Public Relations and Communications Manager

About the role

NCCER is seeking an accomplished Communications Manager to lead the organization’s public relations, earned media, institutional storytelling and editorial communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute NCCER’s public relations and earned-media strategy to increase awareness of the organization, its mission, programs, expertise and impact.
• Proactively identify newsworthy stories, trends, research, initiatives, partnerships and organizational developments that can generate earned-media opportunities.
• Develop compelling story angles and personally pitch relevant journalists, editors, publications, podcasts and other media outlets.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with construction, education, workforce-development, business and trade media.
• Serve as NCCER’s primary point of contact for incoming media inquiries and external interview requests.
• Counsel leadership during sensitive or high-visibility situations.
• Provide communications counsel to leadership during sensitive or high-visibility situations.
• Monitor issues and developments that could affect NCCER’s reputation or public positioning.
• Develop crisis and issues communications plans in partnership with the Director of Marketing, executive leadership and other appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Develop a strong understanding of NCCER’s programs, research, audiences, industry relationships and organizational priorities.
• Partner with Marketing managers responsible for Business and Industry, Education and Social Programs, Growth Marketing and other functions to identify communications opportunities.
• Translate complex industry, education and workforce-development topics into clear and engaging stories for external audiences.
• Identify opportunities to connect NCCER expertise and data to timely industry conversations.
• Develop case studies, success stories and other institutional storytelling as appropriate.
• Manage communications, public relations and influencer agencies or consultants as assigned.
• Partners with the Website Experience Manager to publish and optimize news, institutional content, major reports and other communications on NCCER.org.
• Work closely with the Lifecycle and Account-Based Marketing Manager when major institutional messaging intersects with lifecycle or account-specific campaigns.
• Support other departments within NCCER through appropriate meetings, communications planning and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, corporate communications, journalism, media relations or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success generating earned-media coverage through proactive story development and media pitching.
• Strong existing understanding of how journalists, editors and media organizations evaluate stories and sources.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Advanced knowledge of AP style and strong editorial judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to take complex or technical information and turn it into clear, compelling communications.
• Experience writing and editing executive communications, press releases, articles, reports, thought-leadership content and other high-visibility materials.
• Strong project-management skills and demonstrated ability to manage complex publications or communications projects involving multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
• Ability to confidently counsel executives, senior leaders and subject-matter experts on communications matters.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with media, internal stakeholders, external partners and agencies.
• Sound judgment and the ability to operate effectively during sensitive or fast-moving communications situations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to independently manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated initiative, curiosity and the ability to proactively uncover communications opportunities rather than relying exclusively on incoming requests.
• Able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Dependable in attendance and performance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in construction, skilled trades, workforce development, education, credentialing, training or a related industry.
• Experience working within or communicating on behalf of a nonprofit, association, foundation or mission-driven organization.
• Experience supporting philanthropy, fundraising, donor-impact or mission-oriented communications.
• Experience managing an external public relations, communications or influencer marketing agency.
• Experience developing or managing influencer and creator partnerships.
• Experience producing annual reports, research reports or other substantial institutional publications.
• Existing relationships with construction, education, workforce-development, business or trade media are strongly preferred.
• Experience working closely with executives and preparing leaders for media interviews.
• Experience with WordPress or another website content-management system.
• Familiarity with HubSpot, Salesforce or other CRM and marketing technology platforms.