Manager, Media Relations

Organization

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), a 501(c)(3) organization with more than 1,000 members, accelerates the transition to a clean, affordable, and resilient electricity system for all.

SEPA is a partner to the leading voices and actors in the energy ecosystem, serving as a trusted counselor and thought leader to solve industry-wide challenges and advance business priorities. Through research, convenings, and educational tools, SEPA is accelerating the clean energy future. SEPA’s diverse membership includes utilities, policymakers, regulators, and technology companies. For more information, please visit www.sepapower.org.

About the Role

SEPA is seeking a strategic, media-savvy Manager, Media Relations to lead and grow our earned media efforts at a pivotal time for clean energy in the United States and abroad. This role is a unique opportunity to shape how the media—and the public—understand our work and our impact. Reporting to the Senior Director of External Communications and working closely with both the Senior Director and our Chief Communications Officer, the Manager, Media Relations will be instrumental in building a high-impact, proactive earned media program that elevates our mission, initiatives, members, and leadership voice across trade, national, and regional outlets.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced communicator with strong media instincts, a proven track record of securing earned media wins and relationships, and a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape. This is a hands-on role that blends strategic thinking with tactical execution and relationship-building.

Responsibilities

Earned Media Expertise

- In coordination with the Senior Director and CCO, develop and lead the organization’s earned media strategy, including national, regional, and trade media.

- Develop and maintain the organization’s master media list.

- Generate and manage a steady pipeline of story ideas, op-eds, and interview opportunities that align with strategic priorities and news cycles.

- Proactively pitch stories that highlight our leadership, initiatives, impact, and members.

- Work with the Senior Director and CCO on reactive media responses, including drafting statements and talking points, and coordinating crisis communications as needed.

- Work with the Senior Director and CCO to prepare executives for media engagements.

- Work with the Senior Director and CCO on media training for executives.

- Monitor relevant media coverage and public discourse to inform and adjust earned media strategy in real time.

- Develop a systematic process for disseminating and reporting on earned media coverage to the full organization, while regularly flagging notable industry news and high-impact coverage to the CCO and Senior Director of External Communications.

- Track, analyze, and report on media engagement and coverage impact using appropriate metrics and tools, sharing insights to refine strategy and highlight trends

- Collaborate with policy, research, and program teams to surface expert commentary and position SEPA staff as go-to media sources on priority issues.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

- Partner closely with the Senior Director and CCO on message development and strategic media planning.

- Collaborate across departments (marketing, research, events) to surface compelling narratives and storylines and ensure messaging alignment.

- Serve as a trusted advisor to spokespeople and senior leaders in preparing for interviews and media engagements.

- Coordinate with external PR or media consultants as needed to support campaign work or specialized outreach.

Innovation and Optimization

- Build and maintain a comprehensive and segmented media list that includes key national, regional, and trade reporters.

- Regularly engage with reporters and editors to build authentic, long-term relationships.

- Identify new media opportunities, platforms, or storytelling formats to increase visibility and engagement.

- Evaluate the effectiveness of media campaigns and recommend improvements or pivots as needed.

- Stay ahead of media trends, including shifts in digital journalism, clean energy discourse, and public sentiment.

- 3-5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or strategic communications, preferably in the climate, energy, nonprofit, or public affairs space.

- Proven track record of securing earned media in top-tier national, regional, and trade outlets.

- Existing media relationships in the clean energy, climate, or environmental beats.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.

- Deep understanding of how the media works—what makes a story, how newsrooms operate, and how to pitch effectively.

- Experience working directly with reporters and managing relationships across the media landscape.

- Ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

- Comfort operating in fast-paced environments and managing multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

# Preferred Qualifications

- Experience working with or within nonprofit advocacy or clean energy organizations.

- Experience working at an agency on energy and/or climate accounts.

- Familiarity with media tracking platforms such as Meltwater or Cision.

- Passion for clean energy or mission-driven work.

What’s Attractive to the Right Candidate?

- Your work will help accelerate our nation’s transformation to a carbon-free electricity system.

- You will enjoy working in a collaborative and highly-supportive work environment with a great team of trustworthy and approachable colleagues. You will experience a culture driven by these organizational behaviors:

- Adaptability - Be flexible and capable of change to achieve maximum impact.

- Innovation - Drive new understanding & methods to grow ambitiously as an organization and as individuals.

- Comradery - Work hard and have fun.

- Humility - Start with questions, rather than answers. Explore all sides of an issue.

- Ownership - Think and act like owners of SEPA. Hold ourselves and each other accountable for our shared success.

- Transparency - Communicate honestly, frequently and openly.

Our Culture

At SEPA, culture isn’t something we declare—it’s something we live. We are building a Culture for Everyone: a workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive, grow, and contribute to a mission that matters. SEPA prioritizes diversity within its workforce and across the energy industry. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making.

SEPA aims to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of their background, race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or ability.