Director, Media Relations

Description:

Hybrid Work

The Director, Media Relations, is a member of the dynamic marketing and communications team that is integral in supporting the Allegheny Conference's work. In this role, you are pivotal in shaping and promoting the public image of the Conference, its affiliates, and its high-impact economic development initiatives. You will develop and execute media and public relations plans, thought leadership content, and cultivate media relationships.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the regional and industry-specific media landscapes, development of strategic media content and outreach, and a proven record of managing media relationships in a public policy setting. You will play an active role in supporting local and state advocacy policy strategy for the organization, alongside earned media storytelling efforts that support business attraction and investment to our region. The selected candidate should be a curious listener, proactive collaborator, and savvy communicator.

Requirements:

• Provides editorial and strategy oversight for earned media, reports, and publications, as well as contributing to key message development. Develops and executes an annual PR plan that supports the Conference's agenda. Maintains consistent contact with subject-matter experts within the organization to seek communications opportunities and ensure appropriate media coverage.
• Monitors the news cycle for opportunities and threats and analyzes trends to inform communication strategies.
• Serves as the primary contact for all incoming media inquiries, including securing appropriate spokesperson(s), and advancing interview opportunities. Collaborates with the strategy and policy teams to develop media strategies that support broader organizational goals and ensure appropriate media coverage.
• Works proactively to develop story ideas, pitches, and key messages, determining the most compelling way to share them with members of the news media. Cultivates and manages media relationships. Works with VP of Communications and Communications Manager to develop news conferences/briefings, media tours/visits, advisories, op-eds, statements, and news releases. Coordinates media-focused activities from the initial planning stage to execution.
• Develops and implements reporting methods to measure the effectiveness of media relations activity. Prepares executive summaries of coverage and provides input into how best to leverage earned media placements, adjust strategy, and amplify across all Conference channels. Serves as a strategic media advisor to organization leaders and plays a key role in issues management. Supports media reporting to senior leadership and the board of directors.
• Assists in the research, editing and proofreading of other communications materials. Ensures compliance with writing, graphic and brand standards. Contributes to the stewardship of organizational and regional brands, as well as organizational reputation management and protection.
• Facilitates efficiency of the organization by performing other duties and participating in special projects, as assigned.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Technical Communications or related field preferred.

Knowledge:

Experience in state and local public policy and/or business development knowledge required.

Knowledge of the business and civic leadership audiences a plus.

Experience:

· 8-10 years of progressive experience in the media and public relations; experience in an agency and/or corporate communications preferred.

· Demonstrated experience and ability to write a variety of deliverables, in both short- and long-form, such as web copy, articles, editorials, backgrounders, news releases, and talking points.

· Strong level of comfort in working with senior-level leadership.

· National media experience a plus.

Skills:

· Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to conceptualize and produce a range of communications deliverables.

· Ability to work with subject matter experts to understand complex source material, including reports, policy statements, legislation, and regulations.

· Ability to identify and cultivate relationships with regional, trade, and national media and to solicit interest via media advisories, press releases, and pitches.

· Ability to work and thrive in a multi-task and multi-deadline environment. This position requires high-level attention to detail and a focus on deliverables without losing sight of overall communication strategies.

· Ability to balance and prioritize demands from a variety of sources, both internal and external, and deal effectively with politically sensitive, as well as confidential, information.

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of internal colleagues, exercising good judgment, maturity, and diplomacy.

· Self-starter with proven ability to work in a team environment.

Compensation details: 100000-105000 Yearly Salary

PIb1819460af8c-30210-38546517

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

Posted Date: 9/18/2025