Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Healthy Communities

Responsibilities

• Media Outreach (55%) - Pitch stories to national and regional media outlets, and other influential news sources on behalf of Earthjustice, its clients and partners.
• - Track media narratives, identify and pursue earned media opportunities, and build relationships with journalists.
• - Respond to breaking news moments, seize coverage opportunities, and manage media lists/media contacts.
• Message Development and Media Training (15%) - Work with Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications, the communications team, litigators, policy staff, clients and coalition partners to build, shape, and implement media outreach strategies on Healthy Communities issues and the Community Partnership Program.
• - In collaboration with Associate Director, work with national and grassroots coalitions to support advocacy efforts and develop messaging and media strategy.
• - Develop talking points, quotes, and statements for program team, and assist program staff in preparing for media interviews.
• Strategy (20%)   - Implement communications strategies for program priorities under the strategic leadership of Associate Director, working directly with clients, partners, coalitions, communications team members and relevant program staff.
• - Write and distribute press releases, talking points, and background materials on cases of interest.
• - May coordinate with vendors for communications content (digital ads, photos, etc.).
• Administrative and Professional Development (10%)   - Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.

Requirements

• At least three years’ experience in media relations.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with journalists and pitch high-impact media stories to advance advocacy campaigns.
• Proven ability to succeed in a fast-moving environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience using social media, Muck Rack, and/or other media relations software to monitor media narratives, connect with journalists, and amplify earned media placements.
• Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of justice, excellence, inclusion, and partnership.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing preferred.
• Experience working with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government, or political campaigns preferred.
• Experience working on environmental issues preferred.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive  benefits . We also offer a casual and congenial work environment.