Media Relations Specialist
REPORTS TO: Director of Communications FLSA: Non-ExemptSUPERVISES: N/ALast revised: December 2020
JOB SUMMARY: Serves as the primary media point of contact for facilitating incoming requests, facilitating USADA and TrueSport storylines, and engaging in ongoing proactive media communications. Provides timely response to media inquiries and coordinates social media response as appropriate. Manages media monitoring and sharing of relevant news stories and voices that support USADA’s mission and initiatives. Assists Director of Communications in implementation of organization’s earned and social media strategy, messaging, and brand voice(s). Not an entry level position. The position requires weekend work and unpredictable hours.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Facilitates proactive and reactive media interactions including print, online, video and audio format media opportunities for CEO, senior leaders, and spokespeople. Media verticals include (but not limited to) anti-doping, Olympic and Paralympic, horse racing, scientific thought leadership, sports law, etc.
Communicates effectively and efficiently with various forms of media outlets, with goal of establishing favorable relationships among organization’s public audiences
Maintains formal and informal contact with key media and anti-doping stakeholders to stay apprised of news and trends; develop media plans and outreach based on ongoing information
Leads and maintains a comprehensive media monitoring program to ensure communications staff is aware of up-to-the minute stories, articles, and trends affecting anti-doping
Oversees vendors providing news delivery services; collects and analyzes data to inform media strategy
Maintains consistent, data-driven approach to delivery of messages informed by measurable metrics
Coordinates news and messaging strategy with social media agency to enhance owned-channel engagement and engagement with key external stakeholders on their channels
Manages press conferences/teleconferences
Assists with preparation of USADA staff and Board members for interviews when appropriate
Drafts and manages distribution of sanction announcements, as well as press releases
Responds orally and in writing to requests for information from new media, using personal judgment and expert-level knowledge about the organization and its policies, programs, and activities; Distributes incoming requests to appropriate departments.
Leads press materials development: press kit materials, process documents, process graphics, FAQs, b-roll scripts and other resources
Manages logistics related to executive leadership media-related presentations and events, including proactive pitching
Develops and manages media contacts, issues management and clip files for USADA coverage
Assists with social media monitoring and engagement and in maintaining a consistent brand voice across channels
Participates in and contributes to planning and reviewing communications initiatives generated by Communications department, as well as by other departments to ensure consistency, brand messaging accuracy, and effectiveness
Training members and staff to be effective media spokespeople and provides talking points when necessary.
GENERAL:
Maintain confidentiality at all times
Projects and other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in anti-doping preferred; experience working in Sport is a plus.
Knowledge of the (sport?) media landscape
At least three to five years of communications experience implementing progressive messaging strategies through media relationships
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Sports Marketing or related field or combination of education and experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Values Diversity, Equity and Inclusion among internal and external constituents
Ability to multitask and to work accurately under pressure
Excellent organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
Ambition, drive, energy, and the ability to work flexible and long hours when necessary.
Proficiency in monitoring and communicating via major social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Demonstrated experience managing a high-profile principal for media opportunities.
Moderate proficiency in MS Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
Competencies
Specialized experience: Defined as experience of communication principles, methods, practices and techniques, analytical methods, and interpersonal relationship practices to share in the conduct of an active public affairs program, as well as experience in various public speaking methods, and the ability to address a variety of audiences some in structured settings and unstructured settings where the participants have conflicting and divergent views or inputs.
Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Planning and Organizing Skills: Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters atmosphere of open communication.
Written Communications: Expresses facts and ideas in writing in a clear, convincing and organized manner.
Building Collaborative Relationships - Uses consensus-building strategies and techniques to persuade key stakeholders to support a decision. Ensures that key stakeholders have an opportunity to express their opinions.
Individual and Interpersonal Effectiveness: Organizes work and sets realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior. Demonstrates interpersonal skills that support an environment in which constructive communications take place.
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; determines accuracy and relevancy of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and make recommendations. Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
Compensation:
Company paid medical and dental benefits for employee and dependents.
Paid vacation time, sick time and holidays.
Bonus potential up to 10% annually.
401k with employer contribution at 7%, eligible after one year.
Tuition reimbursement and additional professional development perks.