Note: APA operates on a 37.5-hour work week with one-hour lunch breaks each day. APA sets salaries based on several considerations, including years of relevant experience, level of education, and previous staff and/or governance experience at APA.
The Senior Manager, Media Relations manages day-to-day media relations and oversees related operations that position APA as an authoritative voice on psychology and mental health. The senior manager handles complex media inquiries, drives proactive story development, cultivates relationships with journalists, and leads journal review and research promotion. Working in close collaboration with the senior director and colleagues, the senior manager provides recommendations on media strategy and leads execution within their areas of responsibility. The role requires strong media relations expertise, sound news judgment, and the ability to set direction for staff and manage multiple priorities with moderate independence.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field (master’s degree preferred)
- 6-8 years of experience in communications, media relations or related roles, preferably in a nonprofit, scientific or association setting. A combination of education and years of experience may be considered.
- Proven track record building relationships with journalists at major media outlets
- Strong news judgment and ability to identify and develop compelling story opportunities
- Solid grounding in science, including the ability to read, interpret and effectively communicate scientific literature
- Excellent writing and editing skills across multiple formats (press releases, reports, op-eds, pitches) using Associated Press style
- Experience managing consultants or staff
- Knowledge of psychology, mental health or related fields
- Familiarity with AI tools and their application to communications workflows, including research, content development and media monitoring.
Computer Skills Required:
- Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office 365 suite, including PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint
- Familiarity with media monitoring and distribution platforms such as Cision and Critical Mention preferred
Responsibilities:
Media Relations
- Manage complex media inquiries, identifying appropriate experts and recommending strategic approaches
- Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers across mainstream, trade, and emerging media platforms
- Execute proactive media outreach and develop pitching strategies to expand APA's media presence
- Issue media advisories or recommend approaches for breaking news stories, including developing and maintaining lists of expert psychologists available to respond
- Develop media content including press releases, reporter pitches, talking points, and expert advisories
Journal Review and Research Promotion
- Serve as primary Public Affairs liaison for APA Publishing, developing and implementing media strategies for APA’s journals and books
- Oversee the process of reviewing APA's journals for newsworthy research and trends, managing the work of other staff and consultants
- Oversee development and distribution of press releases and proactive media outreach promoting journal research
- Develop and implement new approaches to increase research coverage
Maintain and Grow APA’s Pool of Subject Matter Experts
- Ensure APA can efficiently collect, track, assess, and reach a deep pool of subject matter experts in the field. Oversee tools needed to support this work, including APA's Media Referral Service
- Lead recruitment of new expert spokespeople, with emphasis on building diverse expertise
- Be the expert on the experts. Identify subject matter experts for communications opportunities across the organization, including articles, social posts, webinars, special projects, convention and event speakers, and book proposals
Media Monitoring and Reporting
- Direct the media monitoring function, setting standards for staff for daily clips, the weekly Media Watch newsletter, and media tracking
- Oversee collection and analysis of media requests and outreach data, ensuring accuracy and overseeing translation of findings into strategic assessments/recommendations
- Review and approve monthly clip reports, board reports, and quarterly reports before distribution
- Lead development of annual media reports, synthesizing trends to inform assessment and improvement of communications strategy
- Ensure accurate tracking of expert referrals, including demographic reporting
Convention
- Run the press office onsite at APA's annual convention, managing media credentialing and handling contentious issues as they arise
- Promote convention to reporters, including summarizing story ideas and coordinating reporter schedules and interviews
- Work with convention staff in growing opportunities for more coverage of sessions and content
Supervisory Responsibility
- Oversees the work of 1-2 staff or consultants
Other Duties as Assigned
About APA:
The American Psychological Association (APA) represents 146,000 psychologists, students, and affiliates, primarily in the U.S. and Canada but also in other countries around the world. APA is a scientific and professional organization with about 500 employees and is categorized as a 501(c)(3) along with its 501(c)(6) companion organization, APA Services, Inc.
APA offers a generous employee benefits program, including Remote Work/Flexible Scheduling; a 401(k) option with employer match of up to 4%; medical, dental, and vision insurance options and an outpatient mental health benefit; paid personal/vacation time plus 12 paid holidays; Family/Medical Leave; tuition assistance; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); short- and long-term disability insurance; and more.
Job Location: Remote: APA jobs may be considered for remote work eligibility as defined in APA’s Flexible Work Policy and are subject to approval. Remote work employees may not work from the following states or U.S. territories: Alaska, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, Wyoming.
Application Instructions:
Qualified candidates must apply online through APA’s applicant system and attach a resume and cover letter specifying your salary expectations. Applications that are submitted without both documents are considered incomplete and will not be reviewed for consideration. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please make sure to check your Spam folder if you do not receive an email from us.
The American Psychological Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected categories covered under local law.
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