Senior Manager of Media Relations

The Henry Ford Senior Manager of Media Relations Remote, Michigan

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward.

The Senior Manager of Media Relations works as a senior member of the Media Relations and Studio Productions team responsible for achieving local, regional, and national publicity for The Henry Ford. The Senior Manager's main objective is to assist the Director in creating the overall media relations strategy for the team and developing and executing the overall PR plan for the institution. This position must maintain relationships with key journalists and align all communication efforts with the overall goals of The Henry Ford's Strategic Plan.

The Senior Manager will create favorable media coverage for the destination, its attractions (Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Giant Screen Experience, and the Benson Ford Research Center), its programming, expertise, and overall experiences. The purpose of this position's efforts is to increase attendance and revenue, national, regional, and local positioning, and awareness.

This position requires a strong communicator and an excellent writer who can multi-task, show initiative, and demonstrate leadership with an authoritative viewpoint from a PR perspective. A deep understanding of the current media landscape and the ability to leverage both digital and traditional media channels is essential. The candidate must be creative with “out of the box” ideas and execution, know how to creatively problem-solve, and collaborate with the institution's staff and volunteers.

In addition, this position develops and implements a clear and consistent internal communication strategy that keeps employees informed, engaged, and aligned with institutional goals. This person, as part of the team, will collaborate with executives and seniors to craft messages, memos, newsletters, and other material that communicate key updates.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and execute overall team strategy including an annual PR plan for the destination, including pitching stories on various events and developing publicity angles to attract media coverage.
2. Develop, maintain, and record relationships with key media contacts in all major local, regional, and national markets.
3. Create attention-getting press releases that support the destination's mission, vision, brand, and strategic goals.
4. Coordinate on-site media interviews/opportunities and prepare THF spokespersons for media interactions.
5. Work closely with special partnerships to execute PR strategies that support targeted national and regional marketing initiatives.
6. Remain aware of breaking news and appropriate feature stories to capitalize on museum-related issues or programs.
7. Cultivate relationships with media members regularly.
8. Act as a team player and provide expertise within the Media and Film Relations unit.

Your Qualifications:

1. BA in journalism, public relations, or related field.
2. 5 or more years of media experience.
3. Strong writing and communication skills.
4. Deep knowledge of media relations and social media.
5. Exercise good judgment and be flexible in scheduling; weekend and holiday work often required.
6. Concrete local, regional, and national media contacts in print, radio, and TV.

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.

It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor, or volunteering opportunity based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.