POSITION EMPHASIS: The position supports NEA's strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3.2 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing professional public relations expertise, with an emphasis on message development, brand management, and strategic public relations. (NOTE: If you do not have solid experience in at least two of these three areas, please do not apply.)

POSITION SUMMARY: The incumbent acts as a communications advisor, trainer, and strategist to NEA, elected leaders and staff. The incumbent uses proven messaging and positioning methodology to develop research-based, tested forms of written, verbal, broadcast, and interactive communications. The incumbent works closely with NEA departments and affiliates to provide communication integration and brand management expertise. In addition, the incumbent develops and implements strategies to improve the public image of the NEA and state affiliates with targeted audiences, communities, business partners, and other external groups. Essential functions include quickly assimilating multiple and varied sources of information to use in preparing clear, concise and accurate statements and responses for NEA leaders, often under short deadline. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a personal computer; oral and written communication skills; creativity, proofreading and editing skills; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment; use of reasoning, analysis, and problem solving skills; sitting for long periods; stooping, bending, and reaching; ability to carry light materials (up to 10 pounds); and ability to travel by various conveyances, e.g., air and automobile.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or related discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic public relations, marketing, branding, and/or message research, development, and delivery.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Specialized coursework in journalism, writing, oral communication, including presentation skills, facilitation and consensus building. Availability to work extended hours on evenings and weekends. Work samples demonstrating the ability to analyze research, write, edit and deliver messaging tools may be required at the time of the interview. Frequent travel required (between 21-45 overnights) per year.

SELECTION CRITERIA Tier 1 (Essential): Demonstrated significant project and program experience related to message research and delivery, strategic public relations (PR), and branding. Proven experience with advocacy communication strategies that involve analyzing and synthesizing complex information with the intent of effectively providing accurate and concise deliverables in engaging ways to a variety of audiences. Significant experience with message development, and with writing, editing, and producing high-quality communication vehicles, including message guides, messaging workshop materials, hands-on technical assistance tools, as well as representing the organization's position on issues. Effective analytical, interpersonal, and exceptional customer service skills to interact with all levels of staff and governance. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team (internal and external). Ability to handle multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions. Successful references.

TIER 2 (Significant): Proven project and program management experience with programs designed to increase support for public education or with large-scale campaigns related to creating public understanding of educational issues or public policy. Demonstrated experience in the development and coordination of research-driven messaging and brand development and management. Experience in a PR agency as a consultant or in a corporate PR/marketing department and/or experience as a journalist, writer, editor or copy writer. Effective understanding of public opinion surveys, focus groups, interviews, content analysis and other research tools and/or consumer/constituent or market research expertise.

TIER 3 (Desirable): Advanced studies or certification in Political Science, Journalism, Public Policy or related field. Proven record of ongoing communications professional development and training. Knowledge of NEA's vision, mission, and strategic goals. Experience working in a large global or national corporation or organization.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE AT: www.nea.org/jobs E-mails or phone calls to NEA staff, outside of the HR department, will not be accepted. Go to www.nea.org/jobs.

NEA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND ENCOURAGES WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO APPLY.

SOURCE: ONLINE JOB WEBSITE 06/08/09
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