• POSITION TITLE: Media Relations Specialist
• LOCATION: Washington, DC or Geneva, Switzerland
• SALARY: DC: USD $60,000 - $85,000 or Geneva: USD $67,500 - $95,600  (depending on qualifications)
• SUPERVISOR: Communications Manager
• CLOSE DATE: August 2, 2022

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

This is a unique opportunity to help a groundbreaking environmental organization dramatically increase its media profile, reach new audiences, and advance its mission. As our first dedicated specialist in media relations, you will work with the Communications Manager to implement CIEL’s day-to-day press strategy and secure earned media for the organization, its partners, and in support of coalition efforts. You will proactively seek media opportunities, reply to journalist inquiries, draft and edit press releases and statements, maintain the core media relations infrastructure (e.g., press lists, media clips, interview coordination, research, and analytics), help organize events such as press briefings, and assist staff in preparing for interviews and in developing their own press relationships. As a Media Relations Specialist, you will have outstanding writing and editing in order to pitch compelling stories, enjoy developing relationships with reporters, and follow news trends, including internationally. You should also be able to make decisions quickly and be committed to iteration and ongoing improvements/ learning to grow CIEL’s earned media coverage and other visibility. Commitment to CIEL’s mission is a must.

This position will have no on-the-record spokesperson responsibilities. Strong preference is given to applicants with existing journalistic relationships in a relevant space, and the ability to communicate at a professional level in Spanish or French. The position is based in Washington, DC, or Geneva, Switzerland; candidates looking for fully remote work will not be considered. You must have prior authorization to work in the United States (CIEL cannot sponsor a work visa) or the ability to work in Switzerland (i.e., a citizen of EU/EFTA member states). This position reports to the Communications Manager.

DUTIES:

Programmatic:

1. With the Communications Manager and relevant Program personnel, develop and carry out a proactive earned media strategy that prioritizes raising the visibility of the organization and its campaigns.
2. Develop and/or maintain positive working relationships with targeted journalists (ie. online, print, and broadcast), editorial writers, and columnists, as well as with other media sources, with a goal of securing future coverage and framing the narrative in alignment with campaign goals.
3. Coordinate response to media inquiries, while supporting program and leadership staff in developing and deepening their relationships with journalists.
4. Conduct research into, develop, and maintain press lists, and engage in extensive pitching at the international and national levels.
5. Draft and distribute media releases, advisories, and statements for newsworthy moments, both planned and in rapid-response scenarios.
6. Monitor media for topics related to CIEL’s programmatic priorities and campaigns, proactively seek and identify opportunities for comment.
7. Prepare staff for speaking roles and interviews, including drafting presentations and talking points, and larger organization-wide media trainings.
8. Conduct media assessments for new and emerging campaigns, as appropriate, and generate media coverage reports for the organization or specific work areas.
9. Assist coalition efforts and close partner organizations in securing mutually beneficial earned media coverage.
10. Draft and develop press kits, media memos, and other forms of communication.
11. Coordinate press events and other media-related event opportunities.
12. Support and collaborate with other communications team members as relevant.

Management and Administration:

1. Maintain timesheets and submit them on time.
2. Meet periodically as requested, with supervisor and other team members.
3. Aid fundraising efforts, as appropriate.
4. Participate in an annual CIEL staff performance evaluation.
5. Meet goals and timelines, prioritize tasks, and ensure high-quality work product.
6. Share light office duties with the rest of a small and dedicated staff and perform other job-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least  4 years of experience in a professional media relations role.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading knowledge.
• Aptitude and willingness to work in rapid response circumstances where urgency is a necessity, and to juggle multiple projects on differing timeframes.
• Experience working with international press and on global issues.
• Strong knowledge of media and experience writing media releases, statements, and pitching stories to reporters.
• Able to distill key messages from detailed legal arguments, research, and proposals, and identify newsworthiness.
• Experience executing long-term, short-term, and rapid response media campaigns.
• Familiarity with media monitoring platforms and using social media to conduct outreach.
• Able to work both separately and collaboratively, in close coordination across teams.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Comfort admitting what you don’t know and recognizing that seeking and receiving feedback is part of the learning process.
• Awareness of how your words and actions affect others, openness to and respect for others’ perspectives.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of social media platforms and norms.
• Prior experience in a non-profit, campaign, or advocacy setting.
• Effectively communicate in French and/or Spanish.
• Existing relationships with reporters in a related field.
• Academic degrees or coursework in journalism, communications, or related subjects.

You must have prior authorization to work in the United States (CIEL cannot sponsor a work visa) or the ability to work in Switzerland (i.e., a citizen of EU/EFTA member states) in order to be considered for this position.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Washington, D.C. or Geneva, Switzerland. In light of the pandemic, we will support this new team member in working remotely until we can work together in our offices again. CIEL offers a strong benefits package including employer-subsidized health, dental, and vision; paid vacation, sick, and parental leave; a 5% contribution of gross annual salary into a 403(b) retirement account; a relocation stipend; and paid sabbatical leave after 7 years. CIEL is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and full-time employees qualify for the US Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.