Strategic Media Relations Leader

City of Norfolk; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Norfolk is seeking a Media Relations Manager to lead the city’s interactions with local, regional and national media. You will develop media strategies, coordinate press activities, and guide SMEs in preparing for appearances.

The role requires 5+ years in public relations or media relations and a bachelor’s degree, with experience in government and crisis communications preferred. You’ll collaborate across departments to ensure accurate, timely messaging.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of experience in public relations, strategic communications or media relations.
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Experience in government or high profile organizational environments.

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

Public relations

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder management

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Analytics platforms

Newsroom software

Job description

City of Norfolk is seeking a Media Relations Manager to lead the city’s interactions with local, regional and national media. You will develop media strategies, coordinate press activities, and guide SMEs in preparing for appearances.

The role requires 5+ years in public relations or media relations and a bachelor’s degree, with experience in government and crisis communications preferred. You’ll collaborate across departments to ensure accurate, timely messaging.