Associate Director, Public Policy & Media Relations

ABOUT NAFSA: Association of International EducatorsWith more than 10,000 members, NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the largest and most comprehensive association of professionals committed to advancing international higher education. Based in the United States, we provide programs, products, services, and a physical and virtual meeting space for the worldwide community of international educators. The association provides leadership to its varied constituencies through establishing principles of good practice and providing professional development opportunities. NAFSA encourages networking among professionals, convenes conferences and collaborative dialogues, and promotes research and knowledge creation to strengthen and serve the field. We lead the way in advocating for a better world through international education.NAFSA believes that international education advances learning and scholarship, fosters understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives, is essential for developing globally competent individuals, and builds leadership for the global community. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well-being for all.POSITION SUMMARYThe Associate Director, Public Policy and Media Relations serves a dual function of supporting both the public policy and media relations/advocacy teams. Under the guidance of the Senior Director for Advocacy and Strategic Communications, this position will support the legislative work of the department and assist with constituent advocacy strategies, as well as implementing NAFSA's media relations plan.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSImplement NAFSA's media relations function in collaboration with the Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Communications (25%)Screen, refer, schedule, or respond to media inquiries as appropriateMaster and manage the media monitoring system analytics and reporting tools to recommend media strategy to position association's agendaTrack media impact and responses, sharing periodic reports with departmentCompile daily press clippings and optimize the process for time-efficiencyReview and develop processes as necessary to ensure the media relations operation is organized with efficient processing and tracking media inquiries and impactConduct background media research on public policy issues; undertake reporter and media outlet research as neededManage logistics and administrative details for both media-related and advocacy events, including in-district visits, and tech event production of virtual trainings and webinarsWrite, edit, and proofread materials, including pitches, press releases, blog posts, announcements, profiles, backgrounders, fact sheets, talking points, biographies and other media-related itemsManage distribution of official NAFSA statements to the pressCollaborate with the Sr. Director, Public Policy & Legislative Strategy to support legislative and advocacy work of the department (25%)Draft and finalize Hill and grassroots advocacy campaigns and communicationsMaster and manage the department's use of workflow and contact management system to maintain and organize key contacts and grassroots advocates and event planning tasks for activities related to NAFSA's public policy agendaTrack advocate engagement in advocacy campaigns and congressional office responses by maintaining dashboards and sharing periodic reportsAnalyze federal legislative tracking and advocate engagement data to recommend congressional champions and inform targeted outreach strategiesMonitor policy updates for the department and flag key issuesEnsure consistency and high-quality presentation of the association's outreach with policymakers by serving as quality control on materials prepared by the departmentConduct public policy research, as neededOngoing support of constituent advocacy team deliverables (25%)Plan and execute the tech production of virtual components of Advocacy Day and other events, committing to mastery of Zoom tech tools and online meeting best practices.Make recommendations to optimize performance of Hill outreach, grassroots advocacy campaigns, and newsletter design based on data insights.Identify top-performing advocates and suggest advanced engagement strategies (segmentation by issue, segmentation by key state, etc.)Backstop the Senior Director for Advocacy and Strategic Communications in implementing constituent advocacy during high volume, time-sensitive campaignsSupport and manage operational processes that ensure a high-quality, functioning department (20%)Assume primary responsibility for website updates for the department, including newsletter updates, policy priorities, and Policy DigestPrepare and monitor the public policy budget, under the direction of the Deputy Executive DirectorDevelop and provide oversight of budget line items that include operational expenses for the department such as dues, subscriptions, graphic design, printing, etc.Manage public policy and media relations digital files and filing system.Field department inquiries and determine required actions; initiate responses when appropriate or refer to other staff and follow-up on progressEngage media monitoring and advocacy/legislative tracking vendors to evaluate opportunities to upgrade existing systems.Performs other duties and special projects as assigned (5%)REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor's degree in a relevant fieldExperienceAt least three years of related experienceStrong interest in public policy, U.S. government, media, and advocacyComfortable working with databases and website technologyExcellent written and oral communication and organizational skillsAbility to effectively communicate and convey information across multiple formats and channels, ensuring understanding and engagementAbility to work collaboratively in a team environment, under pressure, and juggle multiple-priorities while meeting deadlines.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperienceCapitol Hill, federal agency, non-profit, or media outreach and communications experience preferred;International education/exchange or international affairs experience preferredExperience planning, organizing and managing projects; ensuring deliverables are achieved on time and within scopeProficiency in using Excel spreadsheets preferredAbility to take initiative, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment;Commitment to the association's mission.Work Environment:The standard workday is generally 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. During the week after Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday. NAFSA employees are eligible to apply for regular teleworking two days a week (on Mondays and Fridays). Travel is required occasionally related to job responsibilities, especially for the annual conference or other leadership meetings. Participation in the NAFSA annual conference the week of Memorial Day, including the holiday itself, is a job requirement. The annual conference is held in varying cities. Tasks are performed in a typical office environment, involving sitting for extended periods of time. Sitting, standing, bending, and lifting 10lbs or less will occur intermittently throughout the workday. Position involves constant use of computer keyboard and monitor, with intermittent use of headset and microphone. Total Compensation, BenefitsThe target salary for this full-time, 35-hour per week Associate Director, Public Policy & Media Relations position is $67,000. Total compensation for employment at NAFSA entails a competitive employee benefits package including:Competitively priced medical and dental insurance plans with CareFirst403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for a 7% employer contributionGenerous paid vacation, sick, personal, parental, and compassionate leave plansSeventeen paid days on and around federal holidaysFully paid group life and disability insurance coverageHealth and dependent care flexible spending account plansPre-tax parking and transportation plansOpportunities for professional development and $5,250 in tuition reimbursementFree onsite fitness center and secure bicycle parkingPI09c947e6d0b1-5373