ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS - CRAFT Media

CRAFT | Media/Digital is a dynamic and rapidly growing public affairs, public relations, and corporate communications agency. CRAFT seeks highly motivated, resourceful individuals that are eager to take on complex public affairs campaigns, high profile policy debates, notable non-profit initiatives, and high stakes corporate communications campaigns. The work we produce is a reflection of our clients’ views.

JOB DESCRIPTION

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Communications.

Summary: The Associate Director of Communications is responsible for developing and executing client communications strategies and deliverables, cultivating media relationships, writing key messages and talking points, conducting media/interview training, and leading outreach for online/digital, print, trade, television, and radio.

Key Responsibilities:

In collaboration with and in support of Account Directors, create communication strategies for clients in policy advocacy, crisis communications, and brand reputation management.
Conduct media outreach on behalf of clients to online, print, trade, TV, radio and podcasts.
Draft op-eds, letters-to-the-editors, press releases, blog posts, social media, and ad copy.
Identify and execute client-pitching opportunities.
Turn complicated policy issues into easily communicated and persuasive messages and integrate them into broader communications strategies.
Prepare clients with media training before interviews and on-camera appearances.
Organize media and video coverage and manage press conferences, rallies, and events.
Utilize the latest communications and technology platforms.
Develop media monitoring and coverage reporting strategies demonstrating your insight for creating opportunities to inject clients’ voices into the media landscape.
Work cross-functionally to deliver exceptional communications services that leverage digital and social media tactics, producing high-quality, “client-ready” work products.
Develop a deep understanding of clients’ businesses and stay informed on topics important to their industry, establishing client credibility and rapport, providing excellent client service, and strong strategic counsel.
Establish a sophisticated working knowledge of our client’s issues, culture, and challenges. Maintain strong client relationships.
Manage project deliverables, plans, and changes, ensuring consistency and quality of deliverables and services. Provide written research, memos and issue backgrounders as required.
Prepare and maintain client documents (e.g., SOWs, invoices), track vendor payments, and monitor accounts receivable.
Identify business development opportunities for existing and new clients.
Attend client meetings and lead calls.
Additional projects as assigned by the CEO, COO, and leadership.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Qualified candidates will have:

Experience in journalism and/or campaign media relations, public relations, and marketing.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to communicate complex ideas to various audiences, and tell a good story that resonates with media.
An extensive network of media contacts, experience, and comfort pitching journalists and organizing media events.
Commitment to responsiveness, confidentiality, and customer service.
Proficiency with PC and/or Apple operating systems, as well as word processing, spreadsheets, and internet browsing applications.
Expertise in digital media tools like Meltwater, Coveragebook, Sprout Social, and other Social Media platforms.
Ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and meet deadlines.
Ability to execute high-quality work under tight deadlines with strong attention to detail.
Professional disposition with highly polished interpersonal and written communication skills.
Ability to work successfully in a team environment, as well as independently, and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to effectively navigate between administrative, account, and new business tasks.