Media Manager

(1) Brief Description

The Media Manager leads the APEC Secretariat's media engagement and public communication efforts. This role is critical to shaping and amplifying APEC's public voice, ensuring accurate and timely coverage of its initiatives, events, and policy outcomes. The Media Manager is responsible for developing and executing proactive media strategies, supporting coverage for APEC meetings, and producing high-quality content that resonates with regional and global audiences.

Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Media Manager will cultivate strong relationships with journalists, provide strategic advice to internal stakeholders, and strengthen APEC's media presence across traditional and digital platforms.

(2) Key Result Areas

Key deliverables

• Develop and implement APEC's proactive media strategy, tailored to regional and international media environments and aligned with APEC's communications goals.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers and regional correspondents to ensure fair and consistent media coverage.
• Lead the creation of accurate, clear and timely media materials, including press releases, statements, speeches, talking points, op-eds and media kits, that help bring APEC's work to life through real-world narratives, stakeholder voices and policy relevance.
• Coordinate all press-related logistics at APEC events, including media accreditation, press briefings, scheduling of interviews and on-site media support.
• Track media coverage, analyze sentiment and share of voice and prepare impact reports with actionable insights for strategic refinement.
• Provide media guidance and briefings to APEC Secretariat spokespeople and support host economies and policy leads in managing external media engagements.

Measurement

• Consistent content on APEC-owned channels: Regular and timely publication of high-quality media content across APEC's official communication platforms, ensuring clarity and message alignment.
• Coverage of APEC's work: Positive uptake of APEC narratives in the media, including quoted spokespeople, contextual storytelling and accurate framing of policy issues.
• Media engagement and relationships: Strong and active media relationships built through consistent interaction, trusted access and collaboration with regional and international media professionals.
• Internal and external feedback: Positive responses from APEC leadership, relevant internal stakeholders, member economies, host communication teams, and media contacts regarding professionalism, timeliness and value of media engagement efforts.
• Strategic use of media analytics: Application of media monitoring insights and trend analysis to continuously improve outreach impact and narrative coherence.

(3) Key Accountabilities/ Duties

• Develop, draft, and refine media content including press releases, media advisories, speeches, FAQs, and talking points, ensuring that all materials are accurate, compelling, and aligned with APEC's narrative and policy objectives.
• Build strategic narrative by working with policy experts, economies, and internal teams to identify fresh angles and storylines that elevate APEC's visibility and relevance.
• Design, develop, execute and evaluate media-related strategies, activities and programs. Coordinate media opportunities with various stakeholders and manage internal processes.
• Maintain, update and expand APEC's media contact database across 21 economies, identifying opportunities for regular engagement and story placement.
• Serve as the Secretariat's primary liaison for media inquiries, coordinating official responses, statements, and interview opportunities.
• Provide technical guidance and advice to member economies, hosts, and policy teams on media engagement, protocols, and best practices.
• In close collaboration with CPAU team members, coordinate photography, videography and multimedia assets for media use, ensuring alignment with APEC's brand and messaging.
• Support media related activities at APEC meetings and events that are spearheaded by host economies or members.
• Support Social Media and Content Sr Executive by drafting and verifying social media copy that accompanies press releases, statements, and other media materials to ensure consistency, clarity and accuracy across platforms.
• Develop media capacity for APEC spokespeople and relevant staff as required.
• Monitor media coverage, conduct sentiment and trend analysis and report findings to senior leadership with recommendations for improved outreach.

(4) Role Specification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, International Relations, or a closely related field from a recognized institution.

Relevant experiences

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, media relations, or strategic communications, preferably within an international, multilateral, or government context.
• Demonstrated experience in leading media engagement strategies, coordinating press activities at high-level events, and managing rapid-response communications.
• Proven ability to write, edit, and produce high-quality media materials including press releases, speeches, media advisories, and talking points, under tight deadlines.
• Experience maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and regional correspondents across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Familiarity with economic, policy, or business reporting in a multilateral context.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools, content management systems, and basic photo/video editing software is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior officials and policy teams on media messaging, public narratives, and institutional positioning.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple media requests and priorities in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with sensitivity to the diverse political and cultural contexts across APEC's 21 economies.

Skill sets

Must have

• Outstanding writing and editorial skills with the ability to translate complex policy and economic topics into clear, accessible, and compelling media content.
• Ability to develop and deliver proactive, regionally informed media strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Capable of managing all aspects of media engagement from strategic planning to press logistics, interviews, and on-the-ground coordination at APEC events.
• Strong media judgment and understanding of regional and global news cycles.
• Ability to build and sustain professional, trust-based relationships with journalists and media stakeholders across various platforms.
• Skilled in using media analytics and reporting tools to monitor coverage, measure impact, and inform content strategy.
• Comfortable working across cultures, time zones, and institutional sensitivities, with a high degree of political and cultural intelligence.

Desired competencies (Essential / Critical)

1. Editorial Leadership: Sets and upholds high standards for APEC's voice and public messaging across media channels.
2. Strategic Communications Thinking: Aligns storytelling and content strategy with institutional priorities and audience needs.
3. Relationship Management: Builds and maintains media partnerships with diplomacy, credibility, and responsiveness.
4. Cultural Intelligence: Adapts tone, messaging, and delivery to suit regional sensitivities and multicultural environments.
5. Results Orientation: Delivers measurable outcomes in media visibility, engagement, and impact.
6. Collaboration and Influence: Works cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to co-create compelling narratives and coordinated communications.