Communications and Media Relations Specialist III

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across the Communications Department and the Allen Institute to develop strategies and tactics aligned with established departmental and Institute priorities that strengthen the Institute’s reputation, brand, thought leadership, and visibility in the world
• Build and nurture relationships with journalists and editors at scientific and general interest news publications and broadcasters
• Develop earned, owned, and shared media strategies to showcase the Allen Institute story in print, broadcast, and online media
• Align media strategies with the Institute’s scientific goals and milestones, and partner with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment
• Build and nurture positive relationships with key science writers, reporters
• Manage media inquiries and interview requests in a timely manner
• Develop, write, and distribute effective communications materials including press releases, messaging documents, talking points, briefing documents.
• Provide media coaching and support for Institute leadership and scientific staff
• Expand and maintain media contact lists
• Monitor, analyze, and communicate media relations results on an annual basis

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Media, Communications, Writing or Journalism or equivalent combination of degree and work experience
• 2 years of communications experience in a nonprofit, agency or corporate environment or related
• 2 years of mainstream journalism experience
• Strong project management, writing and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and similar media creation tools to develop visually engaging web pages, social media posts and digital media assets
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required
• This role is currently able to work both remotely and onsite in a hybrid work environment. We are a Washington State employer, and the primary work location for all Allen Institute employees is 615 Westlake Ave N.; any remote work must be performed in Washington State.
• Attendance and participation in national conferences required
• Occasional local travel to alternate locations to for relationship building and stewardship required

Preferred

• 5+ years of communications experience in a nonprofit, agency or corporate environment
• 5+ years of mainstream journalism experience in a variety of newsroom roles and mediums (e.g., television, radio, digital, print)
• A passion for learning and a natural curiosity for science
• Thrive in an innovative environment while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient
• Excellent communication, written, verbal, interpersonal and collaborative skills

Benefits

• Employees (and their families) are eligible to enroll in benefits per eligibility rules outlined in the Allen Institute’s Benefits Guide. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are also eligible to enroll in the Allen Institute’s 401k plan. Paid time off is also available as outlined in the Allen Institutes Benefits Guide. Details on the Allen Institute’s benefits offering are located at the following link to the Benefits Guide: https://alleninstitute.org/careers/benefits.