The Communications Manager develops and executes integrated communications campaigns with a focus on earned and digital media. This role collaborates across the organization to tell the industry’s story and advance API advocacy efforts through press engagement and social media campaigns.

In this role, the Communications Manager will draft and distribute public messaging for reactive and proactive media engagement while overseeing day-to-day social media, digital rapid response efforts and content development to tap into the news cycle. The ideal candidate will have an eye for creative content and data visualization and a demonstrated record of navigating the evolving media landscape and developing compelling messaging to reach external audiences. This candidate should be a proactive self-starter with excellent writing skills and the ability to juggle competing priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Draft media materials, including press releases, advisories, talking points, briefing materials and reactive and proactive comments to shape the news cycle. 
• Serve as a point of contact for members of the press, responding quickly to incoming media requests and conducting proactive outreach. 
• Anticipate emerging narratives in the press and online and proactively identifies messaging and external engagement opportunities.
• Plan and execute day-to-day social media content and strategies, including engagements with members of the media online. 
• Partner with external consultants to plan messaging and creative content for API’s social media channels. 
• Collaborate with API policy staff and provides strategic counsel and messaging materials for communicating with the public and with policymakers. 
• Monitor the online conversation around API’s mission critical issues and flag important issues for rapid response. 
• Create and execute a plan to better engage target audiences, grow following, and evolve channels with changing media landscape.
• Provide media counsel to senior staff and executives and prepare API issue experts for interviews and media appearances. 

Key Relationships

• Maintain and build rapport with national, local and regional reporters and producers. 
• Collaborate across the organization with government relations and policy staff to develop messaging for both earned and social media. 
• Partner with external consultants to support API advocacy communications efforts and prepare content. 
• Report to the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Qualifications

• Requires 5-7 years of communications experience, including experience interacting with members of the media. 
• Experience with digital content creation. 
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or other equivalent.
• Outstanding writing/editing skills with strong attention to detail. 
• Interest in an integrated, communications role leveraging both earned and digital media strategies. 
• Understanding of the evolving digital and earned media landscape. 
• Considerable knowledge of policy issues, Congress, the Executive Branch, and political debate. 
• Talent for distilling complex issues into understandable and relevant messages. 
• Ability to work on a variety of topics under tight deadlines in an extremely fast-paced environment. 
• A strong collaborator with a team-oriented mindset and ability to problem solve. 
• Working knowledge of AP style.
• Familiarity with digital analytics tracking.

Physical Requirements

• Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer
• Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion
• Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines
• Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

•  Up to 25%

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent. 

EEO Statement

API is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best-qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

 API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.