Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Job Title: Manager, Public Affairs and Communications

Reports To: Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

The Manager of Public Affairs and Communications leads the execution of NAW’s efforts to elevate its national visibility, advance its advocacy agenda, and support the positioning the organization and its leadership as influential voices on public policy, business, and the wholesale distribution industry. Reporting to the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, this role implements NAW’s media strategy with a strong focus on policy impact, building and activating relationships with national, trade, and policy-focused press; translating complex policy priorities into clear, compelling pro-business messages; and shaping narratives that influence decision-makers across all channels.

This position is ideal for an entrepreneurial, results-driven communications professional dedicated to the promotion of free enterprise ready to take the next step in their public affairs career. You’re a proactive go-getter with a proven track record of pitching policy-driven stories, developing relationships with policy reporters and securing earned media. Comfortable operating at both the 30,000-foot and ground levels, you’ll drive high-level press strategy while remaining deeply hands-on: drafting advocacy statements, managing media inquiries, supporting executive communications, and enhancing the media and social presence of NAW’s CEO to support the organization’s policy goals.

• Execute a comprehensive communications strategy to elevate NAW’s profile across policy, business, and national media outlets (e.g., Politico, Axios, Fox Business, CNBC, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, and producers in policy, business, and industry media.
• Lead proactive media outreach and rapid response, positioning NAW leadership as trusted experts on supply chain, workforce, tax, and regulatory issues.
• Under the direction of the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries, coordinating statements, interviews, and op-eds.
• Draft and edit press releases, talking points, opinion pieces, and media advisories that reflect NAW’s policy positions and thought leadership.
• Support the NAW Legal Policy Center and advocacy teams in amplifying legislative and regulatory messages.
  

• Partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership to craft speeches, executive remarks, and talking points for events and media appearances.
• Manage the CEO’s social media channels to elevate his thought leadership.
• Coordinate media planning for the NAW Executive Summit, Roundtables, and other major events.
• Oversee internal communications that align staff and stakeholders around key messages.
  

• Collaborate with marketing and digital operations to develop compelling storytelling campaigns.
• Manage the content calendar and approval process for executive communications.
• Oversee quarterly website design and content updates to ensure it effectively tells our story.
  

• Track and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications.
• Provide quarterly summaries to leadership on earned media and communications impact.

Requirements: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform the job as well as the education and experience requirements.

• Excellent writing and editing skills; Ability to translate complex policy or technical issues into accessible, audience-appropriate language
• Strong understanding of media relations, communications best practices in policy and business media cycles.
• Ability to execute communications plans with attention to detail and consistency with NAW’s priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with a professional demeanor
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to create new processes and demonstrate sound judgment
• Exhibits a high degree of initiative
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, Ciscion (or similar tools), and social media management platforms preferred
  

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, political science, or related field, required; advanced degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in strategic communications or media relations, ideally within an association, advocacy organization or on the Hill/Government, required
• Proven track record of securing policy and national media placements.

The position is based at NAW’s headquarters office in Washington, DC, near Metro Center. NAW is currently offering a hybrid work model. Employees are required to be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and upon request for mandatory meetings or events. Employees are provided the opportunity to work remotely on Monday and Friday. The hybrid work model is subject to change.

Travel: up to 10%

NAW is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The hiring salary range for the position is $87,000–$92,000/year, commensurate with experience.

NAW offers a comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness, retirement, and paid leave.