Media Relations Manager

Job Description
Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public affairs, public relations, business administration, or a related field.
  • In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a high school diploma or GED and four (4) years of on-the job training/experience in disciplines such as public relations, media relations, journalism field, print and broadcast interviews, both live and taped, in addition to the minimum experience stated below, will be considered

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 assists with management of media activities within the Office of Media Relations. The Media Relations Manager manages Metro's media relations efforts with traditional and non-traditional media and key external agencies. The incumbent works closely with the Vice President of Communications to develop media strategies to promote service excellence, talented teams, regional opportunities and partnership and sustainability. The incumbent provides professional, on-the-record comments, to the media, on behalf of the Metro.
Essential Functions

• Develops comprehensive communications programs and messaging that highlight "what's right about Metro" narrative to build customers, stakeholders, and the public support for ridership and regional transit priorities. Highlights progress in key policy areas, including but not limited to safety, reliability, and financial sustainability. Works closely with internal and external partners to execute communications strategies.
• Manages media relations events and activities for Metro, including but not limited to development, production, implementation, and administration of all strategic media plans. Analyzes and evaluates media plans for effectiveness and recommends appropriate channels to heighten awareness about Metro's initiatives
• Creates communications campaigns for priority initiatives, including but not limited to key policy matters, talent recruitment, customer experience, and other priorities identified by the Vice President of Communications and Senior Executive Team.
• Responds to an ever-changing media landscape addressing daily inquiries in a timely manner, correcting inaccuracies and generating information that tells Metro's story. This includes, on occasion, the performance of 24-hour, rotational on-call duties 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.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of a variety of topics that may affect Metro and the community we serve.
• Works closely with individuals in other departments and offices to coordinate media relations activities such as photo opportunities, formal and informal press conferences, interviews and subject matter expert positioning for backgrounders.
• Advises, prepares and arranges interviews for the General Manager, Senior Executive Team, and subject-matter experts on a variety of topics to maximize positive news coverage.
• Researches, writes, and edits a broad range of communication materials, including news releases, talking points, media advisories, social media posts, 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 campaigns on various channels to gauge the effectiveness of reach. Makes recommendations regarding communications strategies based on research and experience.
• Uses available technology to disseminate news related to the Metro on all owned channels. Works in coordination with other members of the Media Relations 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.
• Maintains the highest level of discretion while working with confidential information.

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.