Public Relations Manager

Founded in 1996, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc. (NEEP) is a non-profit organization serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region to accelerate energy efficiency in the building sector through public policy, program strategies, and education.

Over the past 16 years, NEEP has successfully positioned the region as a leader in energy efficiency, heading regional and national efforts to create lasting change in the market for energy efficient products, services, and best practices. We achieve our mission through partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders in the field of energy efficiency. With an annual budget of $6 million and an experienced staff of twenty-five professionals, our work is supported by states, utilities, federal agencies, private foundations and service revenues.

Position Overview:

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) is seeking a full-time Public Relations Manager to join the Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) Team and manage NEEP's public relation activities, promotions and product dissemination including effective and creative use of media, social media, NEEP's website, public speaking, events and campaigns to promote NEEP and its mission to accelerate energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industry in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Public Relations Manager works with the Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) Team to maintain a marketing and communications plan and resources, and works with staff across the organization to develop and implement marketing strategies to effectively engage target audiences with messages, collateral and events consistent with the NEEP brand - highlighting NEEP, its sponsors and partners, and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region as leaders in energy efficiency.

The Public Relations Manager's primary focus is to plan, track and implement a public relations plan to guide promotions and product dissemination including effective and creative use of media, social media, NEEP's website, public speaking, events and campaigns to promote NEEP and its mission.

This position plays a critical role in the Strategic Marketing and Communications (SMC) Team's work across NEEP's regional projects to develop and perform outreach with messages, collateral and events that accurately present the NEEP brand and highlight the Northeast Mid-Atlantic region's role as a leader in energy efficiency.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Public Relations Manager works closely with the SMC team to maintain and enhance the NEEP brand by developing effective outreach and dissemination strategies with a strong focus on directing NEEP's public relations and media activities. The Public Relations Manager participates in SMC Team meetings as well as NEEP all-staff meetings, and is assisted by a Marketing Associate to manage NEEP's social media platforms. This position requires occasional travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

NEEP Brand and Public Relations Strategy - 5 %

• Support implementation of NEEP's Brand Management Strategy 
• Design, plan and manage execution of an annual public relations and communications plan and budget including a media and social media plan and strategy
• Stay current on developments and trends in the efficiency and clean energy industries
• Support NEEP fundraising, sponsorship and partner alliance processes to engage resources and support for NEEP's mission 

Media & Public Relations - 60%

Public Relations

• Work with NEEP program staff to develop and disseminate regional strategies, research results and related information to position NEEP as a thought leader for target audiences (e.g., papers, speaking events, webinars, blogs, NEEP web content, media, publications, affiliations, NEEP lead advisory groups, board and committee assignments, topical campaigns, etc.)
• Track and assess NEEP's impact/visibility as a thought leader 

Media Relations

Identify opportunities, initiate content ideas and prepare materials to insert NEEP into the public discussion via media outreach, social media or online communications:

• Generate press releases and identify appropriate outlets for distribution 
• Develop a rapid response system for late breaking developments  

Establish relationships with the media and manage editorial calendars for key media points:

• Develop and maintain themed media lists that meet the organization's strategic goals
• Design and maintain online news room, up-to-date media packet, and respond to media inquiries
• Establish, track, analyze and report metrics for NEEP's media and social activities
• Maintain contacts and relationships with media leads at NEEP sponsor and partner organizations to engage their support for and participation in selected NEEP media events and releases 

Staff Visibility

• Design and manage NEEP's Speaker Bureau
• Seek invitations for speaking engagements, public recognition, and participation in and leadership for relevant boards and advisory committees 
• Generate opportunities for media interviews with staff 
• Advise NEEP staff in media relations, speaking opportunities and internal and external communications for effectiveness and brand consistency including guidance and training to maintain a high level of professionalism in staff public outreach 

Website - 20 %

• Maintain a highly functioning, vibrant, relevant and up-to-date website that is consistent with the NEEP brand and vision 
• Develop and manage implementation of a strategic vision for www.neep.org 
• With the Marketing Communications Manager develop and manage a process for strategic review of website content - including feedback and guidance to NEEP staff
• Establish, track, analyze and report metrics for NEEP's website and oversee Marketing Communications Associate in using Google Analytics for reports and recommendations
• Work with and manage external website contractors on technical upgrades and troubleshooting 

Project Planning, Management and Reporting - 15 %

• Participate in SMC team planning, budgeting and project management
• Participate in NEEP staff meetings and events
• Assist preparation and distribution of reports 
• Provide guidance to Marketing Communications Associate on media and social media metrics 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or other related field
• 5+ years relevant experience in a business or non-profit environment
• Experience in all aspects of developing and implementing marketing strategies to meet organizational objectives. 
• Firm understanding of branding principles and tactics through multimedia including the Web
• Proven ability in public relations, and effective and creative marketing 
• Extensive experience with media and public relations including effective use of social media and websites
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to multi-task and set priorities within tight timelines and high expectations
• Superior written and verbal communications skills, coupled with highly developed interpersonal skills
• Ability to quickly grasp complex technical and business concepts and express them in clear language
• Strong experience with website management including content management systems and Google Analytics
• Experienced in using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign & Illustrator) desired but not required
• Experience with Customer Relationship, Management systems desired but not required 

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit email a resume, writing sample, and cover letter stating where you saw this posting and outlining your interest in NEEP's mission, to Bob McTighe.

No phone calls please.

All inquiries will be treated strictly confidentially. 

~ NEEP is committed to an organizational culture of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, and physical or mental disability. Our culture of inclusiveness and diversity supports our capacity to achieve our mission to accelerate energy efficiency with broad participation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. ~