Communications Director

Rosslyn, Arlington, VA

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) crafts and executes advocacy campaigns and provides analytical products to assist Member companies with business decisions. NEMA also develops performance Standards for Members in the electrical and medical imaging industries.

The Communications Director is responsible for working collaboratively with the Managing Director, Communications to develop strategic communications strategies and create and deploy tactical plans and content that ensure NEMA reaches its audiences through compelling storytelling and multi-channel advocacy campaign management. The Director is experienced in producing material for the media, responding to media requests, and proactively securing placements in a variety of media outlets.

The position builds and fosters relationships with key stakeholders across traditional and online media channels; develops, edits, and publishes written and visual content; co-manages NEMA social media channels; identifies and achieves thought leadership opportunities; and provides support to Members and Councils. The position collaborates with various electrical and medical imaging department heads to implement multimedia strategies to expand awareness of NEMA advocacy efforts.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Communications, this position demonstrates a superior ability to grow the Association’s reach through media placements, thought leadership, and search engine rankings.

The position is in Arlington (Rosslyn), Virginia.

Key Responsibilities

External Communications

• Lead conception and creation of content and messaging for digital channels
• Write and edit press releases, corporate communications, and stories ranging from research-heavy features to concise industry news
• Create and manage dynamic materials for newsletters, presentations, podcasts, infographics, and promotional event collateral
  
  

Advocacy Communications

• Support advocacy initiatives by drafting media pitches, press releases, statements, advisories, op-eds, talking points, briefings, message tracks, fact sheets, blog posts, and more to deliver Association’s key messages to Capitol Hill and targeted media outlets
• Collaborates with the Government Relations team to conceptualize and create issue-oriented toolkits and Member resources on the Association’s Website
• Create and maintain a media contact database of key journalists, columnists, and editors and work with the Vice President of Public Affairs to develop strategic relationships with media contacts
• Develop and track monthly analytical reports for the Senior Management Team on media placements
• Serve as first point of contact for media requests, member requests, department inquiries, and w/ all key stakeholders. Respond in a timely manner, especially with media with actionable next steps to include briefing documents and talking points for all media interactions. Share through notes with stakeholders, including recommendations on improvements and possible after actions
• Develop targeted media outreach strategy, including regular contact with journalists, increased participation in relevant industry events and advocacy campaigns, proactively pitching target media on issues of the day/trending stories
  
  

Online Content and Social Media

• Alongside the Director, Stakeholder Communications, manage strategy and content creation and analysis for social channels and public websites to drive engagement and grow the Association’s reach
  
  

Communications Support to Customers

• Generate and pitch project scopes of work (SOW) to NEMA Sections and Councils to meet department revenue goals
• Provide creative direction for the development of graphic, web, audio, and visual elements as outlined in approved SOW
• Manage approved project budgets as outlined in the SOW
  
  

Experience And Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or similar; graduate degree a plus
• Seven years of experience writing and editing with an in-depth knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style
• Minimum of four years of experience creating and measuring social media campaigns
• Minimum of four years of experience developing and executing advocacy communications
• High attention to detail and ability to self-edit to produce accurate, error-free content
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building expertise in a results-oriented environment
• Demonstrated competency of news media operations, including print, online, blogs, and social channels
• Ability to conceptualize, write, edit, and schedule content for multiple publications
• Ability to succinctly communicate messages and customize to different audiences
• Polished verbal and written communication skills and executive presence
• Strong computer skills; Adobe Photoshop, Hootsuite, InDesign, Sitefinity experience a plus
  
  

NEMA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including paid holidays, personal time, flexible working hours, 401(k) plan, health/dental insurance, health savings plan, and partial pre-tax parking/Metro subsidy.

Veterans are encouraged to apply. EOE/M/F/V/D.