Director of Media Relations

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovat

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is seeking a director of media relations to oversee the organization’s communications with the press and to serve in a key role on AGA’s public affairs team. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the AGA is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino gaming industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protect against harmful and often misinformed public policies and pave a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment. A key member of the AGA’s public affairs team, the director of media relations writes news releases, op-eds, talking points, memos and more; develops and executes creative press ideas; manages incoming media inquiries; places stories with reporters; rapidly responds to news coverage about the industry; develops and executes a social media strategy; coordinates interviews with AGA executives; builds on-the-ground events across the country; and assists with media efforts around an annual trade show, among other duties. The director of media relations will report to the senior director of public affairs and work closely with AGA’s entire public affairs team. The ideal candidate has experience on Capitol Hill, on a political campaign or experience working in a fast-paced, campaign-style press shop. Candidates must be excellent writers with strong attention to detail and should have experience speaking on-the-record.

* Written materials: drafting press releases, advisories, op-eds, LTEs, talking points, memos, etc. * Media: pitching, providing timely responses to inquiries, speaking on background and on-the-record * Social media: growing AGA’s social media presence on existing and new channels * Events: organizing events as part of AGA’s initiative tied to the 2016 presidential campaign

* Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience. * Bachelor’s degree required – preferably in the fields of communications, public relations, or political science. * Excellent writing, editing and proofreading abilities and strong attention to detail are a must. * Experience on Capitol Hill, on a political campaign or working in a fast-paced, campaign-style press shop. * Ability to think creatively and strategically. * Team player who thrives in a high-energy, multitask and collaborative work environment. * Ability to work independently, problem solve and a self-starter who takes initiative. * Effortlessly adjusts to changes in priorities, and balances short-term deliverables with long-term strategic goals while producing a high-caliber work product. * Superior project management, organization skills and attention to detail required. Intimately familiar with how to leverage social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.). * Ability to travel as needed. * Willingness to learn and to grow.