Senior Media Relations Manager

The Position
Every day the National Women’s Law Center receives a large volume of time-sensitive requests from print, radio, TV and online outlets on a broad range of issues that we cover. The Center attributes its impressive track record of securing extensive high-level press coverage to its ability to respond quickly and accurately to reporters’ needs and tight deadlines.

We are seeking a creative, highly organized, and detail-oriented candidate to join our team as the Senior Media Relations Manager. We are looking for an energetic team player who has a nose for the news, can routinely deal with multiple deadlines, enjoys the challenges of engaging with press, and stays poised under pressure.

The Senior Media Relations Manager will hold a specific issue-related portfolio, steward and build relationships with journalists who cover those issues, timely coordinate and prioritize press requests, and proactively pitch new angles and stories.

This is a full-time exempt position of 37.5 hours per week.

The Organization
The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) fights for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in our society — working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us — especially women of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and low-income women and families.

For 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight. Find out more at NWLC.org.

Responsibilities

  • Develop a press strategy for issues related to their portfolio, and serve as a frontline responder for incoming press requests;
  • Field all press requests quickly (both via email and phone), connecting reporters with relevant staff and/or partners
  • Draft and edit reactive press statements, proactive press releases, media alerts, and OpEds;
  • Manage background for and live interview prep as needed;
  • Actively update and manage all media lists, and identify new reporter/producer talent to add to those lists;
  • Proactively identify new audiences and the outlets they read, identify new angles for NWLC stories and close the loop by pitching stories to those outlets;
  • Stay on top of news trends, pop culture moments, and other cultural narratives in order to tie in NWLC’s issues and garner additional coverage during fleeting windows of public attention; and
  • Working with the Director of Media Relations and Storytelling, and VP for Marketing and Communications, support overall institutional press strategy.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:

  • At least five years of professional experience specifically in communications and press management;
  • A robust interest in established and emerging news outlets and platforms;
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and writing skills;
  • Demonstrated ability to work in rapid response and breaking news environments;
  • Experience and judgment working both collaboratively and independently;
  • Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, work well with competing priorities, and meet deadlines; and
  • Experience working with media management systems such as Vocus, Cision and Meltwater.

Additional preferred skills and knowledge:

    • Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required;
    • Demonstrated commitment to and passion for racial and gender justice;
    • Sense of humor;
    • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, diverse, inclusive, collaborative team setting

Key Relations
The Senior Media Relations Manager will report directly to the Director of Media Relations and Storytelling, and will be centered on the Marketing and Communications team. Additionally, this role with work closely with the Program areas that are tied to the issue areas in their portfolio.

Compensation & Benefits
A salary within the range of $91,000-$120,400 will be provided to the successful candidate with 5 to 20+ years of experience, consistent with the National Women’s Law Center’s compensation framework. The successful candidate’s salary within this range will be determined by the number years of relevant experience they bring to the role.

The Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, and four weeks of annual vacation.

NWLC is a nonprofit organization whose headquarters and staff are based in Washington, D.C. NWLC’s telework policy is currently under review as we prepare to move into our new office at 1350 Eye Street N.W., Washington DC, in March 2023. The assumption is that all roles are based in D.C. and will be required to work in person at least monthly. We continue to monitor public health guidance and keep safety, science, and flexibility top of mind as we evaluate what reopening looks like for our team.

The first 90 days of employment will be considered a probationary period.

Classification
NWLC recognizes a staff bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70, a union for non-profit workers. This position is included in NWLC’s bargaining unit. Specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.

How to Apply
To apply, please forward a resume, press writing sample (statement, release, OpEd, LTE, etc.) and a cover letter outlining how your professional background is a good fit for this position. Resumes should include exact start and end dates (month and year) of employment and education, as well as the average number of hours worked per week in each job. Please send application materials via email to: [email protected] and include the position title in the subject line. Applications accepted until position is filled.

The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans.

Reasonable Accommodations
If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email [email protected].