POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager of Public Affairs works to advance the association's communications objectives with mainstream news media, center/right media outlets and assists in the development of communications strategies and tactics in support of the association's government relations, litigation and public affairs priorities. This person works collaboratively to develop and carry out communications initiatives that will advance the industry's position. 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify, develop and execute targeted written communications activities in coordination with the Director of Public Affairs to Develop, support of the association's legislative, legal and regulatory initiatives and overall mission.
• Draft news releases, position statements, letters to the editor, op eds, speeches, white papers, blog entries, video scripts, association communications pieces for various audiences, association e-newsletter articles, news briefs and social media posts.
• Contribute content and edit for accuracy and brevity for digital newsletters, blogs, video, social media and media operations support. 
• Assist in crafting rapid response social media posts, under the oversight of the Director of Public Affairs, to seize the narrative of emerging and breaking policy issues vital to the association’s mission, including legislative hearings, policy debates, press conferences, breaking news, as well as standing programs.
• Monitor legislative hearings, think tank symposiums, lectures and press conferences applicable to the association’s policy agenda to advance, refute and challenge the narrative.
• Update Fact Sheets in conjunction with Research team for use in Government Relations legislative efforts and Public Affairs written communications. Ensure these fact sheets are relevant to the current topics, accurate and include the most accurate and up-to-date data.
• Contribute to the collection, inclusion and syndication of relevant news items to produce monthly/quarterly newsletters for both PAC Donors and Litigation. Draft these e-newsletters to better inform stakeholders of updates and developments to demonstrate association’s engagement and efficacy with the Director of Public Affairs and coordinated with the PAC Director, the Chief Litigation Officer and Assistant General Counsel for content inclusion, accuracy and distribution.
• Identify, develop and engage with industry influencers to coordinate and incorporate association safety programs to gain participation and inclusion of the industry’s Real Solutions. Safer Communities® safety initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with the Marketing team to render written communications into multimedia products to achieve greater reach and consumption of topical policy issues.
• Assist the Director of Public Affairs and Managing Director of Public Affairs to execute off-site press conferences. Represent industry/association at various media functions, meetings and conferences.
• Assist Director of Public Affairs and Managing Director of Public Affairs in special media outreach events to introduce members of the media to the association’s mission and relevant policy issues.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of current events and issues that impact firearm and ammunition industry.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel utilizing public transportation, including airline travel and vehicle rentals.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• BA/BS degree in Communications, Public Relations or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years combined experience in the field of public relations; corporate communications or experience as a journalist or producer at a major media outlet.
• Formal media training desired.
• Legislative staff experience desired.
• Thorough knowledge of firearm industry positions or ability to quickly come up to speed on issues such as firearms public policy issues, regulations, laws and legislation, etc.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and proven ability to effectively deliver messages in print, social media or on broadcast media.
• Excellent presentation skills and familiarity with A/V equipment.
• Temperament to deal with unreceptive or hostile media representative, public official or member of the public.
• Experience with a variety of social and digital media platforms, including preparing and posting messages.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively and on short notice.
• Knowledge of the shooting sports industry strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with current Microsoft Windows applications and MS office suite products.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified and interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume.

About National Shooting Sports Foundation

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. NSSF leads the way in advocating for the industry and its businesses and jobs, keeping guns out of the wrong hands, encouraging enjoyment of recreational shooting and hunting, and helping people better understand the industry's lawful products. Our mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers nationwide.

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