Manager, Media Relations

Position Summary
The Media Relations Manager at KAPSARC is responsible for managing and enhancing the center’s relationships with the media. The primary goal is to secure positive coverage, ensure accurate representation, and protect the organization’s reputation. This role involves overseeing all media interactions, crafting compelling narratives, and delivering consistent messaging to external audiences that align with KAPSARC’s mission and goals.

• Develop and execute comprehensive media relations strategies that align with KAPSARC’s objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, reporters, and editors across traditional and digital media platforms.
• Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, providing timely and accurate responses to build trust with the media.
• Create and disseminate press releases, media kits, and other public-facing content to promote KAPSARC’s outputs, including research, initiatives, and events.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media briefings, and interviews with KAPSARC leadership and experts to enhance visibility.

• Identify and leverage media opportunities to position KAPSARC as a thought leader in energy research and policy.
• Pitch stories to media outlets that align with KAPSARC’s strategic priorities, enhancing coverage in key local and international publications.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding in all media engagements, reinforcing KAPSARC’s reputation in the energy sector.

• Conduct thorough research to ensure that the content created is accurate and relevant to the target audience.
• Develop creative and innovative ideas for content creation inspired by the center’s offerings to gain wider exposure in targeted media outlets.
• Write and create high-quality content that resonates with the target audience and delivers value to the center’s brand image.

• Serve as the spokesperson during media crises, ensuring the timely delivery of clear, factual, and reassuring messages to protect KAPSARC’s reputation.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to prepare crisis communication plans, pre-approved statements, and responses to anticipated media inquiries.

• Monitor news outlets and social media platforms to track coverage of KAPSARC, identifying both opportunities and risks.
• Analyze media coverage to gauge public sentiment and assess the effectiveness of media strategies.
• Provide detailed media reports and insights to the Communications team and leadership, recommending adjustments as necessary.

• Build and maintain a strong network of media contacts within the energy and research sectors.
• Foster relationships with influential journalists and key opinion leaders to ensure accurate and favorable media coverage.
• Represent KAPSARC at industry events, media forums, and networking opportunities to raise the center’s profile.

• Work closely with internal departments, including leadership, Consulting, Knowledge & Analysis, and Public Relations teams, to develop media strategies that align with ongoing projects.
• Ensure all internal stakeholders are briefed on media engagements and public relations activities to ensure consistent messaging.

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field with at least 6 years of experience.
• A master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 4 years of experience.

• Demonstrated success in managing media campaigns, securing press coverage, and handling crisis communications.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling media materials.
• Strong media networking and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven ability to manage media during crises with poise and professionalism.
• Skilled in media monitoring tools and analytics to track coverage and measure campaign success.