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Public Affairs Council

Senior Manager, Communications

Public Affairs Council, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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Position Overview

The Senior Manager, Communications leads the Council’s integrated communications strategy, advancing its reputation as the world’s foremost authority on public affairs. This role combines strategic leadership with active execution, managing media relations, editorial content, social media storytelling, and internal communications to ensure the Council’s voice is consistent, credible, and impactful across all platforms. The Senior Manager crafts messages that shape public perception, support leadership visibility, and strengthen member engagement. This role leads organizational voice and editorial standards; partners with Marketing for campaign amplification and with Digital Experience for design and web presentation. Strategic Communications & Reputation Management

Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy that positions the Council as a global thought leader in public affairs. Serve as the organization’s lead on media engagement, external messaging, and brand positioning. Partner with leadership to anticipate reputational risks and lead crisis communications response planning and execution. Draft and edit executive statements, speeches, and opinion pieces for public dissemination. Ensure message consistency across all communication channels and stakeholder groups. > Media Relations & Thought Leadership

Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media partners. Pitch stories, respond to media inquiries, and prepare Council leadership for interviews and speaking engagements. Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, statements, and media advisories. Identify and develop opportunities to showcase the Council’s expertise through op-eds, features, and bylined articles. Track media coverage, analyze trends, and produce insights for leadership. Social Media & Digital Storytelling

Lead strategy and day-to-day execution of the Council’s social media channels to advance visibility, engagement, and brand alignment. Develop campaigns and digital storytelling content that amplify the Council’s thought leadership and member community. Collaborate with the Digital Experience team to optimize content presentation and reach. Monitor analytics to evaluate performance and guide content adjustments. Ensure social media activity aligns with the Council’s nonpartisan positioning and professional standards. Editorial Content & Publications

Oversee development and production of newsletters and content for external audiences. Oversee editorial and design production of Council research and publications. Write and edit high-quality content that advances the Council’s brand narrative. Maintain an editorial calendar aligned with key programs, initiatives, and campaigns. Partner with the Marketing team to ensure consistent message and tone across campaigns and publications. Provide editorial oversight and mentorship to the Communications Specialist, ensuring quality, clarity, and brand alignment. Oversee editorial quality and ensure all content aligns with the Council’s voice, tone, and brand standards Internal Communications & Collaboration

Lead internal messaging efforts, including staff announcements, leadership communications, and internal newsletters. Support organizational transparency and culture through consistent internal storytelling. Coordinate cross-functionally with Marketing and Digital Experience to ensure unified voice across all communications. Provide communications counsel to program teams to enhance message effectiveness and consistency. Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field. 8+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, preferably in an association, nonprofit, or corporate setting. Proven experience in managing media relationships, crisis communications, and executive messaging. Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with demonstrated versatility across channels and audiences. Experience managing social media strategy and analytics. Familiarity with public policy, government affairs, or corporate communications environments. Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field. Experience leading communications in a membership or professional association environment. Familiarity with content management systems and email marketing platforms. Comfort working with design and video tools for digital content creation. Media training or spokesperson experience on behalf of an organization. Core Competencies

Strategic Communication:

Develops and executes communications strategies that enhance organizational reputation and reach. Crisis Management:

Anticipates issues and leads effective, timely responses that safeguard credibility. Storytelling Excellence:

Crafts compelling, accessible narratives across digital and traditional media. Media Relations Expertise:

Builds strong, trusted relationships with journalists and influencers. Collaboration:

Partners effectively across teams to ensure consistent messaging and integrated outcomes. Leadership:

Mentors others and sets a high standard for professionalism, accuracy, and integrity. Position Attributes

Results-Oriented:

Driven to deliver measurable communications impact and elevate brand visibility. Composed Under Pressure:

Maintains poise and sound judgment in fast-moving or sensitive situations. Creative & Curious:

Constantly explores new formats, channels, and stories to connect with audiences. Ethical & Nonpartisan:

Upholds the Council’s integrity and objectivity in all public representations. Detail-Oriented:

Produces accurate, polished work under tight deadlines. Collaborative:

Works inclusively and effectively across functions and levels.

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