Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications, the Director of Public Affairs is responsible for building the reputation of the Beer Institute by increasing awareness and driving the association’s messages to key stakeholders, including the media, members of Congress, congressional staff, member companies, and the general public through media relations, social media, and member communications.

Qualifying candidates will have demonstrated project management and public affairs campaign experience.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop communications plans aligned to key opportunities that identify appropriate media markets and outlets to pitch Beer Institute priority messages and staff.
• Run day-to-day management of public affairs campaigns, including project management activities.
• With the VP of Strategic Communications, identify strategic public affairs initiatives and needs and ensure proper management of third-party contractors.
• Create opportunities for the Beer Institute message to be heard by journalists, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee media activities, including writing press releases, talking points, op-eds, presentations, website updates, coordinating with reporters, and executing social media campaigns to promote the Beer Institute and its members on public policy issues.
• Oversee editorial calendars across social media platforms and the BI website that align with BI’s goals and objectives.
• Assist with developing content (original text, images, video, or HTML) as part of the Beer Institute’s public affairs plan and key events, announcements, and initiatives.
• Analyze social data/metrics, insights, and best practices and update strategies accordingly.
• Ensure the website is always up to date with the most recent information on statistical reports and Beer Institute initiatives, including priority legislation and regulations.
• Develop member communications.

 Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree is required, preferably in journalism, communications, or public relations.
• 7+ years of professional experience, including on-the-record experience.
• Journalism, trade association, agency, Hill or Federal Agency communications experience highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of public affairs and writing for advocacy.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to produce high-quality written content under pressure with short deadlines.
• Demonstrated facility with and affinity for social media.
• Preferred graphic design skills, including knowledge of image manipulation software and Adobe products.
• Familiarity with project management.