📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Media Relations Manager
🔹 Company: National Education Association
🔹 Location: NEA Headquarters, Washington, DC
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications & Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 23, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving and shaping the Association’s image and reputation in the media
- Managing a team of media strategists to develop and implement effective media strategies
- Building and maintaining relationships with journalists, media outlets, and industry influencers
- Identifying and creating opportunities that align with the organization's goals
- Ensuring the organization's message is effectively conveyed to the public through the media
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of media dynamics and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills and a keen understanding of news cycles.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage a team of media strategists in developing and implementing a comprehensive media strategy that promotes the policies and priorities of NEA and its members
✅ Create and execute comprehensive media relations strategies that advance the organization’s objectives and elevate our leadership and members
✅ Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders in developing and implementing a communications strategy that deploys NEA’s message in the media
✅ Build, maintain, and expand relationships with journalists, producers, editors, and media outlets
✅ Develop engaging content for various purposes, including drafting of news releases, statements, advisories, op-eds, and talking points
✅ Assist with identifying and engaging key surrogate, influencers, stakeholders, and partners that can assist in lifting NEA’s message
✅ Identify members and other allies who can serve as voices for the association and develop strategies to elevate the profile of NEA leaders in the media
✅ Anticipate and prepare crisis communication plans and take a proactive role in managing the organization’s response during crises
✅ Track media coverage and analyze the effectiveness of media campaigns, providing regular reports and insights to senior management
✅ Proactively plan and manage press events, including media tours, briefings, and conferences
✅ Work closely with state affiliates, organizational partners, NEA staff, and leadership to align messaging and strategy across the association for maximum amplification in media
✅ Develop and facilitate trainings for leaders, staff, state affiliates, and members that enhance necessary skills for working with media
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills. The ideal candidate will be flexible, adaptable, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field required
Experience: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in communications and/or media relations, including 5 years of demonstrated experience in personnel management
Required Skills:
- Excellent instincts for what drives news cycles
- Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills
- Flexibility and a willingness to learn
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and strong attention to detail
- Ability to meet deadlines and navigate a fast-paced environment where priorities change rapidly
- Strong organizational and project management abilities, ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities
- Demonstrated experience in building effective media relations into communications campaigns
- Demonstrated existing relationships and experience working with broadcast reporters, producers, editorial staff, and bookers
- Familiarity with public relations and media monitoring and clipping platforms
- Demonstrated understanding of media organizations and the needs of journalists
- Demonstrated understanding of how initiatives in media relations, paid media, digital engagement, government relations, marketing, and development fit together in a successful communications strategy
- Proven ability to take complex policy and repackage it for external users in a variety of compelling and easily understood formats
- Experience working with professional membership organizations and operating successfully within an affiliate structure
- Ability to travel frequently (20-30 overnights per year)
Preferred Skills:
- Bilingual or multilingual
- Experience with crisis communication planning and response
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of media relations and have experience working with professional membership organizations.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $139,604 - $198,321 per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Benefits are typical for a large organization and may include additional perks not listed here.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: The National Education Association (NEA) is the largest labor union in the United States, representing public school teachers and other education professionals. It advocates for education professionals and united members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.
Company Size: Large (over 3 million members)
Founded: 1857, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Company Description:
- NEA is committed to advancing the cause of public education and advocating for education professionals
- The organization seeks to improve the quality of teaching, increase student achievement, and make schools safer and better places to learn
- NEA strives to unite its members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education by preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world
Company Specialties:
- Education advocacy and policy development
- Professional development and training for educators
- Labor relations and collective bargaining
- Community engagement and partnerships
Company Website: NEA Website
ASSUMPTION: NEA is a large, established organization with a significant impact on education policy and practice in the United States. Its size and influence provide opportunities for career growth and development for employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Experienced (10+ years of professional experience)
Reporting Structure: The Media Relations Manager reports directly to the Associate Director, Public Affairs
Work Arrangement: On-site, with frequent travel (20-30 overnights per year)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a leadership role within the communications department or the organization
- Opportunities to work on high-profile initiatives and events
- possibility to gain experience in crisis communication and management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a large, established organization. The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and able to take on new challenges as they arise.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Headquarters office
Office Location(s): NEA Headquarters, Washington, DC
Geographic Context:
- The NEA Headquarters is located in Washington, DC, the capital of the United States
- The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and political significance
- Washington, DC, offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and amenities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with frequent travel (20-30 overnights per year)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to travel frequently for work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and media relations expertise
- Leadership and management abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with NEA's mission and values
- Problem-solving skills and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your media relations work and successes
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of news cycles and media dynamics
- Research NEA's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your familiarity with the organization
ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Crisis Management, Content Creation, Project Management, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Strategic Counsel, Media Strategy, Training, Monitoring, Analysis, Flexibility, Attention to Detail
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a keen understanding of media dynamics, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They will also be proactive, adaptable, and able to take on new challenges as they arise.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media monitoring and clipping platforms (e.g., Critical Mention, TVeyes, Cision)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Crisis communication software (e.g., Agility PR Solutions, Onclusive)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable using a variety of tools and technologies to manage media relations and communications campaigns effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Commitment to public education and student success
- Advocacy and collective action
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Collaboration and partnership
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and proactive
- Results-driven and focused on achieving outcomes
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with NEA's mission and values?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a team through a challenging media situation?
- How do you stay up-to-date with news cycles and media trends?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be aligned with NEA's mission and values, possess strong communication skills, and be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team of media strategists and ensuring their professional development
- Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Dealing with crises and managing the organization's response
- Working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including journalists, influencers, and organizational partners
- Keeping up with the latest media trends and technologies
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Media Relations Manager vs. Public Relations Specialist: The Media Relations Manager role focuses more on building relationships with journalists and managing media campaigns, while the Public Relations Specialist role may involve more event planning and community engagement
- Industry-specific context: The education sector has unique media dynamics and stakeholders, requiring a specific understanding of education policy and advocacy
- Career path comparison: This role can lead to advancement within the communications department or the organization, with potential opportunities in leadership, management, or specialized roles
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in media relations and a strong understanding of the education sector and its unique media dynamics.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a media campaign to raise awareness of a new education initiative or policy
- Coordinating a press event to launch a new report or research findings
- Developing and implementing a crisis communication plan in response to an unexpected event
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience in media relations and be able to provide specific examples of their work in this area.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a time when you successfully managed a media campaign that aligned with organizational objectives?
- How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your media strategy due to changing circumstances?
- How do you ensure that the organization's message is effectively conveyed to the public through the media?
- Can you describe a time when you had to manage a crisis and communicate effectively with stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to provide specific examples of their media relations experience and demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the NEA Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your media relations work and successes
- Research NEA's mission, values, and recent initiatives to demonstrate your familiarity with the organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
