The National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU) seeks a Senior Media Strategist & Spokesperson to further elevate the Association’s relationships with reporters and increase awareness of the organization’s brand. This position is part of a 5-person Communications team and reports to the Vice President of Communications and Media Relations.
Who we are:
NAFCU is helping credit unions unlock their potential by helping them grow through best-in-class advocacy, compliance assistance, and education. Everything we do is designed to help credit unions increase their ability to serve America’s main streets – we believe credit unions are the best financial services option for the American consumer, and we want them to win.
Growing also is key where our employees are concerned. Within our 70+ person staff, we look to support each other to be creative and curious. Extreme member service is what we provide our credit unions, but it’s also what we provide one another so we can meet our individual and Association goals in the short- and long-term. We want to work in the company of a diverse, inclusive group of people who treat their colleagues with respect and warmth.
Who you are:
You are an experienced communicator, with strong media contacts on both the local and national front. You see the strategic vision for the organization’s press engagement and are able to communicate policy and legislative positions through your contacts and various public messaging options. You know how to effectively convey priorities in a compelling way. You are innovative, always looking for new ways and new outlets to package and deliver content. You have the ability to prioritize a varied workload, balance multiple tasks and projects without missing deadlines, and work efficiently while generating high-quality work product. You thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
What you'll do:
- Develop and maintain relationships with reporters and producers to enhance NAFCU's national media presence; staff and coordinate media interviews.
- Craft proactive communications plans, including messaging and strategies, on NAFCU’s priorities in order to help define upcoming policy debates.
- Track conversations occurring with influencers and identifies when, if, and how NAFCU should engage to further policy priorities.
- Develop a proactive plan to media train NAFCU staff.
- Serve as a liaison with subject matter experts to identify upcoming priorities and a communications strategy that amplifies their work.
- Investigate and recommend new, entrepreneurial ways to communicate and package content to enhance the Association's presence.
- Research, write, and manage development of the annual report and the Association’s 990 report.
- Draft and pitch guest columns, commentaries, opinion pieces, and letters to the editor for publication.
- Draft media outreach plan to promote NAFCU conferences and serve as the main point of contact for reporters in attendance. Identify opportunities to promote conference speakers to national and trade reporters. Travel as necessary to provide communications support during conferences across the country.
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism, Communications, or English.
- Five to ten years of experience in communications, media relations or journalism.
- Must have a working knowledge of television, radio, and print journalism and skills in establishing relationships with the media. Experience managing social media is a plus.
- Firm grasp of financial policy issues and knowledge of the congressional and federal regulatory process. Experience working on the Hill, with a financial institution or financial services trade association is highly desirable. Knowledge of credit union issues is a plus.
- High degree of proficiency in writing, composition structure, and grammar; strong editing skills; familiar with AP style; quick, accurate, talented writer able to produce results under a tight deadline.
- Familiar with newsletter production processes.
- Strong team player, able to juggle multiple tasks and changing priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Proficient in MS Office, especially Word, Outlook, and Publisher.
- Ability to travel for conferences and other events – approximately 15% of the year.
TO APPLY please provide the following three items: (1) resume, (2) cover letter, and (3) salary range expectation to HR@nafcu.org. EOE