Manager, Media Relations

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Media Relations Manager works directly with the Director of Media Relations assisting in the execution a broad range of activities supporting media relations at AAPA.

Under the direction of the Director, Media Relations, the Media Relations Manager is responsible for responding to media inquiries, preparing briefing memos for senior leadership, drafting statements and talking points for media interviews, conducting media research, compiling daily clips, building media lists, and conducting media outreach.

The Media Relations Manager will support the Director in executing AAPA's advocacy communications strategy, providing state chapters and constituent organizations with strategic communications support to advance legislative priorities. This may include providing tactical support for AAPA-funded digital advocacy campaigns and support for strategic earned media efforts (drafting op-eds, letters to the editor, and reporter outreach).

Additionally, the position is responsible for maintaining AAPA's suite of materials (used by the media and other audiences) that provide information and statistics about PAs.

Responsibilities

• Execute earned media relations tactics for organizational products and initiatives.
• Under direction of the Director, Media Relations, develop and execute strategic communications plans to support AAPA state chapters and other constituent organizations. This includes project management to ensure completion of tactics such as digital advocacy campaigns, customized infographics, factsheets.
• Draft op-eds, letters to the editor, press releases, and talking points in a timely manner.
• Maintain the necessary assets to ensure an effective media relations program.
• Responsible for maintaining content featured on various AAPA webpages including https://www.aapa.org/news-central/pas-in-the-news/ and https://www.aapa.org/what-is-a-pa/. This includes overseeing occasional updates to an inventory of fact sheets, talking points, slide decks and other materials relevant to the understanding of PAs.
• Track news coverage relevant to the PA profession, curate and distribute a weekly clips email, and alert Director, Media Relations to negative and/or timely, high-profile news involving PA profession when appropriate.
• Manage COnnections, an internal newsletter for AAPA Constituent Organizations
• Serve as back-up for Medical Watch, an internal member newsletter.
• Stay abreast and knowledgeable about healthcare trends.
• Demonstrate measurable results through relevant metrics and reporting.

ABOUT THE COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

AAPA's Communications Team includes seven professionals dedicated to providing timely, engaging, and accurate information to PAs and other stakeholders important to the profession, including the media. Communications collaborates with all departments within AAPA to help advance organizational goals through the planning and execution of internal and external communications strategies and tactics, while at the same time raising visibility and awareness of the profession. The team develops organization-wide messaging, which is integrated in executive speeches, presentations, and talking points; maintains AAPA's Editorial Style Guide; leads the organizations content strategy; and oversees AAPA's social media channels. The Communications Teams core values include being adaptable, collaborative, creative, responsive, and kind.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

AAPA is the national organization that advocates for all PAs and provides tools to improve PA practice and patient care. Founded in 1968, AAPA represents a profession of approximately 150,000 PAs across all medical and surgical specialties in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories and the uniformed services. PAs are integral to modern healthcare and provide a solution to the demand for increased access to cost-effective, evidence-based, patient-centered care.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field
• At least 3-5 years of experience in a communications-related field, preferably in a position directly associated with media
• Experience editing, proofing, writing and publishing content across platforms
• Experience in public health or healthcare field a plus
• Strong organizational skills
• Works well under pressure
• Exceptional project and time management skills
• Self-motivated with exceptional attention to detail
• Energetic, proactive, creative and collaborative leader and team member
• Exceptional professional judgment
• Technology: Knowledge and use of Meltwater and WordPress a plus.

The American Academy of PAs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability and any other classification protected by law.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 and REMOTE WORK OPTIONS

Due to considerations regarding COVID-19, AAPA has been operating remotely since March 2020 and plans to continue to have staff telework for the foreseeable future. Moving forward, AAPA will transition to offer both hybrid and fully remote work arrangements to staff. This position is eligible for remote status, and is not required to be locally based in the DC metro area. However, applicants should be willing to work standard AAPA business hours (EST) and occasionally travel on-site and to annual conference.

AAPA requires proof of COVID vaccination for all staff by October 4, 2021 or submission of an accommodation request form for those who wish to request exemption. Submission of this form does not guarantee exemption.