Job Description

Columbia Association, headquartered in Howard County, Maryland, is known for engaging our diverse community, cultivating a unique sense of place, and enhancing the quality of life in Columbia, Maryland, all thanks to the efforts of our remarkable team members. If you share in our passion for teamwork and our vision, we want you to fast-forward your career with us at Columbia Association.

Director of Media Relations & Communications

Job Summary:

The Director of Media Relations and Communications is responsible for leading and shaping Columbia Association (CA)s media relations strategy and organizational communications. This senior leadership role oversees the development and execution of high-impact publicity campaigns, ensuring CAs brand image remains consistent, compelling, and widely recognized. The Director collaborates with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to implement a unified communications strategy that engages CAs membership, general public, and media stakeholders.

This position leads a dynamic teamincluding social media, multimedia, and graphic design talentand serves as a strategic advisor to internal departments, providing expert guidance on communication initiatives and ensuring alignment with CAs mission and vision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive multi-channel communications strategy that enhances CAs visibility and reputation locally and regionally.
2. Serve as an advisor to the President, senior leadership, and department heads, offering strategic counsel on media relations, brand positioning, and public engagement.
3. Oversee all media planning and execution, including social media campaigns, press briefings, talking points, and story pitches, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
4. Act as CAs primary media spokesperson, representing the organization in interviews, press conferences, and public forums.
5. Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key media outlets, influencers, and external partners to drive consistent and positive coverage that reflects the values and mission of CA.
6. Lead strategic storytelling initiatives across all digital platforms, ensuring brand consistency and audience engagement.
7. Ensure brand consistency across all marketing and communications content, including digital, print, and multimedia platforms.
8. Establish performance metrics and reporting systems to evaluate the effectiveness of communications campaigns and media outreach.
9. Direct and mentor the communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and professional growth.
10. Implement and maintain policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality communications output.
11. Monitor and assess emerging trends in media and communications, adapting strategies to maintain relevance and impact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, communications, or related field.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in media relations, including writing articles and content for online and printed publications in newspapers, magazines, websites, brochures, reports, presentations, etc., and interviewing individuals to obtain information and quotes that can be used to illustrate topics. At least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans that drive brand awareness and media engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, manage complex projects, and influence organizational strategy.
• Strong media planning experience with measurable results in earned media growth and affiliate network expansion.
• Digitally fluent, with an understanding of the complex, fragmented media landscape and how to bring together cohesive programs and drive results.
• Expertise in digital media, analytics, and market research.
• Knowledge and understanding of Columbia, Howard County, and Columbia Association is a plus.
• Existing relationships with local and regional journalists and media outlets are highly desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Conditions include working indoors, with office equipment, working closely with others, working alone, and irregular hours.
• Equipment used includes computers and standard office tools.

The salary range for this position is $160K to $170K. The actual salary offered will depend on the overall qualifications of the individual and the budgeted amount. CA offers a positive, fun work environment and a generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), a free Fit & Play membership, Wellness benefits, and paid leave.

Columbia Association is an equal employment opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected characteristics. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds to contribute to our inclusive community.

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