Public Relations Manager

On Assignment - Lakeland, FL

Full-time - Senior

Lakeland, FL

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

ECS is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to serve as the Public Affairs Lead for the Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) in Lakeland, FL. This role involves leading the AOC Public Affairs team, coordinating media interactions, and ensuring effective communication practices within the organization. The position requires a proactive approach to media relations, crisis communications, and the production of various communication materials.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in regular operations meetings to stay up-to-date on current and future mission activities.
• Attend and actively participate in regular OMAO and NOAA Communications meetings and conference calls to keep OMAO leadership and NOAA communicators informed of OMAO activities.
• Provide advice to OMAO's Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist/Communications Director and OMAO leadership about how to improve communications practices and processes, including crisis communications procedures.
• Respond to media inquiries in a timely and professional manner and facilitate media interviews and interactions with OMAO subject matter experts.
• Serve as a NOAA/OMAO spokesperson before the media and the public.
• Supervise and direct AOC Public Affairs staff on a daily basis.
• Advise, train, and support OMAO personnel to ensure their interactions with the news media, public, and other stakeholders are professional and consistent with NOAA and DOC public communications policies.
• Write news releases and media fact sheets as needed, allowing ample time for review and clearance.
• Monitor and evaluate news coverage and report findings to the Supervisory Public Affairs Specialist/Communications Director or OMAO leadership as requested.
• Regularly produce photos, videos, and written content for OMAO's digital media channels, including social media platforms and website.
• Write talking points, speeches, and develop presentations as requested.
• Coordinate and provide on-site support for events that provide media, public, and other stakeholders the opportunity to learn about OMAO missions and platforms.
• Oversee the production of the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center's public-facing newsletter (Flightlines) and the center's social media and video content creation efforts.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other NOAA line offices, programs, and external partner organizations key to supporting OMAO and NOAA's mission.
• Coordinate with documentary filmmakers on productions related to NOAA aircraft operations.

Requirements

• At least 10 years experience within Public Affairs or related field
• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) in science, engineering, or administration
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and have ability to obtain a clearance
• Ability to travel
• Ability to work outside of regular office hours, including evenings, overnight hours, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to fly aboard NOAA aircraft as needed
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Experience with MS Office Suite, Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat

Benefits

• Health insurance
• 401k plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities