Communications Officer

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

 

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), the leading science-based advocacy organization working for a healthy planet and safer world, is looking for a smart, energetic, out-of-the-box thinker to serve as media point person for our West Coast office as well as one or two UCS campaigns. The communications officer will develop proactive and reactive media strategies to maximize the visibility of our experts, issues, and products with a wide range of audiences. This position requires someone with a great news sense, excellent writing skills, a knack for collaborating well with others, and the ability to work under tight timelines while juggling multiple tasks. Written and oral Spanish fluency required. 

Responsibilities

• Position will serve as media point person for the UCS West Coast office as well as two or more UCS campaigns, but must maintain flexibility to jump on media opportunities that may arise for other issue areas.
• Develop proactive and reactive media strategies to obtain widespread media coverage for UCS, our experts, positions, and analysis in opinion leader print, radio, online, and television outlets.
• Write and distribute press releases, op-eds, factsheets, pitch letters, LTEs, staff bios, backgrounders, tweets, and other press materials in English and Spanish.
• Increase UCS visibility in state, regional, and national media outlets, including Spanish-language media.
• Organize road shows, radio talk show bookings, press conferences, and telepressers. Coordinate travel arrangements, media contacts, and facility logistics; staff events as required.
• Develop message memos and soundbites for UCS experts.
• Monitor press coverage of issue areas and proactively look for opportunities to insert UCS and our experts into stories.
• Establish relationships with members of press corps through email, social media, phone, and traditional methods to promote opportunities for positive reporting on UCS 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 staff, scientists, and activists on successful media techniques and strategies.
• Represent the communications department in program planning meetings to ensure strategies and tactics are developed with cross-channel promotions in mind and to maximize visibility, engage supporters in our campaigns, and contribute to campaign impact.

Qualifications and Experience

• Position requires a minimum of five to seven years’ experience in media relations or journalism. Excellent writing and communication skill required. Experience writing press releases, op-eds, and other press materials. Proven ability to identify and exploit media opportunities and develop messages and sound bites. Written and oral Spanish fluency required.
• Little or no exertion required. May spend extended periods at computer terminal and keyboard. Clear speech required.
• Some travel required. 
• At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate. 

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive.  We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work. 

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Oakland, CA office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the annual salary is in the low $70,000s. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, three writing samples, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Communications Officer Oakland” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: November 4, 2016 or until filled.