Media Relations Manager

Job Description

Roles & Responsibilities

The Media Relations Manager will develop and execute strategic media relations programs to promote the organization’s initiatives, key messages, and brand. This role involves building and nurturing relationships with journalists, writing press releases, coordinating interviews, and managing media inquiries. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with strong organizational skills, capable of working in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Media Outreach & Relationship Building: Establish and maintain strong relationships with journalists, reporters, editors, and media outlets. Proactively pitch story ideas, press releases, and media opportunities to secure positive media coverage.
Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and coordinate timely responses.

Press Materials Creation: Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other press materials that align with the organization’s objectives and messaging. Prepare media kits, fact sheets, and background information for journalists and media outlets.

Media Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor and track media coverage relevant to the organization and industry, providing regular updates to senior management. Prepare reports analyzing the effectiveness of media relations campaigns, including media reach and sentiment.

Event Management & Coordination: Coordinate press conferences, media events, and interviews with key company spokespeople.
Ensure media attendance and handle logistics for media-related events.

Crisis Communication: Support the organization in crisis communication efforts, including preparing statements and responding to media inquiries during critical situations.

Content Creation: Collaborate with the marketing, social media, and communications teams to create compelling content for media distribution, including blog posts, op-eds, and guest articles.

Strategic Planning: Develop media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility, reputation, and awareness in key markets.
Identify and leverage media opportunities to align with company goals and initiatives.

Spokesperson Training:Provide media training and guidance to company executives and spokespersons to ensure effective communication with the press.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field. A master’s degree is a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism.
Proven track record of working with media outlets and securing press coverage.

Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to craft clear and persuasive messaging.
Proficient in media tracking tools and analytics platforms.
Skilled in relationship building and media pitching.
Crisis communication experience is a plus.

Other Attributes:

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Creative thinker with a strategic mindset.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and levels of an organization.

Working Conditions:

Full-time position; may require travel and evening/weekend availability for media events.
May require on-call availability during crisis communication situations.

Additional Information:

This role may also involve overseeing or mentoring junior staff or interns.
The Media Relations Manager should be comfortable with handling sensitive or high-pressure situations.