Media Specialist — Oceans
San Francisco Bay Area CA
The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a dynamic, experienced, creative and media-savvy communicator for our work to protect oceans and sea life. The Center is a leading voice in ocean protection and is responsible for the majority of protections for marine mammals and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act in the past 15 years. Our highly motivated Oceans team uses cutting-edge legal and advocacy strategies to tackle the key threats to our oceans, from climate change and plastic pollution to offshore drilling and habitat destruction. The Media Specialist will produce high-impact communications on every platform aimed at addressing the issues facing our oceans; generate positive media stories, op-eds, editorials and creative media products that drive the national discussion about ocean protection; and play an integral role in maintaining the Center’s national profile and work on this critical issue. This position reports directly to the Communications Director and works closely with our Oceans program, communications program and the leadership team.
Main duties:
Produce compelling press releases, white papers, story pitches, blog posts, factsheets, op-eds and other written material.
Heighten public knowledge of the threats facing our oceans and solutions.
Work closely with Communications and Oceans staff to develop and execute long-term and near-term strategic communications plans.
Organize and execute editorial drives.
Track national and international news on oceans and seek out strategic new ways to become part of the news cycle.
Cultivate media relationships, pitch stories to reporters and editorial writers, and continually seek out new media opportunities.
Act as a public spokesperson as needed.
Integrate oceans-related materials into other Center communications.
Periodically read, research and synthesize ocean-related science for lay audience materials.
Expand and refine the Center’s existing communications materials, including the website and regular publications.
Provide educational and persuasive outreach to members of Congress and other decision makers.
Assist with outreach to the Center’s 775,000-plus supporters and activists.
Identify and act on political opportunities, especially regarding the media, to shift the national debate in our favor.
Essential qualities, qualifications and skills:
The ability to produce clear, concise, persuasive and powerful writing on tight deadlines.
Exceptional writing, editing and verbal skills.
A deep working knowledge of environmental issues and politics.
An understanding of media cycles and the ability to consistently work with them.
The ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
The ability to juggle multiple projects and multiple deadlines.
The ability to communicate in different styles, depending on the forum, product and audience.
A strategic mindset that grasps short-term and long-term media opportunities and an ability to execute those opportunities.
Ability to research, synthesize and translate complex scientific concepts for a lay audience.
A penchant for innovative approaches to reaching new audiences.
A confident self-starter who also works well in a team environment.
A passion for oceans, sea life and saving all wildlife from extinction.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or a related field.
A minimum of five years of demonstrated success as a professional communicator, including journalism or nonprofit advocacy.
A proven track record in strategic communications work.
Application process:
To apply, please send a thoughtful cover letter and résumé via email to mediaspecialist@biologicaldiversity.org, “Attn: Oceans.” The position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is as soon as possible. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please. Please reference how you learned of this opening.