The Sr. Media Relations Associate will support AARP’s media relations work, reputation, organizational priorities and internal clients by drafting plans, developing media lists, pitching stories and op-eds, handling media event logistics, and so on. The successful candidate will additionally track/provide analysis of relevant news stories across multiple issue areas, produce reports, and draft/edit news releases, talking points, blog posts, social media posts, story pitches, and other content. Prior experience in public affairs and public policy-oriented communications is important.
- Write/proof/edit news releases, media advisories, talking points, blog posts and other content in support of media relations efforts.
- Field media requests and/or route inquiries to appropriate media relations staff in a timely manner.
- Write strong, effective pitches and pitch stories to a wide range of national, trade, specialty and new media outlets. Demonstrate sound news judgment.
- Track relevant news coverage to ensure the AARP leadership and the media team are aware of developing stories.
- Work with subject matter experts on interview preparation, briefings and media requests.
- Prepare regular analytics reports on core performance indicators as well as reports on demand as needed.
- Provide planning/logistical support for media calls and events as needed.
- Support internal clients.
- Demonstrated commitment to public advocacy.
- Demonstrated ability to work and thrive in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, assignments and deadlines is vital.
- Prior experience pitching media outlets.
- Demonstrated experience writing/editing news releases, talking points, blog posts and fact-sheets.
- Fluency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) as well as Cision or other similar platforms is a must.
- Prior experience with Google Analytics or similar tools preferred.
AARP offers competitive benefits with a 401K, 100% company funded pension plan, health, dental, vision and life insurance, STD/LTD, paid vacation and sick, and other benefits.