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External Relations Manager

Job Title:
External Relations Manager
County Name:
CCAP
External Relations Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The External Relations Manager reports to the Director of Government Relations and collaborates closely with the Executive Director on policy communications. This full‑time, exempt role leads external messaging that advances the Association’s policy priorities, fields press inquiries as the primary liaison between the Assocation and members of the media, and produces digital content in a timely manner. The manager is responsible for developing and implementing a robust communications plan that seeks to elevate the profile of the Association, its Board of Directors, and senior staff.  The manager is primarily responsible for the CCAP studio and for creating video and audio content for social media channels, the website, and member communications. The manager must have experience in journalism and/or working with members of the news media, be accustomed to fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments, and be available occasionally after normal business hours to respond to pressing media or policy developments. The position is based in Harrisburg and requires being in the office at least three days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES
 
  • Policy Communications: Work with the Director of Government Relations and the Executive Director to craft, refine, and deliver messaging that advances the Association’s policy and legislative priorities.
  • Media Relations: Serve as a primary media contact; field and triage press inquiries; prepare spokespeople; draft news releases, statements, talking points, and “backgrounders”; coordinate interviews, media briefings, and press events.
  • CCAP Studio Oversight: Manage the CCAP studio, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, technical standards, and production workflows to ensure high‑quality audio and video output.
  • Digital Content Production: Produce, shoot, record, edit, and publish video and audio content tailored for social media, the website, and member communications; develop short‑form and long‑form content aligned with platform best practices and analytics.
  • Rapid Response: Monitor media and policy developments and deploy timely communications or content, including occasional after‑hours responses for breaking issues.
  • Editorial Support: Contribute to editorial planning and production for membership emails, e‑newsletters, the Annual Report, and Association publications as assigned.
  • Cross‑Team Coordination: Collaborate with government relations, policy teams, and senior leadership to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with Association positions.
  • Serve as primary liaison with county Public Information Officers (PIOs) including development of coordinated group activities to enhance the professional development of county staff


QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public affairs, policy communications, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of professional experience in journalism, communications, media relations, public affairs, or digital content production. Demonstrated experience working with news media is required.
  • Production Experience: Proven skills producing video and audio content, including familiarity with camera operation, lighting, sound recording, and editing software.
  • Work Style: Comfortable and effective in fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environments; able to respond to urgent requests after normal business hours when needed.
  • Location Flexibility: Able to work in the Harrisburg office at least three days per week.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Performs duties in a proactive manner to capitalize on opportunities and address problems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills in communication platforms of all types, including print and multimedia.
  • Highly computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, powerpoint, and related business and communication tools.
  • Experience with desktop and/or online publishing, design principles, software management, graphic design and various electronic media, including the integration of data systems.
  • Strong ability to coordinate large projects and campaigns, ability to engage in strategic planning, prioritize, manage deadlines, and coordinate teams within set parameters.
  • Demonstrated competency in developing original content and conveying accurate messages consistent with Association positions on policy matters, including the ability to analyze and clearly articulate county impacts.
  • Adept at facilitating conversations among various audiences to synthesize key concepts.
  • Prior experience serving as a key spokesperson for a public or private interest.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately follow instructions with minimal oversight.
  • A committed focus to providing excellent customer service internally and externally.
  • Proven ability to manage confidential information with discretion, integrity, and sound judgment.
  • The ability to conduct oneself professionally and represent the Association favorably.

FLSA: For purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act this position is a full-time exempt position

Resumes can be sent to Darnold@pacounties.org
Posting Date:
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Expiration Date:
Monday, May 4, 2026