Associate Press Secretary

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Job Title: Associate Press Secretary

Department: Communications

Reports to: Regional Communication Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Context: Develops relationships with regional and national reporters and producers, pitches and places stories, serves as a Sierra Club spokesperson. Responsible for creating materials to support campaign objectives. Oversees editorial production process for communication materials, including print, television, radio and web advertisements, reports, opinion pieces press releases, and other reporter outreach. Provides strategic communication planning and oversight for Sierra Club local, regional, and national campaigns including major Climate Recovery Partnership campaigns (Beyond Coal) and all other programs.

Scope: The Associate Press Secretary acts as a liaison between the media team and issue team staff to plan and carry out communication 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. Serves as Sierra Club representative to key partners. 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.

Job Activities:

1. Works with the Climate Recovery Partnership campaign staff and volunteers to develop the concept for reports to release at press conferences and other appropriate media events. Oversees the researching and writing of those reports.

2. Handles rapid response communication, developing messages, and writing op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points and other media materials. Creates strategic media responses to published comments regarding Sierra Club campaigns and to the positions of politicians, institutions, or groups.

3. Oversees strategy and messaging and materials development for the Beyond Coal Midwest Region efforts -- 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 Regional Communication Managers, Deputy Communications Directors, Communications Director, other Associate Press Secretaries, web, magazine, and online staff and outside consultants to provide assistance and guidance to the issue team and the volunteer committee in developing a long-range media strategy.

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 communication staff to pitch other Sierra Club messages, events, and reactions to the working press as needed.

12. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

-- B.A. degree in communication, 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.

-- Ability to interact cooperatively effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.

-- Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.