Associate Director, Public Policy & Media Relations

Associate Director, Public Policy & Media Relations

Employer: NAFSA: Association of International Educators

Location: Washington, D.C.

Salary: $67,000 (target)

Closing date: December 31, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The 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 FUNCTIONS

Implement 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 appropriate
• Master and manage the media monitoring system analytics and reporting tools to recommend media strategy to position association’s agenda
• Track media impact and responses, sharing periodic reports with department
• Compile daily press clippings and optimize the process for time‑efficiency
• Review and develop processes as necessary to ensure the media relations operation is organized with efficient processing and tracking media inquiries and impact
• Conduct background media research on public policy issues; undertake reporter and media outlet research as needed
• Manage logistics and administrative details for both media‑related and advocacy events, including in‑district visits and tech event production of virtual trainings and webinars
• Write, edit, and proofread materials, including pitches, press releases, blog posts, announcements, profiles, backgrounders, fact sheets, talking points, biographies and other media‑related items
• Manage distribution of official NAFSA statements to the press

Collaborate 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 communications
• Master 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 agenda
• Track advocate engagement in advocacy campaigns and congressional office responses by maintaining dashboards and sharing periodic reports
• Analyze federal legislative tracking and advocate engagement data to recommend congressional champions and inform targeted outreach strategies
• Monitor policy updates for the department and flag key issues
• Ensure consistency and high‑quality presentation of the association’s outreach with policymakers by serving as quality control on materials prepared by the department
• Conduct public policy research, as needed

Ongoing 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 campaigns

Support 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 Digest
• Prepare and monitor the public policy budget, under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director
• Develop 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 progress
• Engage media monitoring and advocacy/legislative tracking vendors to evaluate opportunities to upgrade existing systems.

Performs other duties and special projects as assigned (5%)

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Experience

• At least three years of related experience
• Strong interest in public policy, U.S. government, media, and advocacy
• Comfortable working with databases and website technology
• Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and convey information across multiple formats and channels, ensuring understanding and engagement
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, under pressure, and juggle multiple priorities while meeting deadlines

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Capitol Hill, federal agency, non‑profit, or media outreach and communications experience preferred
• International education/exchange or international affairs experience preferred
• Experience planning, organizing, and managing projects; ensuring deliverables are achieved on time and within scope
• Proficiency in using Excel spreadsheets preferred
• Ability 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 10 lbs 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, BENEFITS

Target salary: $67,000

• Competitively priced medical and dental insurance plans with CareFirst
• 403(b) retirement plan with eligibility for a 7% employer contribution
• Generous paid vacation, sick, personal, parental, and compassionate leave plans
• Seventeen paid days on and around federal holidays
• Fully paid group life and disability insurance coverage
• Health and dependent care flexible spending account plans
• Pre‑tax parking and transportation plans
• Free onsite fitness center and secure bicycle parking

COMPANY

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is an organization of people dedicated to building a global community and fostering a more peaceful world through advancing international higher education. With more than 10,000 members, NAFSA is the world’s largest professional development and advocacy organization committed to international learning and creating a more globally engaged, welcoming, and educated United States. We are an organization of individuals who believe that: international education advances learning and scholarship; strengthens America’s diplomatic ties with countries across the globe and is an integral part of national security; and is essential for developing globally competent individuals. We believe that international education lies at the core of an interconnected world characterized by peace, security, and well‑being for all. NAFSA is a workplace that not only appreciates diversity but believes it is our strength, and we strive to create an inclusive culture for all our team members.

EEO STATEMENT

NAFSA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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