Director, Paid Media & Partnerships

Job Summary

Responsible for advancing the American Petroleum Institute's industry brand reputation and D.C. strategic visibility through integrated paid media initiatives, partnerships, and high-impact events. Reporting to the Vice President, Public Affairs, this position works closely with API leadership, member companies, industry partners, and external stakeholders to strengthen understanding of the natural gas and oil industry through paid media and position API as a trusted and influential voice on energy issues.

The Director serves as a key ambassador for API, identifying and executing opportunities to elevate the association's presence among policymakers, business leaders, media organizations, influencers, and other critical audiences.

Duties/Responsibilities

Paid Media & Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and manage paid media advertising campaigns, paid media partnerships, and event partnerships that advance API's advocacy objectives.
• Lead paid advertising in Washington, DC in coordination with the research, data, grassroots, and issue advocacy teams. Align state advertising programs with our industry branding goals. 
• Identify opportunities for sponsored content, executive visibility, speaking engagements, and industry collaborations.
• Evaluate partnership opportunities and provide recommendations to API leadership regarding investments, audience reach, and strategic value.

Executive Visibility & Industry Events

• Develop strategies to elevate API's presence at conferences, forums, industry meetings, and other external engagements.
• Represent API at executive-level meetings, conferences, and public-facing events.
• Coordinate executive speaking opportunities and support preparation of presentations, messaging, and event materials.
• Partner with member companies and joint trades to maximize API visibility and influence at key industry moments.
• Lead the development and execution of initiatives that strengthen awareness, understanding, and reputation of the natural gas and oil industry and API's role as its leading trade association.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities to elevate API's thought leadership and industry leadership.

Organizational Leadership

• Coordinate with Communications, Policy, Government Affairs, and Executive Office teams to align industry positioning and outreach efforts.
• Monitor industry trends, audience sentiment, and emerging opportunities that could impact API's brand and reputation.
• Provide regular reporting and recommendations on partnership effectiveness, event performance, and engagement.

Supervisory Responsibilities and Key Relationships

• Supervise, manage, and develop team members and external consultants supporting industry branding, partnerships, and events.
• Establish clear objectives, monitor performance, and foster professional development opportunities.
• Serve as a public affairs leader across API and member partners on brand strategy, external engagement, and event best practices.
• Maintain strong relationships with member company paid media leaders, media partners, event organizers, and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment and collaboration among internal clients, including Communications, Policy, Government Affairs, Executive Office, Legal, Operations, and API committees.

Qualifications

• 10-12+ years of experience in public affairs, corporate affairs, public relations, brand management, event strategy, media relations, or related fields.
• Minimum 3+ years of management experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing executive-level events, strategic partnerships, or external engagement programs.
• Experience with media buying, data targeting, and integrated paid media campaigns. 
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization with senior executives, industry leaders, media organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Strong presentation, public speaking, and relationship-management skills.
• Experience developing integrated communications and brand-building initiatives.
• Working knowledge of the natural gas and oil industry preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, professionalism, and executive presence.
• Ability to work effectively across complex organizations and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

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% 

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. 

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.