Media Relations Writer

Position Summary:

Creates speeches and remarks for NRECA’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and other members of the Senior Leadership Team. Writes regular publications on behalf of senior leadership that go out to association membership and detail major NRECA initiatives. Works closely with Communications and Government Relations teammates to track message development and delivery on key priorities. Archives NRECA messaging and maintains an organized record of NRECA materials.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Leads the development and drafting of impactful speeches and other remarks for NRECA’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and members of the senior leadership team, as appropriate.
Develops, drafts and supports the placement of timely and compelling op-eds on pressing association priorities at influential media outlets.
Pens a regular column from NRECA’s Chief Executive Officer to the association’s membership.
Develops and distributes the Cooperative Edge, a weekly news brief that highlights beltway activities for the association membership.
Drafts press releases and statements as needed.
Identifies, drafts and disseminates policy-focused content for use by electric cooperative members in local markets.
Determines and develops message tracks related to major NRECA initiatives, working with Government Relations subject matter experts, the Communications team and others. Develops and executes key messages, using research where appropriate.
Leads the development of compelling external-facing products including fact sheets, talking points, background briefing papers and website content on priority topics.
Supports the development of external materials designed to influence beltway stakeholders.
Partners with subject matter experts to ensure that key research, policy papers and public remarks are effectively written to maximize value with key audiences.
Strategizes the timing, placement, content and rollout of content as part of priority issue campaigns.
Builds and maintains a record of written NRECA messages and materials.

Direct Reports to this Position: N/A

Qualifications

Formal Education Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, Political Science or related field.

Experience And Certifications Required

5+ years of experience in advocacy, politics, public or media relations or a related field.
3+ years of experience successfully writing for senior leaders.
2+ years of experience working on political campaigns or Capitol Hill.
Experience with message testing and message execution preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required (as demonstrated by prior work experience):

Knowledge of the political and legislative world and the impact this has on electric cooperatives.
Exemplary writing and editing skills.
Ability to work strategically with individuals at the highest levels of the organization.
Ability to distill complex information into impactful writing for various audiences.
Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple projects at various stages of development using effective organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to effectively interact with others and work in a team environment and providing follow-up when needed as demonstrated.
Ability to be persuasive, negotiate, and collaborate with individuals at all levels throughout organization.
Ability to self-identify problems and recommend workable solutions in a timely fashion.
Ability to work in a collaborative environment to build consensus and gain agreement on plan of action.
Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.
Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point) and to operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine or other job-related equipment.
Ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful, responsive and respectful.

Essential Physical Requirements

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.