Careers
Manager, Media & Public Relations
Currently, ASLA is recruiting for a highly motivated Manager, Media & Public Relations to manage ASLA’s external public relations and communication efforts to raise the visibility and understanding of the profession and association using print, electronic, and online media.
Responsibilities:
- Creates and implements public awareness and media relations strategies to support ASLA strategic priorities and programs such as the promotion of landscape architecture and the role of landscape architects, public policy and issue priorities, ASLA Leadership, ASLA’s awards and honors, ASLA’s annual conference, and other ongoing public awareness campaigns.
- Adopts and executes communications campaign strategies from FrameWorks recommendations.
- Develops and maintains media lists and establishes relationships with reporters, editors, critics, producers, and commentators to advance ASLA’s public awareness mission.
- Manages inbound media inquiries and coordinates appropriate response.
- Monitors media across all platforms for references to ASLA, landscape architects, landscape architecture, and/or high-priority issues within the built and natural environments. Actively seeks opportunities to leverage national and local interests in ASLA-related subjects.
- Works with other ASLA staff and departments to advance membership, advocacy, marketing, or educational goals. Plans and maintains news release calendar, coordinating with department director, marketing manager, content manager, and other staff as appropriate.
- Manages and implements aggressive media relations activities, including writing and distributing news releases and actively pitching ASLA’s leaders, ASLA thought leadership, organizational programs, and issue priorities to traditional and new media outlets.
- Provide ongoing media relations support for day-to-day federal and state government affairs activities, including statements by ASLA leadership, op-eds, letters to the editor, and other advocacy communications vehicles.
- Supports Director’s outreach to ASLA Chapters (especially Chapter PR Chairs) and other allied organizations to build support and visibility for World Landscape Architecture Month, PARK(ing) Day, and other ASLA programs.
- Works in partnership with director and other ASLA staff and volunteers to advance the ASLA’s mission, strategic objectives, and priority issues.
Qualifications:
- BA degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or related field.
- Minimum 8 years’ experience in public relations, marketing, media, media relations, advocacy communication, or related field. Experience on Capitol Hill a plus.
- Must have established track record of media placements and successful public outreach and awareness campaigns.
- Must have experience in and understanding of all current media relations and public communication techniques and platforms, including traditional, online, and social media.
- Experience with policy advocacy communication desired.
- Knowledge of issues, institutions, and individuals related to landscape architecture, landscape architects, and the built and natural environments strongly preferred.
- Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office computer applications; experience with online media-relations tools, image editing/visual storytelling, content management systems.
- Superior writing and editorial skills are mandatory; excellent verbal, computer, and interpersonal communications skills.
- Well-organized with very strong attention to detail. Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines. Must have a collaborative mindset.
Compensation: $75,000
Benefits: ASLA offers a competitive benefits package including medical and dental insurance (ASLA contributes 100% for employees), vision insurance, company-paid STD & LTD, 401k plan with employer match, and 10 paid holidays each year.
Interested applicants are asked to email a cover letter and resume to HR@asla.org. Please include “Manager, Media & PR” in the subject line of your email.
ASLA is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and maintaining an inclusive culture. We value the talents our diverse associates bring to the organization and are wholly committed to provide a culture free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions at ASLA are based on business needs and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by laws or regulations.
About ASLA
The American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association for landscape architects, representing more than 15,000 members in 49 professional chapters and 82 student chapters. The Society has a staff of 50 and annual revenues of $12.9 million. Landscape architects plan livable communities that foster active lifestyles, design green streets that manage stormwater runoff, plan cutting-edge transportation corridors that are safe for all users, and help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Landscape architecture includes commercial developments, streetscapes, green roofs, parks, civic spaces, memorials, and residential communities, as well as large-scale land planning and design to protect watersheds, coastlines, and ecosystems. The Society’s mission is to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, communication, education, and fellowship.
ASLA is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and fostering a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture. ASLA values are dedication, excellence, integrity, leadership, and stewardship. The ASLA culture is collaborative, member-focused, accountable, responsible, and volunteer-supported. The organization embraces the “Baldrige Excellence Framework” – an integrated leadership and performance management system.
A leader in environmental sustainability, ASLA is headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility designed to achieve LEED Platinum and WELL Building Standard Gold. The Center for Landscape Architecture features a green roof, landscaped patio, flexible meeting/event space, collaboration spaces, and advanced lighting, air quality, and A/V systems. The building is located one-and-a-half blocks from the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station serving the Red, Yellow, and Green Lines. ASLA has received awards for its employee wellness programs and is recognized as a Best Workplace for Commuters.
ASLA Center for Landscape Architecture, Washington, D.C. 