Manager Media Relations

98735BR

Campus: Tempe

Mgr Media Relations

Job Description

The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs advance democracy and human rights, empower character-driven leaders, combat human trafficking, and prevent targeted violence. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.

 The McCain Institute, a part of Arizona State University, seeks a full-time Manager, Media Relations based in Washington, D.C. to join its growing communications team. The Manager of Media Relations is responsible for pitching news stories, writing speeches and other communications materials, and garnering publicity for key initiatives and events. This position is heavily focused on booking print and broadcast media interviews for McCain Institute leadership and writing speeches, op-eds, press releases, talking points, presentations, and other communications content. This role reports to the Director of Communications and will work closely with the McCain Institute’s executive director. 

 This position is based in Washington, DC, and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Job Family

Marketing & Media Relations

Department Name

McCain Inst Intl Leadership

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

VP Code

KNOWLEDGE ENTERPRISE DEV

Grant Funded Position

This is a grant funded position. Continuation is contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$58,500 – $90,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

15-February-2024

Essential Duties

• Develops and manages media relations strategies and serves as on-the-record spokesperson.
• Identifies newsworthy stories within the organization and pitches earned media.
• Serves as media booker for the McCain Institute’s executive director and staff.
• Writes speeches, talking points, 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 press releases, media advisories and stories with media potential and pitches those stories to appropriate international, national, and regional media.
• Helps compile daily news clips and maintains long-term media tracker to share with leadership on a consistent basis.
• Distills complex subjects into impactful communications materials.
• Plans and writes detailed materials such as annual reports, blog posts, and promotional videos.
• Actively participates in events, conferences, and meetings to provide media assistance and identify story opportunities.
• Assists reporters and editors in their efforts to understand the mission and activities of the McCain Institute.
• Prepares and submits reports regarding media relations projects.
• Carefully proofreads and ensures consistent formatting of all written materials to ensure consistent high-quality output.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND five (5) years experience in journalism or public relations or media relations or publishing, or marketing; OR, Master’s degree in field appropriate to area of assignment AND three (3) years experience in journalism or public relations or media relations or publishing, or marketing; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in media relations: public relations, journalism, newswriting, social media, etc.
• E-newsletter software and contact management with demonstrated effectiveness using to communicate with reporters;
• Evidence of effective communication skills;
• Experience in work that requires organizational skills and ability to multi-task;
• Demonstrated knowledge of Cision, Critical Mention or equivalent.
• Experience writing speeches, talking points, op-eds, presentations.
• Evidence of being highly detail-oriented with effective writing and editing skills.
• Ability to distill complex subjects into impactful communications materials.
• Able to implement feedback and understand subtleties of different audiences.
• Evidence of effective research and analytical skills.
• Evidence of writing, editing, grammar and spelling sills;
• Demonstrated knowledge of AP Style
• Evidence in having a strong work ethic, professional attitude, proactive, able to adapt to fast-moving situations, a desire to excel within a high-energy environment;
• Experience in being a professional team-player, able to collaborate with internal and external partners;
• Ability to take direction and work in a team environment; and
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of Senator John McCain, foreign policy, democracy, human rights and other issues related to the McCain Institute’s mission and work.

Working Environment

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse.
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity associated with daily use of desktop computer; bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential duties.
• Regular activities require the ability to quickly set and change priorities which may include and/or are subject to the resolution of conflicts.

Department Statement

At the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, we aren’t a think tank–we’re an action tank. Inspired by the legacy of Senator John McCain and his family, the McCain Institute fights to advance freedom, prosperity, security, and human dignity for the benefit of all Americans and the world. Our work is anchored by three core beliefs: securing democracy and alliances, promoting human rights and protecting the vulnerable, and advancing character-driven leadership in our own communities and around the world.  

At McCain Institute, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.

Learn more at www.mccaininstitute.org/

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit www.asu.edu/tobaccofree

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Arizona State University is committed to providing safety and security resources and information for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. In accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), ASU publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes safety and security policies and procedures, crime and fire prevention information, crime and fire statistics, and numerous resources for current and prospective students and employees. To access the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report online, visit https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. A hard copy of this report may be obtained, free of charge, by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456 or by visiting the ASU Police Department at 325 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, Arizona, during business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume and Cover Letter should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.