Media Relations Associate

Who We Are:
The Association for Competitive Technology (ACT) is a global trade association for small and medium-sized technology companies. Our members are entrepreneurs, innovators, and independent developers within the global app ecosystem who engage with verticals across every industry. We work with our members to promote a policy environment that rewards and inspires innovation while providing resources that help them raise capital, create jobs, and continue to build incredible technology. ACT represents this innovative community before policymakers, courts, and others to change policies that will enable small companies to grow, create jobs, and succeed. Our team is professional, collaborative, and effective, and we are the leading industry resource on key policy issues affecting small tech businesses, including privacy, antitrust, digital health, and workforce development.

Who You Are:
ACT is seeking a media relations associate who is interested in technology policy, communications, and the news media. The ideal candidate is a strong writer who is curious about how stories develop and how organizations effectively communicate with reporters and other audiences.

We are looking for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The right candidate will be interested in developing media relations skills, building relationships with reporters, and learning more about the issues affecting small technology companies and the app economy.

What to Expect:
The media relations associate supports the day-to-day media relations and communications work of ACT. This position reports to the director of global communications and will assist with media outreach, press materials, media monitoring, research, and events.

This position is located in Washington, D.C., with in-person work required three days per week, with flexibility for the other two days.

Responsibilities will include:

Building and maintaining media lists and journalist contact information

Researching reporters and news outlets covering ACT’s policy and industry issues

Assisting with media outreach, including drafting pitches, press releases, and media advisories

Following up with reporters as appropriate

Monitoring daily news coverage and identifying relevant stories and media opportunities

Using Meltwater to track coverage and prepare media reports and summaries

Responding to incoming press calls and emails, and directing inquiries to the appropriate staff member

Drafting talking points, fact sheets, and other communications materials

Assisting with press conferences, briefings, and other media events, including RSVPs, credentialing, event materials, and on-site support

Researching news trends and coverage of issues relevant to the organization

Maintaining media and communications records in the organization’s CRM

Assisting with embargoes and other media outreach logistics

Supporting reporting on media coverage and communications metrics

Qualifications:

2-4 years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or a related field

Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail

Familiarity with the news media and an interest in understanding how stories are developed and covered

Strong research and organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines

Comfortable working in a collaborative team environment

Must be a self-starter with the ability to work independently while taking direction from senior staff

Ability to learn new communications and media monitoring tools

Experience with Meltwater or a similar media monitoring or CRM platform is preferred but not required

An interest in technology policy and the small businesses that drive the app economy

Washington, D.C.-area communications experience is preferred but not required

Additional Experience That Would be Helpful:

Previous experience in a newsroom, public relations agency, congressional office, or political campaign

Experience supporting a press event or working with a spokesperson

What Success Looks Like:
During the first year, the media relations associate will become familiar with ACT’s policy issues, media contacts, and communications processes and take on increasing responsibility for day-to-day media relations work.

Priorities will include:

Managing media lists, media monitoring, and routine press inquiries

Producing strong first drafts of press materials with limited editing

Developing relationships with reporters who cover the organization’s issue areas

Taking on additional responsibility for media outreach and story development as experience grows

What We Offer:

Salary range of $50,000-$70,000

The complete benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401K, commuter benefits, cell phone, and home internet reimbursement

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