Senior Director, Public Affairs

PLUS Communications; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus

Health insurance

401k

Paid parental leave

Hybrid work model

Paid vacation leave

Job summary

PLUS Communications in Arlington, VA seeks a Senior Director to lead media relations and communications for diverse public affairs accounts. You will distill complex policy issues into compelling narratives for varied audiences and craft messaging materials for multiple channels.

You will develop and execute media strategies, pitch top-tier outlets, and manage client relationships while coordinating internal teams and external partners to ensure successful campaigns.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in public affairs or media relations, ideally in an agency or Capitol Hill setting.
• Ability to synthesize technical content for diverse audiences.
• Strong AP Style knowledge and newsroom rapport.

Responsibilities

• Develop media relations strategies and pitch reporters across print, broadcast and online outlets.
• Draft media materials including press releases, talking points, statements, op-eds, and fact sheets.
• Coordinate outreach and cultivate relationships with reporters and editors.
• Manage grassroots field teams for coalition building and local earned media.
• Prepare presentations, collateral, strategic plans and reports; track campaign deliverables.
• Serve as liaison between PLUS Communications, clients, partners, and vendors.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Strategic communications

Project management

Relationship building

Job description

PLUS Communications is a full-service communications firm based in Arlington, Virginia. PLUS Communications leads award-winning campaigns integrating public affairs, corporate communications, digital, advertising and media buying. PLUS means more!

PLUS Communications is looking for a Senior Director to develop and execute media relations and communications efforts for a variety of public affairs accounts. We are looking for an experienced communicator who has worked in an agency environment and understands the opportunities to highlight clients' narratives and advocate on their behalf. Ideal candidates will have experience synthesizing complex policy issues and/or regulatory affairs at the federal or state level.

Your day in this position may include:

• Crafting narratives by distilling complex policy and regulatory information into tangible messaging for a variety of audiences
• Drafting media and messaging materials (such as press releases, talking points, media statements, opinion pieces, fact sheets)
• Developing media strategies and pitching reporters across print, broadcast and online mediums
• Coordinating media outreach and cultivating relationships with reporters
• Managing grassroots field teams for coalition building and local earned media efforts
• Developing presentations, collateral materials, strategic plans and other reports
• Tracking and monitoring campaign deliverables and serving as a project manager for key accounts
• Serving as a liaison between PLUS' internal team, the client, other agency partners and external vendors

This job may be for you, if you:

• Have a knack with words and enjoy writing on a variety of topics with quick turnaround
• Have a proven record of securing high-profile media hits and opinion columns in top-tier outlets
• Have a robust and well-worn rolodex of reporters and editors across a variety of focuses
• Are comfortable engaging with reporters, clients and vendors daily
• Have strong organizational skills and ability to manage several projects simultaneously to ensure nothing falls through the cracks
• Have a solutions-oriented mindset
• Can balance a high-volume workload while maintaining attention to the details
• Are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done, no matter the time commitment

What we require:

• 8-10 years of relevant experience in public affairs or media relations, ideally in an agency or Capitol Hill/administration setting
• Interest in public affairs and policy issues; ability to synthesize technical content
• Understanding of the communications landscape and how various communications channels work (i.e. digital, print, social, broadcast)
• Coalition building and grassroots advocacy is a plus, but not mandatory
• Proven experience in writing and editing materials and working with the press.
• Strong understanding of AP Style

Benefits

The budgeted salary is $120,000 and there is an opportunity for a year-end bonus. Medical, dental, vision, 401k, and life insurance. We also offer a paid parental leave program, paid vacation and paid sick leave. In addition, we have a work from home hybrid environment.

PLUS Communications is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.