Responsibilities

• Identifies newsworthy impact stories within the organization and crafts communications plans to share these stories, including earned media pitches.
• Serves as media booker for the McCain Institute’s executive director and staff.
• Writes talking points, memos, and other briefing materials for media appearances.
• Manages and updates media lists; tracks constantly changing press assignments.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with relevant journalists.
• Writes and edits press releases, media advisories, pitches, social media and web copy, op-eds, talking points, speeches, and other materials.
• Compiles daily news clips and maintains long-term media tracker to share with leadership on a consistent basis.
• Creates analytics reports, blog posts, promotional videos, slide decks, and detailed events and communications plans.
• Actively participates in events, conferences, and meetings to provide media assistance and identify story opportunities, including the McCain Institute’s signature annual event the Sedona Forum.
• Assists with promotional activities and media partnerships for the Sedona Forum.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Preferred

• Proven experience in media relations: public relations, journalism, newswriting, social media, etc.
• Experience using contact management software to communicate with reporters and stakeholder lists; knowledge of Cision, Critical Mention, Mailchimp or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills; knowledge of AP Style.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Previous experience writing speeches, talking points, op-eds, presentations.
• Ability to distill complex subjects into impactful communications materials.
• Able to implement feedback and understand subtleties of different audiences.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, highly detail oriented.
• Strong work ethic, professional attitude, proactive, able to adapt to fast-moving situations, and highly professional team-player.
• Ability to take direction and work in a team environment.