Senior Communications & Rapid Response Specialist

Job Summary

The Senior Communications & Rapid Response Specialist is a motivated, media-savvy communicator who wants to grow their skills and make an impact as part of API’s communications team. This hands-on role supports API’s media relations, policy communications and rapid response functions—developing content, tracking emerging issues, coordinating earned media efforts, and helping shape how the natural gas and oil industry shows up in today’s fast-moving news environment.

Working across API’s communications team, this role will support real-time media outreach, social monitoring, media intelligence systems, issue management and content development to ensure API remains responsive, credible, and visible across fast-moving news cycles. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented communicator who thrives under pressure, enjoys writing and editing across formats, and can quickly synthesize new information. It’s an opportunity to build communications expertise, contribute at the center of API’s external communications operation, and help shape how the industry engages to a variety of audiences.

Duties/Responsibilities

- Support API’s media relations efforts in proactive outreach, reporter engagement, and responses to press inquiries.

- Assist issue management and policy communications by collaborating with policy staff, distilling complex issues, and ensuring timely coordination across teams.

- Help plan and execute earned media campaigns, working collaboratively with colleagues in communications, public affairs, digital, and creative to connect messaging across channels.

- Lead API’s media monitoring operation, including tracking and alerting news, video, and live events of significance.

- Track TV appearances and coverage to support API’s TV booking strategy, identifying opportunities for interviews, commentary, and high-visibility placements.

- Draft a range of communications materials—including press releases, fact sheets, talking points, digital content, and executive briefing materials.

- Advance API’s digital presence by helping identify and draft content for web and social platforms that extend the reach of API’s external footprint.

- Support team operations by assisting with press release distribution, maintaining media lists and systems, tracking engagement, creating weekly action reports and ensuring high attention to detail in all deliverables.

- Effectively collaborates with staff throughout the organization and works with API policy staff to develop a working knowledge of key API issues.

Key Relationships

- Reports directly to the Director of Policy Communications and Rapid Response.

Qualifications

- Requires a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a similar role and subject matter expertise.

- Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience. Some positions may only require an Associates degree/technical diploma, or other related field equivalent work experience.

- Proven knowledge of all aspects of Communications, including but not limited to social media, media relations, PR, writing, and is successful in working in a range of job functions to support all Communications staff

- Experience in the oil and natural gas industry and/or knowledge of industry issues and information sources important to API’s advocacy efforts is a plus, but not required

- Outstanding writing/editing skills with excellent attention to detail, including strong knowledge of AP style.

- Ability to collaborate effectively across a large organization and build and maintain strong relationships with the media.

- Working knowledge of policy issues, Congress, the Executive Branch, and political debate.

- Talent for distilling complex issues into understandable, relevant messages.

- Ability to perform in a fast work environment and multi-task multiple projects and initiatives under tight deadlines.

- Ability to provide informed media counsel and exercise sound judgment when interacting with reporters.

- Proficient Microsoft Office and working knowledge of media monitoring databases, including Cision, Critical Mention and LexisNexis.

- Knowledge of AI prompting is a plus, but not required.

- Knowledge of video editing is a plus, but not required.

Physical Requirements

- Able to remain in a stationary position working on a computer

- Move about the office to access office machinery, meeting rooms, etc. on occasion

- Operate a computer and other office machinery such as printers and copy machines

- Transport items and equipment up to 10 lbs. on occasion

Travel Requirements

- Up to 25%

Percentage of travel time expected for the position, where the travel occurs, such as locally or in specific countries or states, and whether the travel is overnight.

This job outline describes the typical accountabilities and requirements of the position and should not be construed as an all-encompassing description of every duty performed by or expected of the incumbent.

API is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Our success in maintaining a reputation for professional excellence depends on selecting the best qualified candidates. Achieving this objective means that no employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth, related medical conditions, breastfeeding, and reproductive health decisions), genetic information, national origin, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, matriculation, credit information, the status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual offense, or any prohibited basis under federal, state or local law.

API is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Department via email at HumanResources@api.org.

This salary range is DC based and may be adjusted accordingly based on the candidate's geographic location. Candidates are typically hired at a point in the salary range based on prior experience, education, and market demand for the role; candidates are also compared internally to their peers.

API offers a comprehensive benefits package for our employees and their families. More information about our benefits may be found at api.org/about/careers/benefits.