Communications Associate

Responsibilities

• Help create and execute press and communications strategies to achieve Oceana objectives.
• This includes assisting in the development of communications plans on the issues of saving the ocean and feeding the world, plastic reduction, increasing transparency at sea, and other organizational initiatives.
• Support securing press coverage in strategic outlets and serve as a media contact for Oceana’s corporate plastic campaigns and the Transparent Oceans Initiative.
• Create and maintain successful relationships with members of the media.
• Generate press coverage for Oceana’s major fundraising events.
• Support Oceana’s experts’ and celebrity supporters’ participation in events including preparing talking points, arranging interviews, and more.
• Support the production and placement of Oceana’s print, radio, and TV public service announcements in key target areas such as New York and Southern California.
• Assist in accomplishing communications goals as needed or requested by Director and Vice President.
• Translate scientific information into public-friendly materials and develop communications for targeted audiences and stakeholders (e.g., news media, government officials, donors, and public). Other content production includes brochures, blogs, fact sheets, social media toolkits, presentations, website content, press materials, and more.
• Produce written communications (press releases, talking points, op-eds, memos) for press initiatives, interviews, and events.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• One to two years of professional experience as a Communications professional, journalist, press secretary, public relations consultant, or other position involving media/press relations.
• Internships or professional experience pitching and/or securing interviews and press coverage.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in AP Style and excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to synthesize complicated scientific jargon quickly and accurately for lay audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as a team player to coordinate projects, and work effectively with a variety of personalities.
• Proficient using Microsoft tools including Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure while maintaining humor and high energy.

Preferred

• professional working proficiency in Spanish is a plus
• Familiarity with media tracking software such as Meltwater, Cision, and Muck Rack is a plus
• Experience with international media a plus