Media Relations Manager
- Employer
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
- Location
- Washington D.C
- Closing date
- Sep 24, 2022
View more
- Industry
- Delivery and Transportation
- Function
- Management, Editor, Journalist and Freelance Writer
- Hours
- Full Time
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
Job Details
If you're a ROCKSTAR who needs a different challenge daily and uses communications as a tool to elevate important information, then we want you to join our team.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, public relations,
-
- OR in lieu of bachelor's degree, a high school diploma or GED and four (4) years on the job training to substitute the minimum education requirement. Training disciplines such as public relations, media relations, journalism field, print and broadcast interviews, both live and taped.
Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years' experience in public relations, media management or journalism field, including print and broadcast interviews, both live and taped.
Certification/Licensure
- N/A
Preferred
Skills
- Multimedia skills, such as video editing and web development.
Medical Group
Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.
Mission Essential Designation
In accordance with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) this job has been identified as critical to mission essential functions. Incumbents in this role may be required to report to or continue to work in the event of authorized office closings or servere weather, natural disaster, fire, operational emergencies or related events.
Job Summary
The Media Relations Manager is responsible for assisting with management of activities for the Office of Media Relations. The Media Relations Manager serves as a spokesperson for Metro and manages Metro's media relations efforts with traditional media (TV, radio, print, online, etc.) and key external agencies. The individual works closely with the Vice President of Communications and Chief Spokesperson to develop media strategies on issues affecting Metro. Exceptional writing is required, as is the ability to provide professional, on camera and on-the-record comments on behalf of the Metro.
Essential Functions
- Develops comprehensive communications programs to promote "what's right with Metro" narrative to customers, stakeholders, and the public regarding new services, initiatives, and corporate business priorities. Highlights progress in key policy areas, including but not limited to safety, reliability, and financial stability. Works closely with other internal departments to execute communications strategies.
- Manages media relations projects and activities for Metro, including but not limited to development, production, implementation, and administration of all strategic media plans. The individual is able to analyze and evaluate media plans for effectiveness and recommends appropriate alternatives.
- Creates communications campaigns for priority initiatives, including but not limited to key policy matters, talent recruitment, customer engagement, and other priorities identified by the Vice President of Communication and Chief Spokesperson or Executive Management Team.
- The Media Relations Manager works with print and broadcast media on a day-to-day basis, responding to inquiries in a timely manner and generating information pertaining to Metro, including local, regional, and national media outlets.
- Serves as an official Metro spokesperson on a variety of issues affecting Metro and the communities it serves. This includes 24-hour on-call duty to provide support during service disruptions or emergencies, and to respond to media inquiries concerning Metro policies, business matters, and service issues outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Works closely with individuals in other departments and offices to coordinate media relations activities such as media photo opportunities, formal and informal press conferences, interview coordination and subject matter expert positioning.
- Advises, prepares and arranges interviews with reporters for the General Manager, Executive Management Team, Directors, and subject-matter experts. Advises the Vice President of Communications and Chief Spokesperson on strategic and tactical matters to maximize positive news coverage.
- Responsible for researching, writing, and editing a broad range of communication materials, including news releases, talking points, media advisories, fact sheets and media/press kits. Disseminates talking points/message points to appropriate internal audiences for their use in responding to media inquiries.
- Evaluates media-related programs and projects to gauge the effectiveness of reach. Makes recommendations regarding communications tactics based on research and experience. Develops management and administrative reports within the Office of Media Relations.
- Uses available technology to disseminate news related to the Metro on all owned channels. Works in coordination with other members of the Media Relations (MREL) team to ensure news is appropriately transmitted.
- Builds professional relationships with reporters to establish credibility, positive rapport, and fair coverage of issues critical to Metro.
- Must maintain confidences while working with confidential information. Must be able to adjust and adapts to meet tight deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced, breaking-news environment.
The essential duties listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
Evaluation Criteria
Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.
Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:
- Skills and/or behavioral assessment
- Personal interview
- Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
- Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
- Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
- Review of a current motor vehicle report
Closing
WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.
This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.
Company
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority operates the second largest rail transit system and the fifth largest bus network in the United States. Safe, clean and reliable, "America's Transit System" transports more than a third of the federal government to work and millions of tourists to the landmarks in the Nation's Capital.
Metro has earned a worldwide reputation for security and architectural beauty. WMATA is clearly the employer of choice for over 10,000 area residents. The Authority was created in 1967 by an interstate compact to plan, develop, build, finance and operate a balanced regional transportation system in the National Capital area. Construction of the Metrorail system began in 1969. Four area bus systems were acquired in 1973. The first phase of Metrorail began operation in 1976. The final leg of the original 103-mile rail network was completed in early 2001. Metrorail now operates 83 stations. One line extension and three new stations are now under construction.
Metrorail and Metrobus serve a population of 3.4 million within a 1,500-square-mile area. The transit zone consists of the District of Columbia, the suburban Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George's and the Northern Virginia counties of Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church. Overall, about 40 percent of the region's residents commute to work on Metro.
Metro and the federal government are partners in transportation. Half of the 83 Metrorail stations serve federal facilities and 36 percent of the local federal workforce uses Metro. We are committed to being an integral part of the Washington metropolitan area by ensuring the best in safe, reliable, cost-effective and responsive transit services, by promoting regional mobility and by contributing toward the social, economic and environmental well-being of our community. Employees are Metro.; We are committed to providing a working environment that fosters a high standard of performance, recognition for contributions and innovations, mutual respect and a healthy quality of life.
We are committed to developing ourselves through technology, training and education. We recognize our diversity as a source of strength that enables us to attain individual and Authority goals. In addition to competitive salaries, Metro employees enjoy a number of attractive benefits. These benefits include paid time off in the form of vacations, holidays and sick leave; medical, dental, life insurances as well as long term disability. Retirement is planned for through a defined contribution plan and a deferred compensation plan. Alternative work schedules, teleworking and free transportation on Metrorail and Metrobus make for an great benefits package for WMATA employees.Jump to our website to apply online for current openings and save the link for future vacancies as they occur.http://content.wmata.com/jobs/employment_opportunities.cfm
- Website
- http://www.wmata.com/
- Location
-
600 Fifth St. NW
Washington
DC
20001
US
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