Public and Media Relations Director

$95,000 - $110,000/Yr

Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association - Frederick, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Frederick, MD

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Public and Media Relations Director at AOPA is a hands-on individual contributor responsible for executing day-to-day communications initiatives while fostering relationships with trade press and national publications. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to create strategic communications that align with organizational needs, including writing press releases and managing media outreach.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with various department stakeholders to develop strategic communications plans around various initiatives and announcements.
• Cultivate and maintain senior transportation contacts at national print, radio, and social media outlets.
• Write press releases relating to AOPA initiatives.
• Send press releases via media monitoring software, monitor external media for mention of AOPA, and create a weekly summary of AOPA mentions and general aviation industry news.
• Successfully achieve earned media that showcases the work and achievements of AOPA and the AOPA Foundation.
• Monitor, analyze and communicate PR results regularly.
• Support the government affairs teams' PR communications.
• Manage and perform the day-to-day drafting of PR materials, research, outreach projects, and the online AOPA Media Room.
• Develop and deploy crisis communications in conjunction with senior leadership.
• Assist senior leaders of AOPA in writing, editing, and proofing communication that reflects the speaker and the audience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, journalism, or writing.
• Strong writing skills required with an ability to relay correct tone and voice.
• 5+ years of experience in communications/public relations.
• Experience with social media required.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships, problem solve, and work independently in a changing environment.
• Effective communication of information and ideas in written and verbal format.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in aviation strongly preferred.
• Private Pilot License is a plus.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Gym membership
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year
• Paid Holidays: 12 holidays
• Personal days: 3
• Volunteer day: 1
• Paid Parental Leave
• AOPA Membership
• Wellness Program
• Gym Reimbursement Program
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Business casual dress code
• Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa