Junior Media Relations Specialist

Job Summary

Aptive is seeking a Junior Media Relations Specialist to support public affairs efforts for a federal client with IT-related communications strategies and services. The ideal candidate will have experience supporting communications campaigns in the IT industry or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

 

The Junior Media Relations Specialist supports internal and external communications strategy development, planning, and execution within the VA, helping craft messages, assess and manage media bookings, and support the development of pitches. They work with the Senior Media Relations Specialist to develop—and execute—expert recommendations for the VA Office of Information and Technology's (OIT’s) media strategy. 

 

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of local and national IT media channels and points of contact, with an understanding of what makes a story relevant to journalists.

 

They are a flexible self-starter, proactive problem-solver and team player who can deliver superior service with poise—and a positive attitude —in a fast-paced environment.

 

This candidate will be expected to work a hybrid schedule onsite in Washington, D.C. Some additional travel to events may be required.

 

The expected compensation at the time of requisition creation, is between $70,000 and $80,000.  The position offers with medical, dental and vision coverage.  Additional benefits such as 401K, disability insurance and PTO are provided as well.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between the VA OIT and media points of contact to foster relationships.
• Support the development and management of a robust public affairs program to inform and educate the general and specialized public groups regarding programs, activities, issues and services.
• Provide recommendations on how to be proactive with a robust media outreach approach.
• Support planning and execution of campaigns to convey complex information concerning OIT.
• Support media pitches to national publications and high-profile IT and government trade publications.
• Provide analysis of and recommendations for OIT-related media coverage.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the media and other specialized groups.
• Continuously monitor all relevant news sites and social media platforms OIT-related topics.
• Develop new products as well as review and copyedit existing products supplied by the client.
• Conduct assessments of existing communications and marketing plans and perform research to inform the development of new plans and products.
• Write, edit and improve briefing tools (e.g., talking points) and media pitches designed to communicate complex material to a non-technical audience.
• Interface with and support government clients, including senior executives.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-4 year of experience in public relations.
• BS/BA degree in public relations, or a related field of study.
• Experience drafting communications plans and policies —using templates and style guides —as well as digital communications (e.g., e-blasts).
• Experience with implementing proven successful communications campaigns in an integrated health care setting.
• Experience providing expert advice related to strategic communications for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local and national media channels.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
• Good project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Insight into IT industry media outlets and contacts.
• Experience supporting federal government clients.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues; desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Capable self-starter with high attention to details.
• Ability to work well within a team environment.
• Ability to carry out multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Experience using Meltwater or similar platforms.
• Active VA PIV card is preferred.

About Aptive

Aptive is a management consulting firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. With more than 500 employees across the U.S., we primarily support the federal government – more than a dozen agencies like Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Library of Commerce, Customs and Border Protection and the National Science Foundation. Our work focuses on applying creativity, technology and human-centered services to improve performance, bridge divides and elevate the lives of millions of people who count on government. services every day.