Strategic Media Relations Lead

City of Norfolk, VA; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Pension plan

Life insurance

Medical and dental

Parking

Job summary

The City of Norfolk, VA is seeking a Media Relations Manager to lead interactions with local, regional and national media, shape strategic messaging, and uphold the city’s transparent, accurate public image.

In this role you will develop media strategies, coordinate press activities and conferences, prepare executives and SMEs for appearances, coach spokespersons, monitor coverage, and advise leadership on communications during crises.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, strategic communications or media relations is required.
• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• Experience working in government, public sector communications, or high profile organizational environments.
• Crisis communications training or experience managing sensitive or high visibility public messaging.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools, analytics platforms, and newsroom software.
• Experience preparing executives or public figures for media engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive media relations strategies that elevate the City of Norfolk’s priorities and support proactive communication.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers and communications partners across print, broadcast and digital media.
• Draft, edit and distribute press releases, media advisories, briefings, talking points and prepared remarks.
• Plan and facilitate press conferences, interviews and media events, including logistics, messaging and speaker preparation.
• Monitor news coverage, trends and emerging issues; provide regular analysis and recommendations to department leadership.
• Collaborate with internal departments to identify story opportunities and ensure consistent messaging across initiatives.
• Prepare leadership and subject matter experts for media engagement through coaching, briefing materials and message alignment.
• Manage crisis communications activities in partnership with leadership, ensuring timely and coordinated response.
• Maintain media contact lists, evaluation metrics and reporting on outreach efforts and coverage.
• Support digital and social media integration into media strategies as needed.
• Serve in the Joint Information Center (JIC) when activated.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public speaking

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The City of Norfolk, VA is seeking a Media Relations Manager to lead interactions with local, regional and national media, shape strategic messaging, and uphold the city’s transparent, accurate public image.

In this role you will develop media strategies, coordinate press activities and conferences, prepare executives and SMEs for appearances, coach spokespersons, monitor coverage, and advise leadership on communications during crises.