Media Relations Specialist

As a Media Relations Specialist, you will perform a full range of media relations functions and contribute to the public image of the Airports Authority. Serves as an official media spokesperson and performs strategic media relations, public affairs, and public information functions, including developing messaging, managing media outreach, and supporting emergency communications. Works independently and collaboratively to promote key initiatives, respond to media inquiries, and support communications across multiple platforms. Performs related functions.

Serves in the Office of Communications and Government Affairs at the Headquarters Office, with scheduled and unscheduled deployments to Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles International Airports (IAD) and the Dulles Toll Road (DTR).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as an official, on-the-record Airports Authority spokesperson on assigned topics or issues; responds to media inquiries, including on-the-record and on-camera interviews.

Leads proactive and reactive media outreach from planning to execution, responsible for formulating strategies and messaging, and preparing collateral materials for external use (e.g., media plans, statements, talking points, and logistical support for media events).

Works independently and through teams to promote key Airports Authority initiatives and projects; attends internal and external meetings on behalf of the Airports Authority, including outside normal business hours.

Identifies, prepares, distributes, and pitches news releases, story ideas, background papers, talking points, Q&A documents, media announcements, social media posts, and website materials to promote the airports (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport), the Airports Authority Police and Fire Departments, and the Dulles Toll Road (DTR).

Provides public information to announce or explain new initiatives, programs, meetings, and actions of the Airports Authority's management and board of directors, as required.

Maintains the team’s readiness to respond effectively and in a timely manner to after-hours media requests and emergencies by being available for recall to any location 24/7 on short notice, serving as the lead Public Information Officer when designated as the team’s on-call representative.

Assists in developing and maintaining emergency communication preparedness and response plans and participates in emergency training exercises.

Supports frequent requests for filming news features and commercial projects at the Airports through timely and informative external interactions.

Develops and writes concise and compelling articles, meeting deadlines as a regular contributor to the Airports Authority's internal newsletter, as well as other publications. This includes producing visual elements such as photos, graphics, captions and videos to complement the articles and maximize audience engagement.

Develops and maintains trusted relationships with internal and external sources for the purpose of collaboration, advising, information sharing, story generation, and gathering feedback.

Serves as the team’s main point of contact on one or more contracts that provide support services such as media monitoring, media training, etc.

Performs other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Five years of experience in public relations, media relations, news reporting (TV, radio, online, print), or a combination of those fields. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Well-developed skills in writing, copy-editing (Associated Press style), and public speaking.

Prior experience creating news releases or reporting on information provided in news releases.

Knowledge of effective public relations strategies and tactics, ethics, and media relations principles, as well as the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the news media.

Ability to coordinate a high volume of incoming requests and respond in a timely manner – including after-hours, on weekends, and holidays.

Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, work under pressure, maintain poise, and apply good judgment in time-sensitive and emergency situations.

Ability to consistently meet quick-turn and long-term deadlines in managing job responsibilities.

Ability to explore and adapt to new procedures, standards, public relations tools, and emerging technologies.

Ability to use a computer, camera, and smartphone with apps for communication and storytelling purposes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or Public Relations.

Experience using social media to convey public information during emergency situations

Ability to conduct media interviews in Spanish.

EDUCATION

A Bachelor’s Degree in any field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Operates a vehicle airside and landside (requires AOA permit).

May be subject to adverse weather conditions when giving interviews at on-scene and outdoor locations. Wears personal protective equipment, as needed, when touring construction areas.

Subject to short-notice recall; must be able to report to any MWAA location (CHQ, IAD, DCA, DTR) within required response timeframes to support time-sensitive or emergency communications.

Subject to job pressures from internal and external sources during high-demand situations, including emergencies.

Subject to variable duty schedule (including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays), and on-call requirements for 24-hour media-call rotation and rapid-response recall for non-routine or emergency situations.

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quality, quantity, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

WHAT WE OFFER

A career with the Airports Authority comes with more than just a paycheck; it offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family’s health, financial security, and professional growth. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; well-being resources; health savings and flexible spending accounts; pension and retirement plans; and ongoing training and development opportunities. Discover more about our benefits package here.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers.

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority jobs

Media Relations Specialist