Associate Director, Communications

District of Columbia, USA (Hybrid)

$95K/yr – $125K/yrSenior Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 1 day ago

Top 1% of applicants do these two things.

The other 99% submit and hope. You're about to do something different.

Job Summary

Own day-to-day client media relations and strategy execution, leading national and local media plans, reporter outreach, and cross-functional team leadership.

Own client relationships and deliverables while guiding strategic media input
Lead development of multi-level media strategies and messaging
Manage cross-functional teams and provide mentorship to junior staff

Job Description

Responsibilities

Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for clients, managing tactical execution and relationship-building while providing strategic input on media approach and messaging
Lead the development of media strategies at the national and local level, including crafting pitch angles and identifying reporter targets
Support as day-to-day, client-facing media relations lead, interacting regularly with trade-specific and general press
Build, maintain, and grow relationships with key reporters and media contacts across relevant beats
Oversee earned media reporting to clients, using data and analytics to tell a compelling narrative about coverage and impact
Proactively identify and respond to client needs, taking ownership and accountability for deliverables
Coordinate and facilitate internal and client activities as a key team leader
Oversee the timely, precise production of media materials and other client deliverables, thinking ahead and communicating next steps to teams
Help craft persuasive messaging and press materials, simplifying complex legislative, regulatory, or business issues for media audiences
Test assumptions and contribute to internal debate on client media strategy and positioning

Requirements

5-8 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or management consulting
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus. Previous agency experience a plus
Experience and deep understanding of the crypto and emerging technology space strongly preferred
Established relationships with reporters and media contacts, with a deep understanding of the changing media landscape and what it takes to break through
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
Strong writing and presentation skills, with attention to detail and precision
Experience managing multiple client relationships and leading cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to think critically and question conventional thinking
Proactive approach to staying informed on relevant industry news, trends, and developments
Capacity to build and cultivate relationships with peers across a broad stakeholder audience

Preferred

5-8 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or management consulting
Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus. Previous agency experience a plus
Experience and deep understanding of the crypto and emerging technology space strongly preferred
Established relationships with reporters and media contacts, with a deep understanding of the changing media landscape and what it takes to break through
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences
Strong writing and presentation skills, with attention to detail and precision
Experience managing multiple client relationships and leading cross-functional teams
Demonstrated ability to think critically and question conventional thinking
Proactive approach to staying informed on relevant industry news, trends, and developments
Capacity to build and cultivate relationships with peers across a broad stakeholder audience

Breakwater Strategy

Breakwater Strategy is an advisory partner on high-visibility, high-stakes public affairs, corporate reputation and capital markets issues for leading businesses, nonprofits and associations.We help organizations navigate their most complex and consequential moments – minimizing risk and accelerating opportunity.Our team advises boards, C-Suite executives, and policy, communications and investor relations leaders through a powerful combination of:• Foresight: Rigorous methodologies to identify and assess critical uncertainties and opportunities in a complex landscape.• Insight: Customized research programs to understand current perceptions and predict audience responses to potential strategies.• Strategy: Data-driven advice for advancing organizational objectives efficiently and effectively.• Execution: Forward-looking, multi-channel communications programs, stakeholder engagement and rapid response.Breakwater Strategy has offices in Washington and New York.

Founded in 2012

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

45 employees (6 in marketing)

www.breakwaterstrategy.com