Director of Government Affairs
ABOUT:
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) is a nonprofit, dues-supported trade organization representing print, digital and other news media-related members statewide. Its mission is to protect freedom of the press and to promote the business interests and professional development of its members. The association provides legislative representation, legal assistance, training programs, publications, research, awards programs, technical support and general assistance. The PNA Foundation provides educational services. Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Services Inc. (MANSI) is the for-profit entity that manages PNA operations and promotes advertising in newspapers.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Government Affairs oversees PNA lobbying efforts, an essential function of the trade association. The Director is key to shaping and executing PNA’s legislative agenda and acts as staff liaison to the PNA Board of Directors, its Government Affairs Committee and subcommittees such as the Public Notice Task Force. The Director also works directly with the PNA Foundation, MANSI and individual news organizations across the state. The Director lobbies members of the General Assembly and their staffers as well as state and local agencies on issues that impact the news media industry and the rights of a free and independent press.
The Director works closely with PNA’s outside government affairs firm and other media organizations on matters of legislative concern, including the Pennsylvania News Leaders Association, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Bar/Press Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the News/Media Alliance. In addition, the Director is responsible for maintaining relationships with Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators and congressional representatives and for staying up to date on important legislative issues at the national level, and to communicate these issues to the PNA membership. The Director works closely with the PNA President, other executive leadership, members, medial law and legislative counsel.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
A four-year college degree is required. There is a strong preference for a candidate with a minimum of five years of experience in government or in the government relations department of a trade association. Expertise in journalism, communications and/or political science is a plus.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
· Passionate and knowledgeable about news media issues such as public notice, the Right-to-Know Law, the Sunshine Act, the newsgathering process, digital and print products and the importance of local journalism as well as issues affecting the business side of the industry such as automatic contract renewals, advertising concerns and privacy issues.
· Proficient understanding of the legislative process.
· Excellent written/oral communication skills that fuel the ability to educate and persuade.
· Nimble at, and comfortable with, networking.
· Organized, able to prioritize and always prepared.
DUTIES:
Legislative/Lobbying
· Champion the industry, share its good news and foster enduring, positive relationships with legislators and other decision-makers at the Capitol.
· Track, analyze and chart proposed legislation, policy and regulations.
· Review and/or write legislative amendatory language and present to legislators and/or staff.
· Write weekly legislative update for Headlines & Deadlines, PNA’s member e-newsletter.
· Develop and maintain a network of news media-related, First Amendment and other organizations with overlapping interests.
· Develop grassroots lobbying program.
· Occasionally visit PNA members with PNA President and/or Membership Director.
· Work closely with PNA media law and legislative counsel.
· Consult regularly with PNA’s outside government affairs firm and the PNA President.
· Serve as liaison with PNA executive team and boards, subcommittees and members through written communication, phone and virtual visits as well as on-the-road visits.
· Communicate regularly with PNA members through articles, member alerts and press releases. Activate members on specific legislation as needed.
· Prepare position papers and other resources on legislative topics, bills and initiatives of concern to PNA.
· Occasionally write op-eds for PNA President or Chair.
· Monitor trends in state government and stay current on federal issues.
· Develop knowledge of major legal and regulatory issues affecting the news media.
· Stay current on state and federal case law affecting news media operations.
· Plan and execute Day on the Hill, National Newspaper Week and Sunshine Week events and help as needed with other relevant PNA projects.
REPORTS TO: President
BENEFITS:
– Competitive salary.
– Health insurance (employer paid)
– Dental and vision (employer paid)
– Life, short-term and long-term disability insurance (employer paid)
– 401(k) plan
– Competitive holiday and vacation schedule
– Staff parking
HYBRID SCHEDULE: Standard office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch, Mondays and Fridays are virtual; Tuesdays through Thursdays are in the office. The Director of Government Affairs hours are flexible to accommodate job duties in and beyond the Capitol.
HISTORY: PNA was founded in 1925. Its offices and those of the foundation and MANSI are housed at 4000 Crums Mill Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17112. PNA maintains a nonsmoking office and has a staff of about 25 people.
APPLY TODAY Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to barbarah@pa-news.org. Please include “Director of Government Affairs Application” in the subject line
Marketing and Membership Manager
About Us:
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is a nonprofit, dues-supported association with over 200 print, digital and affinity members. We are the largest statewide association in the U.S. dedicated to supporting and promoting the print and digital news media industry. As we prepare to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2025, our mission is to advance the business interests of Pennsylvania news media organizations and to promote a free and independent press.
PNA offers a variety of tools and services to our members, including legal assistance, advocacy support, marketing resources, training opportunities, networking events, recognition contests and financial grants.
Our affiliated foundation, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation, is an independent, nonprofit corporation organized as a public foundation that provides PNA members with a wide variety of low-cost and innovative training opportunities.
Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Services, Inc. (MANSI Media) is our for-profit entity that manages PNA operations and promotes digital and print advertising in news media products.
We are seeking a forward-thinking, dynamic and innovative marketing and membership manager to join our experienced management team. By driving member engagement and growth, increasing attendance at training and events, promoting the strengths of the news media industry and growing our media placement business, the marketing and membership manager will play an integral role in helping PNA further support our members and clients for the next 100 years.
Job Summary:
With thoughtful planning and innovation, the marketing and membership manager will be responsible for identifying and executing marketing strategies to enhance the association’s visibility, attract new members, increase member engagement and respond to the changing needs of our members, clients and the news media industry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital marketing, association management, excellent communication skills, advanced graphic design skills and website knowledge.
Key Responsibilities:
The responsibilities listed are intended as examples only and may not represent a complete list.
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing plans to promote the association’s programs, events and initiatives.
- Develop and implement strategies for member recruitment and retention.
- Identify and cultivate relationships with potential partners and sponsors to support association initiatives.
- Develop sponsorship packages and proposals to attract and retain sponsors.
- Coordinate and manage sponsor-related activities and ensure fulfillment of sponsorship agreements.
- Provide exceptional customer service to current and prospective members, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Manage digital marketing efforts, including email campaigns, social media, content marketing and SEO.
- Design, update and distribute all internal and external marketing materials, including sales flyers, membership directory, brochures, sales decks, e-newsletters, and advertising campaigns.
- Maintain and enhance the PNA and MANSI Media websites, ensuring they are up-to-date and user-friendly.
- Craft and distribute press releases, announcements and other communications to promote association activities and achievements.
- Analyze marketing data and metrics to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Assist in the planning and execution of membership engagement activities, including webinars, workshops and networking events, in conjunction with PNA Foundation leadership.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business administration or a related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in marketing, membership management or a related role.
- Proven record of developing and executing successful marketing campaigns.
- Self-starter with a high degree of accountability and willingness to take initiative.
- Strong understanding of digital marketing tools and techniques.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Outstanding graphic design skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Enthusiastic positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with members, partners and sponsors.
- Proficiency with CRM systems and marketing software.
- Knowledge of AP style guidelines is beneficial.
- Knowledge of the news media industry is a plus.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary – $50,000/year base
- Company-paid health, dental and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
- Hybrid work environment – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (office) – Monday and Friday (remote)
- Start date – August 5, 2024
- Reports to the Director of Marketing and Membership
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to marketing@pa-news.org. Please include “Marketing and Membership Manager Application” in the subject line.
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.