Media Relations Associate

Job Description

Who We Are:

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The Association for Competitive Technology (ACT) is a global trade association for small and medium-sized technology companies. Our members are entrepreneurs, innovators, and independent developers within the global app ecosystem who engage with verticals across every industry. We work with our members to promote a policy environment that rewards and inspires innovation while providing resources that help them raise capital, create jobs, and continue to build incredible technology. ACT represents this innovative community before policymakers, courts, and others to change policies that will enable small companies to grow, create jobs, and succeed. Our team is professional, collaborative, and effective, and we are the leading industry resource on key policy issues affecting small tech businesses, including privacy, antitrust, digital health, and workforce development.

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Who You Are:

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ACT is seeking a media relations associate who is interested in technology policy, communications, and the news media. The ideal candidate is a strong writer who is curious about how stories develop and how organizations effectively communicate with reporters and other audiences.

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We are looking for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The right candidate will be interested in developing media relations skills, building relationships with reporters, and learning more about the issues affecting small technology companies and the app economy.

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What to Expect:

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The media relations associate supports the day-to-day media relations and communications work of ACT. This position reports to the director of global communications and will assist with media outreach, press materials, media monitoring, research, and events.

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This position is located in Washington, D.C., with in-person work required three days per week, with flexibility for the other two days.

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Responsibilities will include:

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• Building and maintaining media lists and journalist contact information
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• Researching reporters and news outlets covering ACT’s policy and industry issues
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• Assisting with media outreach, including drafting pitches, press releases, and media advisories
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• Following up with reporters as appropriate
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• Monitoring daily news coverage and identifying relevant stories and media opportunities
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• Using Meltwater to track coverage and prepare media reports and summaries
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• Responding to incoming press calls and emails, and directing inquiries to the appropriate staff member
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• Drafting talking points, fact sheets, and other communications materials
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• Assisting with press conferences, briefings, and other media events, including RSVPs, credentialing, event materials, and on-site support
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• Researching news trends and coverage of issues relevant to the organization
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• Maintaining media and communications records in the organization’s CRM
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• Assisting with embargoes and other media outreach logistics
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• Supporting reporting on media coverage and communications metrics
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Qualifications:

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• 2-4 years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or a related field
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• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail
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• Familiarity with the news media and an interest in understanding how stories are developed and covered
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• Strong research and organizational skills
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• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
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• Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment
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• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently while taking direction from senior staff
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• Ability to learn new communications and media monitoring tools
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• Experience with Meltwater or a similar media monitoring or CRM platform is preferred but not required
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• An interest in technology policy and the small businesses that drive the app economy
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• Washington, D.C.-area communications experience is preferred but not required
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Additional Experience That Would be Helpful:

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• Previous experience in a newsroom, public relations agency, congressional office, or political campaign
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• Experience supporting a press event or working with a spokesperson
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What Success Looks Like:

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During the first year, the media relations associate will become familiar with ACT’s policy issues, media contacts, and communications processes and take on increasing responsibility for day-to-day media relations work.

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Priorities will include:

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• Managing media lists, media monitoring, and routine press inquiries
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• Producing strong first drafts of press materials with limited editing
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• Developing relationships with reporters who cover the organization’s issue areas
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• Taking on additional responsibility for media outreach and story development as experience grows
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What We Offer:

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• Salary range of $50,000–$70,000
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• The complete benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, commuter benefits, cell phone, and home internet reimbursement
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