Lead Media and Public Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Be a part of a dynamic team whose work enriches the health of communities by strengthening city and county health departments. At the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), we are united by our work to improve our country's over 3,300 U.S. local health departments. We represent the voice of local public health while striving to live out our core values, including excellence, participation, respect, integrity, leadership, science, and innovation. We provide our employees with meaningful work, opportunities to learn and grow, a strong work/life balance, and a flexible, hybrid work schedule while being a part of a collaborative team.

We are interested in growing our team with passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. The Lead Media & Public Relations will serve a vital role in the Communications Department.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Media Relations and Public Relations Lead is a member of NACCHO’s Communications team and leads NACCHO’s media relations, public relations, and related digital communications efforts. The Lead works to develop and implement NACCHO’s strategic communications plan. The Lead develops media and press strategies and implements them across press materials, digital channels, podcasts, web content, newsletters, and media events. The Lead reports to the Director of Communications and will work with NACCHO experts across departments and with local health department leaders. The Lead must have excellent written and oral communications skills, including the ability to work with journalists, provide them with news releases and other materials, learn audience needs, and pitch reporters with fresh ideas and in creative ways. The Lead prepares NACCHO experts and local health department leaders for interviews and press events by developing background materials, talking points, Q&As, and media guidance. Written skills should include the ability to effectively write and edit news releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points, fact sheets, social media content, reports, newsletters, blogs, NACCHO website content, and other material as assigned. The Lead works with the Communications Director to develop the processes and procedures required to effectively implement the unit’s communications strategy. The Lead is accountable for the effective day-to-day operations and results of the media relations, public relations, and related social media activities – developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives to ensure results are attained and quality standards are met. The Lead will have frequent contact with outside organizations, NACCHO members, and internal customers and will excel in project coordination, information sharing, and/or resolution of problems. The Lead will participate in NACCHO conferences and may be required to represent NACCHO at meetings or to supervise other staff.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization’s strengths and weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; develops realistic action plans; completes projects on time and budget.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; effectively deals with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Develops and implements strategic communications, media plans, and social media strategies for NACCHO and its programs.
• Manages NACCHO’s activities to increase public awareness of the value of local health departments.
• Identifies and advances opportunities to achieve marketing and communications goals through both traditional and social media, as well as other online methods.
• Effectively writes and edits news releases, press statements, op-eds, talking points, fact sheets, social media material, reports, newsletters, blogs, NACCHO website content, and other material as assigned.
• Finalizes and distributes press material to the media.
• Finalizes and posts content to NACCHO social media platforms and NACCHO’s website.
• Promptly interfaces with the media to manage media requests, pitch stories, and develop relationships, providing reporters with excellent customer service.
• Continually monitors media for accurate representation of NACCHO and local health department members, alerts NACCHO leaders to news coverage of importance or concern and works with the appropriate NACCHO staff members to prepare appropriate responses, such as letters to the editor and press statements.
• Staffs and records media interviews by select NACCHO staff and prepares staff for interviews with information about the journalist and interview topics, as well as talking points and Q&As, as needed.
• Identifies opportunities for, plans, and executes press conferences and other media events, including preparing spokespeople, materials, logistics, and follow-up.
• Develops media monitoring reports for weekly board reports and quarterly board meetings and produces other required deliverables and progress reports.
• Develops, maintains, and customizes media lists to maximize coverage.
• Works with the Director of Communications on media training for select staff.
• Interfaces with NACCHO leadership, staff, and members to develop content and provide strategic counsel.
• Works with the Director of Communications to manage media and public relations expenses in the communication budgets and interfaces with vendors.
• Develops and maintains the communications web pages of the NACCHO website, and others as assigned.
• Provides technical support to produce NACCHO podcasts and other content such as short videos and original photos.
• Assists with NACCHO program communications as needed, including social media and website content.
• Perform other duties as needed.

EDUCATION/SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English, or relevant professional field with a minimum of 8-10 years relevant work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience, including a relevant certification. Master’s degree and/or certification in a relevant field preferred. A minimum of five years of relevant experience working in the media or in a communications role involving media relations.

• Strong media relations, strategic communications, marketing and social media skills.
• Able to use social media platforms and e-marketing software to achieve communications and marketing goals.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including experience writing press releases, blogs, and engaging social media content.
• Strong content and copy-editing skills.
• Customer service orientation and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with highest attention to detail and accuracy.
• Able to meet deadlines in fast-paced environment while juggling multiple priorities.
• Competent and proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Competent and proficient in the use of website content management software (e.g., Craft, HTML, etc.), PR platforms (e.g., Cision) and e-marketing software (e.g., MagnetMail or similar product).
• Able to use or learn Adobe Audition and Libsyn to create NACCHO podcasts.
• Preferred skills:
  • Experience with non-profits, member associations, or health communications.
  • Knowledge of communications and marketing principles.
  • Public relations agency experience.
  • Demonstrated interest in public health issues.
  • Competency in creative software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva products.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasionally required to sit.
• Occasionally required to walk.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to bend, lift or climb stairs.
• Occasionally required to lift light weights (less than 25 pounds).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The noise level in the work environment usually is moderate.

Salary Range: $92,126 - $97,014

SELECTION PROCESS:

The selected candidate must reside in the Washington, DC – Maryland – Virginia (DMV) area within 30 calendar days of their start date.

We only accept applications that follow the electronic process. No phone calls please. This position is subject to background screening. Qualified applicants should send a cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and one writing sample to: PN – 143 Lead, Media and Public Relations

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NACCHO offers a generous benefits package such as:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD insurances
• 15 days of paid vacation & 13 days of sick leave and other types of leave
• 403(b) Retirement plan,
• Hybrid Remote Work Available
• NACCHO is a qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program