Job Description

Compensation Grade: S20
Salary Range:

Opening Date: April 7, 2023

Closing Date: April 22, 2023
Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.
As a Media Relations Specialist, you will perform a full range of Media Relations functions and contribute to the public image of the Airports Authority.

Media Relations Specialist

Serves in the Office of Communications and Government Affairs at the Headquarters Office, with additional deployments to Reagan National and Dulles International Airports.

As an official media spokesperson, performs the full range of strategic media relations, public affairs, and public information functions. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as an official, on-the-record Airports Authority spokesperson on assigned topics or issues; provides responses to media inquiries including television and radio interviews.

Assists in leading media outreach efforts and in planning and preparing collateral material for external use (e.g., talking points and logistical support for media events.).

Develops and leads media opportunities to promote key Airports Authority initiatives and projects; attends public hearings and meetings on behalf of the Airports Authority, as necessary, possibly including outside normal business hours.

Identifies, prepares, disseminates and follows up on news releases, media announcements, associated social media and online communications channels to promote the airports (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport), the Airports Authority Police and Fire Departments, and the Dulles Toll Road (DTR).

Provides public information and announces new initiatives, programs, meetings, and actions of the Airports Authority\'s Board of Directors, as required.

Assists in developing and maintaining emergency communication preparedness and response plans; supports Department efforts in emergency training exercises; may act as lead Media Relations representative during emergency response.

Supports requests for filming news features and commercial projects at the Airports.

Identifies and prepares content for the Airports Authority\'s internal communications efforts; assists in developing, writing, and disseminating weekly employee newsletters and articles.

May take the lead in developing programs and procedures for continuing outreach to community news publications and the airport/aviation, business and trade press.

May serve as Contracting Officer\'s Technical Representative (COTR) for support services functions, such as the media monitoring services.

May serve as photographer for special events.

Performs other duties, as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS

Five years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications or TV, radio or print media, or a combination of those fields.

Well-developed skill in writing, editing and public speaking.

Ability to coordinate incoming media requests and respond in a timely manner.

Ability to analyze newsworthy matters and to prepare and disseminate news/press releases, announcements, and media stories, and use new/emerging public affairs media tools.

Skill in recommending, developing, and implementing strategic media plans.

Knowledge of news industry standards, practices and ethics, and media relations principles, and the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the news media.

Ability to work under pressure and maintain poise in time-sensitive and emergency situations.

Ability to use a computer, camera, smartphone with apps, and other media equipment and software.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor\'s Degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Public Affairs, or Public Relations.

Experience using social media to convey public information, including during emergency situations

Ability to conduct media interviews in Spanish.

EDUCATION

A Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s Degree in any field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver\xe2\x80\x99s license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates a vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

May be subject to adverse weather conditions when giving interviews at on-scene and outdoor locations. Wears personal protective equipment, as needed, when touring construction areas.

Subject to job pressures from intense media demands in emergency situations.

Subject to variable duty schedule (including weekends and holiday), and on-call requirements for 24-hour media-call rotation and recall for non-routine or emergency situations.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.