The Spanish Language Media Relations Specialist serves as a front-line for media relations at APA, in English and Spanish, answering calls from the press, coordinating and documenting interviews, preparing spokespeople and assisting with leadership engagement. Assists and backs-up the Associate Director, Media Relations in arranging and coordinating press conferences and in running the Press Room at the APA’s Annual Meeting. Monitors APA media placements and compiles the weekly clips report for APA administration. Conducts Spanish language media outreach, social media, and other media related communications projects.   

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Media Relations Activities (75%)
  • Document and respond to media inquiries in both Spanish and English in a timely and effective manner.
  • Prepare APA spokespeople and leadership as needed for interviews with appropriate responses.
  • Pitch APA stories and leadership in English and Spanish.
  • Write press releases, media advisories, talking points, statements, opinion editorials, letters to-the-editor to publicize APA initiatives and programs in both English and Spanish.
  • Research and contribute to the collection of relevant press stories related to the APA and articles on psychiatry and mental health/illnesses. Recommend and write responses, talking points, statements, press releases and other content that is reflective of the APA’s position on breaking news and emerging issues.

• Other Projects/Events (25%)
  • Assist with updating and maintaining APA’s Spanish language website La Salud Mental
  • Assist Social Media team with Spanish language social media posts.
  •  Act as a liaison to Spanish language committees and groups.
  • Assist other APA departments and the APA Foundation with Spanish language projects as needed.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of media-related special projects/events, including the Annual Meeting, public information campaigns and marketing projects.
  • Assist in planning all aspects of the Annual Meeting press room, including the planning and implementation of special press briefings and webinars.
  • Attend press conferences, hearings, coordination meetings with partners, and annual meetings to coordinate logistics, materials, information and credentials for event participants and media.

• Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

The Spanish Language Communications Specialist’s performance on these duties and responsibilities will be measured using the following competencies:

SCOPE & IMPACT

• Performs complex administrative or operational processes for the Communications Division directly related to media relations.
• Contributes knowledge and skills to the day-to-day activities of the media relations program and the Communications Division.
• Provides suggestions and recommendations that improve processes and increase efficiency
• Demonstrates proficiency in working with the media, the use of Microsoft Word & Excel and fluency in Spanish.
• Success is frequently measured by metrics associated with media relations activities including APA media mentions, successful outreach to Spanish-language and mainstream media contacts and increased Share of Voice in the media.

COMPLEXITY, PROBLEM SOLVING & DECISION-MAKING

• Work is primarily routine as methods and procedures are well-defined but offers opportunity for minor problem solving as challenges arise and flexibility in how tasks are executed.
• May propose plans to manage direct responsibilities and assist with other aspects of the Communications Division.
• Works with Associate Director, Media Relations to develop short-term plans/priorities for meeting individual goals.
• Identifies problems and issues.  Implements known solutions with approval from Associate Director, Media Relations.
• Recognizes out-of-scope problems and escalates them to the appropriate level.

RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT & AUTHORITY

• Relationships center on collaborative work efforts with all departments of the APA, members and journalists.
• Relationships may include significant face-to-face interactions with APA leadership, members, journalists, employees and managers.
• Accurately differentiates and prioritizes information and/or issues and works with the Associate Director, Media Relations to determine who needs to be consulted or kept informed.
• Uses tact and discretion to obtain cooperation and understanding on routine and non-routine matters.

ORGANIZATIONAL KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrates a general understanding of the Media Relations Specialist’s responsibilities within the Communications Division.
• Demonstrates general knowledge of policies, procedures, and terminology of the APA and the Communications Division.