This position is hybrid-remote, with at least two days required per week in our Arlington, VA office 

Summary of Position:

The position primarily supports NAA’s public affairs team in developing, implementing and executing strategic communications initiatives and programming for a variety of audiences, including all segments of the rental housing industry and all tiers of media. The manager, public affairs oversee's the association’s industry and general operations communications and manages the development of policy, regulatory and advocacy-based social media and website content. 

Principal Accountabilities:

• Oversee and execute industry and general operations communications efforts, to include press releases, statements, pitches and media responses, to increase coverage of operational issues, member programs and awards in the press. 
• Develop talking point documents, creative content and strategic plans to support NAA public affairs efforts. 
• Build and maintain relationships with members of the industry press and national – including top-tier – media. 
• Prepare key staff spokespersons for and manage media engagements, including strategic messaging, media training and interview preparation. 
• Collaborate with Government Affairs, Research, Executive and Legal teams to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information, including press statements, policy analysis and special projects. 
• Editor of four NAA newsletters: Two advocacy publications (Apartment Advocate and Apartment Advocate Pro), Capitol Hill newsletter for lawmakers and their offices (Industry Insights) and weekly executive leadership digest (NAA Five). 
• Develop policy, regulatory and advocacy-based social media and website news content. 
• Maintain all media records, publicize NAA efforts amongst membership to continually increase awareness of NAA media. Enhance media recordkeeping to show growth in media relations, analyze media coverage to enhance media relations and find timely and relevant media pitches. 
• Manage onsite press for Apartmentalize, including recruitment, pre-registration and onsite check-in processes. 
• Set clear expectations for cross-department projects, track timelines and ensure deadlines are met across teams. 

Competencies:

1. Communication proficiency   
2. Organizational skills    
3. Proactive outlook    
4. Critical evaluation    
5. Technical capacity 
6. Cultural awareness 
7. Relationship management 
8. Ethical practice

Our Benefits:

NAA offers a rich benefits package including:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Generous vacation and sick leave

Company-paid life insurance, short and long-term disability

Transportation and phone allowance

401K match

Education assistance

Professional development opportunities

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None 

Travel:

Minimal, perhaps an occasional conference. 

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a similar field 
• 3+ years previous experience in a professional setting, communications experience preferred 
• Experience in media relations, to include building and maintaining relationships with reporters 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Knowledge of AP style and rules of grammar and punctuation 
• Familiarity with PR and media relations 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize projects and manage competing deadlines; deliver quality work under tight deadlines 
• Ability to interact with association staff at all levels, including senior leadership and executives 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 
• Basic photography and videography skills 
• Campaign, legislative or government affairs experience a plus 

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift up to 20 pounds. 

Work Environment:

Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.