Public Relations Specialist, Senior

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory - Cambridge, MA

Full-time - Senior

Cambridge, MA

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Senior Media Relations Specialist at Draper serves as the primary media contact, responsible for developing and implementing media relations programs within the government and strategic defense sectors. This role involves managing crisis communications, collaborating with the Executive Leadership Team, and ensuring that all public communications align with Draper's strategic initiatives and reputation. The position requires a proactive approach to media relations, showcasing Draper's successes and maintaining strong relationships with key media outlets.

Responsibilities

• Cultivates and manages relationships with key U.S. business media outlets and journalists.
• Manages crisis communications and proactively communicates and solicits media coverage and publicity for press-worthy events.
• Initiates and develops proactive media relations efforts with mainstream, online, and specialty media outlets based on an editorial calendar and late-breaking opportunities.
• Researches, writes, and edits articles, speeches, reports, statistical backgrounds, and talking points representing the company, project, and/or customer.
• Researches and analyzes legislative actions as they relate to assigned programs.
• Manages Congressional inquiries and responses.
• Proactively sources story ideas and other reports and partners with the Internal Communications Manager and Social Media Manager to develop content.
• Develops feature stories about Draper and its accomplishments for the Draper site.
• Works on other projects for the department as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Communications or a related field.
• 7-10 years related Public/Media Relations or Public Affairs experience, preferably in the defense industry.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, well-versed in AP Style with high attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong time management skills, able to balance multiple priorities.

Nice-to-haves

• Familiarity with current knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, procedures, and practices.
• Experience attending briefings and hearings and providing advice on relevance to programs.

Benefits

• Workplace flexibility
• Employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga
• Health and finance workshops
• Off-site social events
• Discounts to local museums and cultural activities