Media Relations Manager (Bureau Manager)

Media Relations Manager Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others. With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself. Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents. The City of Norfolk's Department of Communications & Marketing provides clear, timely, and consistent communication to residents, media, and stakeholders. The department leads media relations, public messaging, strategic outreach, and emergency communications to support transparency and strengthen public understanding of city initiatives. The Media Relations Manager leads the City of Norfolk's interactions with local, regional and national media outlets to ensure clear, accurate and timely communication of key initiatives, programs and policies. This role develops media strategies, coordinates press activities, serves as a primary spokesperson when designated and works closely with internal stakeholders to promote transparency and strengthen the City's public image. The Media Relations Manager oversees media inquiries, messaging and narratives while upholding communication best practices and organizational standards. The Media Relations Manager will also develop media and presentation training for subject matter experts (SME) and prepare SMEs ahead of media appearances. Essential Functions

Develop and execute comprehensive media relations strategies that elevate the City of Norfolk's priorities and support proactive communication. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers and communications partners across print, broadcast and digital media. Draft, edit and distribute press releases, media advisories, briefings, talking points and prepared remarks. Plan and facilitate press conferences, interviews and media events, including logistics, messaging and speaker preparation. Monitor news coverage, trends and emerging issues; provide regular analysis and recommendations to department leadership. Collaborate with internal departments to identify story opportunities and ensure consistent messaging across initiatives. Prepare leadership and subject matter experts for media engagement through coaching, briefing materials and message alignment. Manage crisis communications activities in partnership with leadership, ensuring timely and coordinated response. Maintain media contact lists, evaluation metrics and reporting on outreach efforts and coverage. Support digital and social media integration into media strategies as needed. Serve in the Joint Information Center (JIC) when activated.

Education/Experience A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, strategic communications or media relations is required. A bachelor's degree is required.

Experience working in government, public sector communications, or high profile organizational environments. Crisis communications training or experience managing sensitive or high visibility public messaging. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, analytics platforms, and newsroom software. Experience preparing executives or public figures for media engagement.

Additional Information & Requirements

Valid Driver's License required.

Benefits

Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking. Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization. Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union. Retirement The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant's school of enrollment must be an accredited institution.