Media Relations Lead Job at Manhattan Strategy Group in Bethesda

Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), a rapidly growing management and social sciences consulting firm based in Bethesda, MD, is seeking a communications expert with strong project management skills for a newly awarded contract to support the U.S. Department of Education. MSG provides consulting services across the federal government in the areas of 1) Research & Evaluation, 2) Marketing & Communications, 3) Information Technology, 4) Training & Technical Assistance, and 5) Program Management. Our federal clients include the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Treasury, and the National Science Foundation. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to join our team as the Media Relations Lead to support a communications contract focused on education statistics. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the execution of a large-scale complex project intended to increase awareness of education data. As Task Lead, you will work closely with the Project Director, Deputy Project Director, Project Manager, and cross-functional teams to ensure deliverables are on time, within scope, and in compliance with contractual requirements. The successful candidate will possess strong technical skills in education data along with expertise in plain language writing for a variety of audiences using different communications platforms. Job Responsibilities/Duties: Collaborate with team members in the development and implementation of media-based strategies, communications plans, and public relations campaigns for client projects. Manage day-to-day media relations including tracking media coverage, following industry trends, and addressing inquiries/requests from media outlets as needed. Build relationships with key media contacts and identify opportunities to proactively pitch stories through social media outlets as appropriate. Collaborate with subject matter experts in a timely manner to determine appropriate media responses via various channels. Develop, edit, review, and distribute written materials (press releases, Q&As) and promotional publications (brochures, fact sheets, blogs, videos) as required. Lead media-based communications projects from kick-off through to completion and provide high-quality deliverables that are timely, thorough, and error-free. Maintain accurate project documentation and provide regular updates and progress reports as needed. Assist project and client leadership to ensure coordination and communication of news and messages to both internal and external audiences. Provide guidance and support to team members and foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field, with 8 or more years of experience working in media relations. A master's degree is a plus. Proven experience managing media relations (online, broadcast, and print). Team management experience preferred. Understanding of education trends. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with strong writing and editorial abilities. Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, internet, wire services, media monitoring software, and other public relations tools. Familiarity with project management software and video/photo editing is a plus. Demonstrated success with social media tools such as X, Threads, Facebook, YouTube, and others. Ability to meet tight deadlines and execute flawlessly on projects in a fast-paced, often pressured environment and see a project through to completion. Ability to respond to quick turnaround requests and obtain and maintain security clearances as required. EEO STATEMENT Manhattan Strategy Group is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr