PaintCare Public Relations Manager

American Coatings Association; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

PaintCare seeks a dynamic Public Relations Manager to advance its communications, media relations, and public affairs efforts from its Washington, DC headquarters in a hybrid work setting. The role supports earned media, press conferences, events, stakeholder engagement, and strategic storytelling across state programs.

The manager will craft press materials, coordinate interviews, monitor coverage, and contribute to crisis communications and program impact narratives for national outreach and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in PR, communications, journalism, public affairs, marketing, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in public relations, media relations, or related role.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience writing press releases, media pitches, speeches, talking points, and other materials.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience coordinating events and working with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media outreach strategies that generate positive earned media.
• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and other events.
• Draft, distribute, and track press releases, advisories, pitches, op-eds, and other materials.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports measuring performance.
• Support crisis communications planning and stakeholder communications.
• Assist with state capital outreach events and community partnerships.

Skills

Exceptional written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Event coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Media monitoring platforms

Job description

PaintCare is seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Public Relations Manager to support the organization's communications, media relations, and public affairs initiatives. This position will play a key role in increasing awareness of PaintCare's paint stewardship programs and community partnerships through earned media, press conferences and events, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications.

The Public Relations Associate will coordinate media outreach efforts across PaintCare's growing network of state programs, oversee communications related to PaintCare-sponsored murals and other public good initiatives, and support state capital outreach events that showcase PaintCare's environmental and economic impact. The position also contributes to crisis communications planning, writing press releases and related materials, developing compelling stories that highlight PaintCare's mission and accomplishments, and media monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations & Earned Media

• Develop and execute media outreach strategies that generate positive earned media coverage for PaintCare programs and activities.
• Research, develop, and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and influencers covering environmental sustainability, recycling, public policy, community development, and local news.
• Draft, distribute, and track press releases, media advisories, pitches, op-eds, and other media materials.
• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences and other press events, site visits, and spokesperson opportunities.
• Monitor media coverage, compile press clips, and prepare reports measuring media performance and exposure.
• Assist in developing annual communications plans that support organizational and program objectives.
• Coordinate media interview training sessions for PaintCare field staff and leadership.

Community Impact & Public Mural Program

• Manage PaintCare's sponsored public mural and community public good initiatives utilizing recycled or reused paint.
• Coordinate with community organizations, artists, local governments, and other project partners to maximize visibility and community engagement.
• Develop project narratives, media materials, case studies, and digital content that highlight environmental and social benefits.
• Identify opportunities to position PaintCare as a leader in innovative paint reuse and community sustainability efforts.
• Support event planning, ribbon cuttings, mural unveilings, and community recognition activities.

Public Affairs & State Capital Engagement

• Coordinate and support annual outreach and information sharing events in state capitals and other government engagement activities.
• Assist with event logistics, media outreach, messaging, briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
• Develop fact sheets, talking points, and communications materials that highlight PaintCare program achievements, milestones, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and government affairs partners to promote PaintCare's impact among policymakers and key external audiences.

Strategic Communications

• Collaborate with communications, program, and executive teams to identify newsworthy stories and promote organizational achievements.
• Develop content that communicates PaintCare's environmental, economic, and community benefits in clear and compelling ways.
• Assist in creating messaging frameworks and communications resources for program launches, milestones, partnerships, and special initiatives.
• Support content development for newsletters, websites, social media, and stakeholder communications as needed.

Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

• Support the development and updating of crisis communication plans and response protocols.
• Assist with preparing holding statements, media responses, Q&As, and stakeholder communications during sensitive issues.
• Monitor emerging issues and media inquiries and escalade concerns appropriately.
• Help ensure consistent, accurate, and timely communications during challenging situations.
• Coordinate crisis communications practice drills and provide prep sessions to field staff

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain media contact databases and communications calendars.
• Track communications metrics and prepare summary reports.
• Support special events, conferences, trade shows, and community outreach opportunities.
• Perform other communications and public relations duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Marketing, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, public affairs, or a related role.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience writing press releases, media pitches, speeches, talking points, and other communications materials.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating events and working with external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and media monitoring platforms.

Preferred

• Experience working in environmental, sustainability, nonprofit, recycling, public policy, or government affairs organizations.
• Knowledge of earned media strategies and media measurement tools.
• Familiarity with crisis communications principles and best practices.
• Experience working with legislative or government audiences.
• Knowledge of community engagement and stakeholder outreach programs.

Desired Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong news judgment.
• Excellent relationship-building skills.
• Creative storyteller with an ability to identify compelling narratives.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively.

Location and Travel

This position is located at ACA headquarters in Washington, D.C. and will operate within a hybrid work environment (working both onsite and remotely). Occasional overnight travel throughout the U.S. will be required for staff meetings, events, media opportunities, legislative outreach activities, project planning, team meetings, and stakeholder meetings.

Employment, Salary, and Benefits

This is a full-time, regular position. Salary is dependent on experience, but on estimate can range from $75,000 to $85,000 PaintCare, through the ACA, provides generous compensation, benefits [401(k), vacation days, medical, dental, and life insurance], and reimbursement for travel expenses.

About PaintCare

PaintCare is committed to making it easy and convenient for households, businesses, and institutions to recycle postconsumer (leftover) paint in states with paint stewardship laws. A nonprofit organization created by paint manufacturers, PaintCare sets up drop-off locations for leftover paint, arranges for recycling and proper disposal, and conducts public education. PaintCare has managed more than 80 million gallons of paint, stain, and varnish in 12 states and the District of Columbia. For additional information, visit www.paintcare.org.