Media Relations & Communications Coordinator

The Media Communications & Relations Coordinator plays a pivotal role in shaping the public image of Red Carrot’s federal government client by serving as the primary liaison between media outlets and our client. This role requires a skilled communicator with a deep understanding of media relations, capable of fielding media inquiries and coordinating interviews with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). The Media Relations & Communications Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining positive relationships with journalists and ensuring that accurate and timely information is conveyed to the media. This is a remote position but the preference for an ideal candidate is to be in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) or Florida.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Relations:

Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with journalists, reporters, and media outlets.
Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinating responses and interviews with subject matter experts.
Prepare agency representatives for media interactions and interviews.
Analyze social media metrics to track engagement and make data-driven improvements.

Client Relationships:

Act as liaison between media outlets and Client, fielding media inquiries and coordinating interviews with Subject Matter Experts
Monitor client business daily/weekly to ensure strategy & metrics are successful.
Evaluate and analyze data, including developing succinct, accurate summaries and analyses of research that include strategic recommendations for clients.
Develop strong relationships with Client(s) establishing regular communication to ensure expectations are met.
Keep Agency management informed of the status of Client relations, including personnel changes and issues pertaining to agency performance.
Ensure compliance with the Scope of Work.
Develop client monthly reporting.

Event and Interview Coordination:

Plan and execute interviews, media events, press conferences, and briefings.
Coordinate logistics, manage media attendance, and ensure the dissemination of relevant materials.

Internal Communication:

Collaborate with internal departments to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
Assist in developing internal communication strategies to engage and inform agency staff.

Management and Growth:

Balance client demands with participation in broader agency initiatives.
Work with business development to develop RFP responses.
Proactively identify and pursue opportunities to grow existing business.
Utilize Agency resources to develop plans to grow business.
Manage project timelines and monthly reporting.
Identify potential project risks and develop contingency plans.
Identify opportunities to improve programs/tactics and enhance offerings to clients.
Provide strategic support and tactical recommendations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must Haves:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
5+ years of experience managing or coordinating media relations, public relations, or communications.
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
Ability to meet requirements to obtain a Public Trust Clearance or an existing Public Trust or Security Clearance
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Experience with media monitoring programs like Meltwater or programs similar to the list included below.
Brandwatch, Talkwalker, Cision, Mention, Critical Mention, BurrellesLuce, MediaRadar, NUVI, LexisNexis, Newsdesk, BuzzSumo, Awario, Muck Rack, Digimind, Radarly, Gorkana (formerly Cision)
Experience with data driven programs like Google Analytics or programs similar to the list below.
Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Matomo (formerly Piwik), Heap Analytics, Clicky, Kissmetrics, Webtrends, Chartbeat, StatCounter, Woopra

Nice to Haves:

Knowledge of federal agency operations and policies
Federal government or large enterprise corporation experience
Experience with Public Trust or Security Clearance processes
Well-organized with a keen eye for detail