Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

4000 Crums Mill Road, Suite 101

Harrisburg, PA 17112

Director of Government Affairs

ABOUT: The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA) is a nonprofit, dues-supported trade organization representing print, digital and other news media-related members statewide. Its mission is to protect freedom of the press and to promote the business interests and professional development of its members. The association provides legislative representation, legal assistance, training programs, publications, research, awards programs, technical support and general assistance. The PNA Foundation provides educational services. Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Services Inc. (MANSI) is the for-profit entity that manages PNA operations and promotes advertising in newspapers.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Government Affairs oversees PNA lobbying efforts, an essential function of the trade association. The Director is key to shaping and executing PNA’s legislative agenda and acts as staff liaison to the PNA Board of Directors, its Government Affairs Committee and subcommittees such as the Public Notice Task Force. The Director also works directly with the PNA Foundation, MANSI and individual news organizations across the state. The Director lobbies members of the General Assembly and their staffers as well as state and local agencies on issues that impact the news media industry and the rights of a free and independent press.

The Director works closely with PNA’s outside government affairs firm and other media organizations on matters of legislative concern, including the Pennsylvania News Leaders Association, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Bar/Press Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the News/Media Alliance. In addition, the Director is responsible for maintaining relationships with Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators and congressional representatives and for staying up to date on important legislative issues at the national level, and to communicate these issues to the PNA membership. The Director works closely with the PNA President, other executive leadership, members, medial law and legislative counsel.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

A four-year college degree is required. There is a strong preference for a candidate with a minimum of five years of experience in government or in the government relations department of a trade association. Expertise in journalism, communications and/or political science is a plus.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Passionate and knowledgeable about news media issues such as public notice, the Right-to-Know Law, the Sunshine Act, the newsgathering process, digital and print products and the importance of local journalism as well as issues affecting the business side of the industry such as automatic contract renewals, advertising concerns and privacy issues.
• Proficient understanding of the legislative process.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills that fuel the ability to educate and persuade.
• Nimble at, and comfortable with, networking.
• Organized, able to prioritize and always prepared.

DUTIES:

Legislative/Lobbying

• Champion the industry, share its good news and foster enduring, positive relationships with legislators and other decision-makers at the Capitol.

• Track, analyze and chart proposed legislation, policy and regulations.
• Review and/or write legislative amendatory language and present to legislators and/or staff.
• Write weekly legislative update for Headlines & Deadlines, PNA’s member e-newsletter.
• Develop and maintain a network of news media-related, First Amendment and other organizations with overlapping interests.
• Develop grassroots lobbying program.
• Occasionally visit PNA members with PNA President and/or Membership Director.
• Work closely with PNA media law and legislative counsel.
• Consult regularly with PNA’s outside government affairs firm and the PNA President.
• Serve as liaison with PNA executive team and boards, subcommittees and members through written communication, phone and virtual visits as well as on-the-road visits.
• Communicate regularly with PNA members through articles, member alerts and press releases. Activate members on specific legislation as needed.
• Prepare position papers and other resources on legislative topics, bills and initiatives of concern to PNA.
• Occasionally write op-eds for PNA President or Chair.
• Monitor trends in state government and stay current on federal issues.
• Develop knowledge of major legal and regulatory issues affecting the news media.
• Stay current on state and federal case law affecting news media operations.
• Plan and execute Day on the Hill, National Newspaper Week and Sunshine Week events and help as needed with other relevant PNA projects.

REPORTS TO: President

BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary.
• Health insurance (employer paid)
• Dental and vision (employer paid)
• Life, short-term and long-term disability insurance (employer paid)
• 401(k) plan
• Competitive holiday and vacation schedule
• Staff parking

HYBRID SCHEDULE: Standard office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a one-hour lunch, Mondays and Fridays are virtual; Tuesdays through Thursdays are in the office. The Director of Government Affairs hours are flexible to accommodate job duties in and beyond the Capitol.

HISTORY: PNA was founded in 1925. Its offices and those of the foundation and MANSI are housed at 4000 Crums Mill Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17112. PNA maintains a nonsmoking office and has a staff of about 25 people.

APPLY TODAY

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to barbarah@pa-news.org. Please include “Director of Government Affairs Application” in the subject line.

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.