American Petroleum Institute

Compensation

Full Description

This role serves as a primary national media spokesperson for the American Petroleum Institute, operating at the center of a fast-moving political, policy, and geopolitical environment. The position helps drive proactive national media strategy, shapes coverage at moments of political and regulatory inflection, and positions API as the definitive voice of the U.S. oil and natural gas industry. The role builds and maintains trusted relationships with top-tier national reporters and engages directly with journalists to explain nuanced policy positions and articulate the industry’s perspective with clarity and authority. In close partnership with members of the media team, this position helps drive a disciplined, day-to-day rapid response media operation — ensuring timely, coordinated engagement across breaking news cycles, major policy debates, election cycles, economic developments, and global events. Working closely with API leadership, policy experts, government affairs, and communications colleagues, the role translates complex issues into clear, compelling narratives that resonate beyond Washington and reinforce API’s broader advocacy priorities. It staffs and prepares API executives and subject-matter experts for high-profile media engagements, providing strategic counsel, message development, and hands-on preparation to ensure clarity, confidence, and message discipline. Duties/Responsibilities * Serve as an on-the-record national spokesperson, representing API in high-profile print, digital, broadcast, and cable interviews. * Engage directly with national reporters in both proactive and reactive settings, clearly articulating API’s policy positions and industry perspective on complex and evolving issues and correcting the record as necessary. * Build, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with top-tier national reporters, editors, and producers. * Help develop and execute national media strategy in partnership with the broader media team, ensuring message discipline and narrative consistency. * Help lead day-to-day rapid response efforts, monitoring coverage, identifying emerging narratives, and deploying timely messaging under tight deadlines. * Develop and pitch proactive storylines tied to major policy debates, industry milestones, economic developments, and geopolitical events. * Secure strategic placements, background briefings, editorial board meetings, exclusives, and on-the-record opportunities for API leadership and subject-matter experts. * Anticipate emerging media risks and political flashpoints; develop clear, concise guidance during high-pressure moments and crisis situations. * Staff and prepare API executives and policy experts for national media engagements, including interview briefs, Q&As, prep sessions, and rehearsal support. * Translate complex legislative, regulatory, and economic issues into compelling, media-ready messaging. * Identify opportunities to tap into the news cycle and reach the press through timely digital media engagement. * Draft and distribute press statements, talking points, backgrounders, and media materials with accuracy and strategic clarity. * Coordinate closely with policy, government affairs, legal, digital, and public affairs teams to ensure alignment across communications channels. * Engage member companies to align messaging and coordinate media activity during high-visibility moments. * Partner with external firms and consultants as needed to extend reach and execution capacity. Key Relationships * Reports directly to the Director of External Communications. Qualifications * Requires a minimum of 7-10 of experience in communications, public relations, public affairs or a similar role and subject matter expertise. * At least 5 years of media relations experience, including experience as an on-the-record spokesperson. * Demonstrated ability to engage confidently and credibly with national reporters, explaining complex policy issues with clarity and composure. * Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, project management, and operational skills are essential. * Bachelor's degree in relevant area, or other related field equivalent work experience.  * Outstanding writing/editing skills with excellent attention to detail. * Ability to respond promptly to executive and members’ needs and solicit team feedback to meet project deadlines, while maintaining high-quality results. * Self-starter who takes initiative with experience working both independently and well with others is essential. * Working knowledge of policy issues, Congress, the Executive Branch, and political debate.  * 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. 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.   EEO Statement API is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to fostering 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 [HumanResources@api.org].   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 [https://api.org/about/careers/benefits].