| Description |
IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
Communications Department
Washington, DC or Cambridge, MA Office
Under direction of the media manager, develop and implement strategies to maximize visibility for UCS, our issues, experts, and products, engage supporters in our campaigns, and contribute to campaign impact. Position requires rapid adaptation to changing external and internal conditions, and daily flexibility reprioritizing assignments while meeting deadlines and responsibilities. This position will focus primarily on garnering visibility for two campaigns but must maintain flexibility to jump on media opportunities that may arise for other issue areas.
Responsibilities
- Serve as media point person for two UCS programs, focusing outreach work on priority campaign projects. Write and distribute press releases, pitch letters, staff bios, backgrounders, LTEs, tweets, blogs, op-eds, and other materials to obtain media coverage in print, radio, online, and television outlets. In consultation with the media manager, take the lead planning and implementing national and state media efforts, road shows, and radio talk show bookings. Organize press conferences and telepressers. Coordinate travel arrangements, media contacts, and facility logistics; staff events as required.
- Work closely with program and communications staff to develop proactive and reactive media strategies that maximize visibility and engagement opportunities across distribution channels.
- Assist with message development and talking points. Monitor press coverage. Research online and offline media outlets to devise effective pitches.
- Cultivate journalists and thought leaders and build relationships with key reporters and editors in program areas through email, social media, phone, and traditional methods to promote opportunities for positive reporting on UCS's activities, positions, and experts. Arrange meetings and attend functions and conferences to educate reporters on UCS issues. Pitch reporters with suggestions for stories or articles; provide necessary information to ensure accurate coverage. Respond promptly to requests for information; refer media representatives to colleagues as necessary.
- Train UCS scientists and activists on successful media techniques and strategies. Work with programs to utilize our experts and activists to develop letter to the editor campaigns, to deploy expert network voices in the media, and to publicize meetings with decision makers of UCS supporters and experts. Enhance media skills of UCS staff.
- Utilize social media dashboard to develop strategies to cultivate and communicate with reporters, thought leaders, bloggers, and other key audiences.
- Work with high-level technical experts to help develop them as thought leaders on key issues.
- Represent UCS in coalition media efforts.
- Write articles for UCS magazine and newsletter. Update news section of Web site.
- Become thoroughly knowledgeable about UCS issues, positions, experts, and products and keep abreast of new developments.
- Keep up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in media outreach including how to maximize the latest online tools and trends for visibility, engagement, and impact.
Qualifications and experience
Position requires three to five years of comparable and relevant experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism. Experience using online and offline methods to generate earned media coverage required. Strong writing and communication skills necessary. Also required are related technical skills, including ability to write press releases, media advisories, and other press materials; identify and exploit media opportunities; message development. Bachelor’s degree required.
Some travel required (no more than 10% of time).
At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in either UCS’s Washington, DC (preferred) or Cambridge, MA office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $50,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment, and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.
To Apply: Please submit a resume, cover letter, three writing samples, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Communications Officer” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: August 3, 2014 or until filled.
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