Hiring: Senior Public Relations Specialist (Message & Branding), National Education Association

Senior Public Relations Specialist (Message & Branding), National
Education Association, Washington, DC                             

POSITION EMPHASIS:  The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective
to focus the energy and resources of its 3.2 million members toward the
promotion of public education by providing professional public relations
expertise, with an emphasis on message development, communication
integration, and brand management.

POSITION SUMMARY:  The incumbent acts as a communications advisor,
trainer, and strategist to NEA, elected leaders and staff.  The
incumbent uses proven messaging and positioning methodology to develop
research-based, tested forms of written, verbal, broadcast, and
interactive communications.  The incumbent works closely with NEA
departments and affiliates to provide communication integration and
brand management expertise.  In addition, the incumbent develops and
implements strategies to improve the public image of the NEA and state
affiliates with targeted audiences, communities, business partners, and
other external groups. Essential functions include quickly assimilating
multiple and varied sources of information to use in preparing clear,
concise and accurate statements and responses for NEA leaders, often
under short deadline. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the
following is provided: The position involves skill in using a personal
computer; oral and written communication skills; creativity,
proofreading and editing skills; use of clear and articulate speech;
interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced
environment; use of reasoning, analysis, and problem solving skills;
sitting for long periods; stooping, bending, and reaching; ability to
carry light materials (up to 10 pounds); and ability to travel by
various conveyances, e.g., air and automobile.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:  Bachelor of Arts degree in
Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or
related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and
experience.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Five years of progressively
responsible professional experience in strategic public relations,
marketing, branding, and/or message research, development, and delivery.
 OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  Specialized coursework in journalism, writing,
oral communication, including presentation skills, facilitation and
consensus building.  Availability to work extended hours on evenings and
weekends.  Work samples demonstrating the ability to analyze research,
write, edit and deliver messaging tools may be required at the time of
the interview.  Frequent travel travel required (between  21-45
overnights) per year.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Tier 1 (Essential):  Demonstrated significant project and program
experience related to message research and delivery, strategic public
relations (PR), and branding. Proven experience with advocacy
communication strategies that involve analyzing and synthesizing complex
information with the intent of effectively providing accurate and
concise deliverables in engaging ways to a variety of audiences. 
Significant experience with message development, and with writing,
editing, and producing high-quality communication vehicles, including
message guides, messaging workshop materials, hands-on technical
assistance tools, as well as representing the organization’s position on
issues. Effective analytical, interpersonal, and exceptional customer
service skills to interact with all levels of staff and governance. 
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part
of a team (internal and external).  Ability to handle multiple and
complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing
priorities/conditions.  Successful references.  TIER 2 (Significant): 
Proven project and program management experience with programs designed
to increase support for public education or with large-scale campaigns
related to creating public understanding of educational issues or public
policy.  Demonstrated experience in the development and coordination of
research-driven messaging and brand development and management. 
Experience in a PR agency as a consultant or in a corporate PR/marketing
department and/or experience as a journalist, writer, editor or copy
writer.  Effective understanding of public opinion surveys, focus
groups, interviews, content analysis and other research tools and/or
consumer/constituent or market research expertise. TIER 3 (Desirable): 
Advanced studies or certification in Political Science, Journalism,
Public Policy or related field. Proven record of ongoing communications
professional development and training.  Knowledge of NEA’s vision,
mission, and strategic goals. Experience working in a large global or
national corporation or organization.