Manager, Media Relations

Manager, Media Relations

This position is responsible for aggressive media outreach to build press exposure for an ambitious federal policy agenda. The U.S. Travel Association represents all segments of travel in the United States—an industry that generates $2.4 trillion in economic output and supports 15.6 million jobs—and has a history of effectively utilizing earned media in support of its legislative objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist SVP of Communications and Senior Director of Strategic Communications with driving consistent media coverage of the U.S. Travel Association and its initiatives, with an emphasis on broadcast media, utilizing established contacts with national, political and business press.

Prepare interview messaging points and accompany spokespeople to media engagements.

Assume primary responsibility for engaging press via social media.

Play central role in pitching and wrangling media for the association’s major annual events.

Manage monitoring of daily headlines and clips, periodically compile clip highlights for member-facing communications (board briefing books, legislative updates, social media, etc.), and create and maintain media contact databases.

Manage the Communications Department intern.

Various other administrative tasks as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

Teamwork: Demonstrating and promoting a spirit of cooperation within and outside work unit; working together toward a common goal; building good relationships with internal and outside work unit; building good relationships with internal and external contacts.

Communication: Conveying written and oral communications effectively; negotiating and mediating effectively; sharing information; listening attentively, and responding appropriately

Initiative: Recognizing the need for action; confronting issues and taking appropriate action; pursuing an issue until the problem is solved.

Developing Staff: Training, coaching and counseling others continually to improve; developing capabilities through formal and informal training and coaching; developing backup capabilities; helping colleagues in their pursuit of career goals

Problem Solving: Identifying problems affecting the work unit or U.S. Travel Association; taking early corrective action to avoid problems; generating new ideas and practical solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 3-5 years’ experience performing proactive media outreach in a political, corporate, association, think tank or campaign environment. 

A bachelor degree in communications, political science, journalism or related field.

An existing stable of contacts among national, political and business reporters.

A strong command of the American political and legislative process, and the ability to comprehend complex policy issues and communicate them clearly to a media audience.

Familiarity with media monitoring platforms (such as CisionPoint or Criticial Mention) and HTML editing software (such as Dreamweaver) strongly preferred

The ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

A congenial office demeanor and the ability to work collaboratively with every aspect of the organization, including the government relations, research and membership teams.

To apply please submit your cover letter, resume and reference list to careers@ustravel.org with Manager, Media Relations listed in the subject line.