Media and Public Relations Manager

Overview:

Responsible for managing external public and media relations communications as they relate to IFT’s media, public image, and advocacy activities and successes. The Media and Public Relations Manager manages IFT media contacts in coordination with IFT’s external media partner and is responsible for effectively telling the IFT story to media and identified strategic influencer audiences. The role also manages day-to-day media issues management; proactive and reactive media and public relations.

Essential Responsibilities:

Manage the following in collaboration with IFT’s external media partner, to ensure IFT protects and promotes its image in a proper, coordinated, strategic, and consistent manner:

• Manage media inquiry response, interviews, pitching, public outreach events, and overall IFT news flow 
• Cultivation and enhancement of collaborative working relationships with press and publicity community representing IFT’s strategic audiences 
• Develop earned media strategies to effectively communicate IFT’s mission, member successes, and overall positive impact on the global food system 
• Reacts to breaking news by offering our experts for interviews and comments 
• Prepare press releases, talking points, blog articles, social media posts and other relevant product development for media and strategic influencer audiences 
• Detect public relations issues as they emerge and coordinate response with appropriate senior leadership 
• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press, identify issues and trends, and advise management 
• Organize media tours for key spokespeople to engage with editors and writers at strategic publications/platforms to enhance awareness of IFT brand 
• Monitors print, online, and broadcast media for coverage that includes mention of IFT and it’s members and experts 
• Consistently updates IFT media lists to reflect editorial staff and beat changes 
• Research and write briefing materials as needed 
• Works with the Senior Director of Integrated Marketing, Communications, and Brand Strategy (IMCBS) to ensure crisis communication preparedness and communication procedures are known and respected 
• Works with Senior Director IMCBS to develop strategies for increasing coverage of IFT research, experts, products, initiatives, and events; helps document strategies and establish benchmark goals as part of the IFT Integrated Marketing, Communications, and Brand Strategy team’s strategic planning process 
• Working with Senior Director, Senior Communication Manager, and Social Media Specialist, create an annual editorial calendar, determining content and new and existing channels for engagement with media and IFT’s strategic influencer audiences 
• Work closely with Senior Communications Manager to develop consistent messaging across IFT’s primary and strategic influencer audiences particularly in instances when there is need to counter negative publicity and/or handle crisis and emergency communication 
• Support and train Food Science Communicators and interested members on how to appropriately respond to media through tailored media trainings

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or related area 
• Minimum three years progressive experience developing and managing successful public relations programs 
• Demonstrated experience in social media PR practices 
• Experience with a food, health or scientific organization a plus

Skill Requirements:

• Ability to write clearly and concisely, in AP style with exceptionally strong written communication skills 
• Extreme attention to detail and highly organized 
• Strong verbal communication skills 
• Demonstrated confidence in pitching story ideas to media outlets 
• Ability to multi task and perform in a fast-paced environment is a must 
• Knowledge and skill with various online media relations database tools 
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint 
• Is passionate about media relations

Manager Skill Requirements:

• Manage projects, processes, and/or people to accomplish personal, departmental, and organizational goals 
• Improve customer service experience, create engaged customers and facilitate organic growth; take ownership of customer issues and follow problems through to resolution 
• Display team player mentality; maintain collaborative relationships within and across departments 
• Display a proactive spirit; continuously offer solutions to challenges/issues and provide suggestions for improvement 
• Reason effectively and come to logical conclusions as one type of analysis for problem solving 
• Support IFT financial and budgetary standards through appropriate use of resources

Work Conditions:

• Minimal travel and the ability to attend evening and weekend meetings 
• Sitting for extended periods of time 
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and to effectively handle office machinery