and AFBF contests, and other duties as assigned.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Collaborate with media, AFBF and state Farm Bureau staff and leaders, grassroots members, as well as communicators from allied groups and government entities, to produce and disseminate content related to the policies, programs and goals of AFBF.

EDUCATION OR TRAINING REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in communications and media engagement, both fielding media inquiries and pitching stories
• Experience working independently and as part of a team, often with tight deadlines
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Creative, detail-oriented, organized, self-driven and capable of meeting deadlines

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING/SKILLS:

• Knowledge of agriculture and agricultural issue communications
• Experience working with agricultural trade media a plus
• Federal or congressional communications experience a plus

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Travel as needed