Manager, Communications - CAQ (Media)
Summary of Role
The Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) is a nonpartisan public policy organization serving as the voice of U.S. public company auditors and matters related to the audits of public companies. The CAQ promotes high-quality performance by U.S. public company auditors; convenes capital market stakeholders to advance the discussion of critical issues affecting audit quality, U.S. public company reporting, and investor trust in the capital markets; and using independent research and analyses, champions policies and standards that bolster and support the effectiveness and responsiveness of U.S. public company auditors and audits to dynamic market conditions.
The Communications Manager will work with a talented group of mission-driven people to communicate the value of audits to the capital markets and beyond. The Communications Manager will also support the auditing profession's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to improve representation in college accounting programs and across public audit firms. This position is tailor-made for an assertive media relation professional passionate about going after a story and persuading stakeholders.
The Communications Manager is responsible for helping to design, implement, and strengthen communication campaigns, including strategic media plans, that positively promote the CAQ's public profile and agenda. The Communications Manager will manage all media engagement and related written content in a variety of formats and play a key role in the CAQ's content creation, communications research, and media sponsorships. Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Manager has a visible, hands-on, and tactical role that strengthens the CAQ's and the auditing profession's presence across a range of audiences.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Media relations (30%)
- Identify opportunities to highlight CAQ thought leadership on corporate reporting and DEI in mainstream, accounting trade, and education trade media outlets.
- Proactively identify new reporter contacts and pitch story ideas.
- Develop talking points and other materials to help CAQ leadership prepare for and successfully execute media interviews.
- Manage media inquiries, including responding to inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or negative coverage.
- Monitor media coverage daily with a focus on key issues affecting the auditing profession.
- Track media coverage and develop reports to measure impact.
Developing Content (30%)
- Proactively research and produce communications materials, including press releases, op-eds, newsletter content, speeches, blog posts, and talking points.
- Collaborate with internal CAQ subject matter experts at all levels to coordinate and drive the creation, publication, and distribution of timely and error-free resources and reports.
Research (20%)
- Manage communication research to deliver insights that inform campaign planning and execution, including secondary research, message testing, and online focus groups.
Administrative (20%)
- Ensure CAQ staff is kept abreast of news related to the audit profession through daily media briefings and periodic analysis of developing media narratives.
- Maintain media CRM system for the communications department to aid in reaching CAQ stakeholders.
- Manage communications department content databases, ensuring consistency in messaging across the CAQ.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- None
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
- Strong media relations background with passion for consuming news in all forms.
- Excellent writing and editing skills across content types, with a dedication to quality and accuracy. This skill is a must.
- Team player with ability to work collaboratively across diverse CAQ staff, sharing team information to maximize CAQ's ability to further its mission. Teamwork makes the dream work.
- Strong, positive interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to CAQ staff, members' staff, and other key constituencies.
- Exceptional organization and attention to detail.
- Ability to think creatively.
- Good sense of humor. There's probably more fun in audits thank you think.
Required Experience, Qualifications & Education
- Minimum 3-5 years of related experience.
- Experience working closely with the media to promote, explain, and defend an organization's point of view.
