Manager, External Communications

Job Summary

Manages API’s external communications efforts and identifies/elevates targeted media opportunities to tell the industry’s story. Focuses on strengthening API’s media relationships, building awareness of API’s policy positions among targeted audiences, and developing comprehensive earned media campaigns. Serves as a communications liaison to API policy departments and works collaboratively across the organization to develop compelling public messaging on priority issues and shape emerging narratives in the press. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports the mission, strategy, and objectives of API’s integrated advocacy team.
• Drafts talking points, press releases, fact sheets, media statements, social media content and executive briefing documents. 
• Manages issue advocacy campaigns with a focus on earned media. 
• Research industry and policy related inquiries from key reporters and collaborate with policy staff to develop press responses. 
• Advises and staffs API issue experts and senior executives for media interviews and prepares advocacy messaging.
• Grows and strengthens relationships with key reporters and expands API’s earned media coverage. 
• Pitches stories to targeted reporters and secures TV, print and radio bookings for API senior executives. 
• Monitor media coverage and proactively identify opportunities to shape the narrative of emerging news stories. 
• Executes API rapid response efforts and identifies opportunities to engage or respond to key reporters on Twitter.
• Effectively collaborates with staff throughout the organization and works with API policy staff to develop a working knowledge of key API issues.

Key Relationships

• Reports directly to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Qualifications

• Requires 5-7 years of experience in a similar role and subject matter expertise.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience. 
• Minimum 5 years of communications experience including at least 2 years in a media role. 
• Degree in journalism, communications, or relevant field. 
• Outstanding writing/editing skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong knowledge of AP style.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across a large organization and build and maintain strong relationships with the media.
• Working knowledge of policy issues, Congress, the Executive Branch, and political debate. 
• Talent for distilling complex issues into understandable, relevant messages.
• Ability to perform in a fast work environment and multi-task multiple projects and initiatives under tight deadlines.
• Ability to provide informed media counsel and exercise sound judgment when interacting with reporters.

 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.