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Job Title: Associate Press Secretary, Beyond Natural Gas
Department: Communications
Reports to: National Press Secretary
Context: Provides strategic media planning and oversight for Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas campaign (www.sierraclub.org/naturalgas). Writes long-term and rapid-response media outreach tools to position the Sierra Club and promote its national and regional Beyond Natural Gas campaign. Oversees editorial production process for media communications, ensuring timely and accurate materials with a consistent tone and message. Develops relationships with regional and national reporters and producers, pitching stories, providing Sierra Club’s viewpoints, and serving as a Club spokesperson. Works on other campaigns and communications matters as funding dictates.
Scope: The Associate Press Secretary for Beyond Natural Gas acts as a liaison between the communications department and issue team staff to plan and carry out communications strategies. Also serves as a liaison between the Sierra Club and key media contacts, to develop relationships that advance the Sierra Club’s media coverage, serving regularly as a spokesperson. Researches and prepares reports for release to media, writes media messages, op-eds, press releases, talking points and other materials, and coordinates media events as necessary. Works with other environmental groups in the various coalitions working on natural gas issues to guide the strategic objectives and communications tactics for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Natural Gas campaign.
Job Activities:
1. Works with the Beyond Natural Gas campaign and campaign volunteers to develop the concept for reports to release at press conferences and other appropriate media events. Oversees the research and writing of those reports.
2. Oversees Sierra Club’s rapid-response program for Beyond Natural Gas, developing messages and writing op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points and other media materials. Creates strategic media responses to published comments regarding the Sierra Club and to the positions of politicians, institutions, or groups.
3. Oversees strategy and messaging and materials development for the Natural Gas campaign, serving as liaison across various teams and committees.
4. Crafts long-term strategic vehicles for promoting Sierra Club messages and stories, including but not limited to writing letters to the editor, reports op-eds, radio actualities, press releases, fact sheets, and talking points.
5. Collaborates with the National Press Secretary, Communications Director, Deputy Director, and outside consultants to provide assistance and guidance to the Beyond Natural Gas campaign in developing a long-range media strategy. Drafts communications plans and coordinates communications work around Beyond Oil campaigns with web and social media teams, Sierra Magazine, Sierra Club productions, and other teams.
6. Develops relationships with regional and national reporters and pitches stories to those reporters.
7. Performs research and analysis using a variety of resources to craft appropriate media messages, write press releases, opinion editorials, and other materials.
8. Trains and coaches staff and volunteers in media skills.
9. Contributes to staff strategy meetings, and stays current on substantive and political developments in major conservation campaigns by reading latest literature, attending meetings, and maintaining contact with relevant sources.
10. Advises and assists communications staff to pitch other Sierra Club messages, events, and reactions to the working press as needed.
11. Works with Sierra Club staff to monitor and respond to media opportunities. Collects and distributes media clips and news analysis on Natural Gas issues.
12. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Seasonal Activities:
Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work required. Some travel is required.
Knowledge and Skills:
-- B.A. degree in communications, journalism, or a closely related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
-- 3 years prior experience as a journalist, media liaison, or other position involving media/press relations.
-- Excellent writing and verbal communications skills.
-- Demonstrated knowledge of environmental issues and national politics desired.
-- Ability to interact cooperatively effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
-- Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.
This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and John Muir Local.
The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a pension, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 5 exempt position.
Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
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