At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature – to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive!

General position overview: The Center for Biological Diversity seeks an experienced and creative media-relations expert to raise the profile of our work to address the threats to wildlife and the environment from human population pressure and overconsumption. The Center is the only environmental group in the United States with a full-time program focusing on these issues. Our Population and Sustainability team uses cutting-edge communications, research and campaigns to highlight unsustainable human population growth as well as food production’s impacts on people, wildlife and the planet.

The Center is already a national leader on issues involving Population and Sustainability through creative campaigns like Endangered Species Condoms and Take Extinction Off Your Plate. Our aim is to take this program to the next level with high-impact media that reaches new audiences, decision-makers and the next generation of activists. This position reports directly to the communications director and works closely with the deputy communications director, Population and Sustainability program director, program staff and communications staff.

Primary duties:

• In collaboration with the team, develop and execute long-term and near-term media campaigns that highlight our work.
• Manage, plan and help execute rapid response to breaking news.
• Write compelling press releases, story pitches, blog posts, fact sheets, op-eds and other material.
• Cultivate media relationships, pitch stories to reporters and editorial writers, and tirelessly seek out new media opportunities.
• Heighten public knowledge of issues surrounding population and sustainability, including personal choices and national policy debates.
• Track national and international Population and Sustainability news and seek out strategic ways to become part of the news cycle.
• Act as a public spokesperson as needed.
• Integrate Population and Sustainability-related materials into other Center communications.
• Periodically read, research and synthesize Population and Sustainability-related science for lay audience materials.
• Help expand and refine the Center’s existing communications materials, including the website and regular publications.

Benefits Package:

• Paid generous medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance
• 403(b) plan with opportunity for match
• Generous time-off policies
• Relaxed work atmosphere
• Salary is commensurate with other non-profit organizations and experience.

Application process: Please apply on our website by submitting a cover letter, resume, and 3-5 references with your application. The position will remain open until filled. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth.

We are an equal opportunity employer.

Essential qualifications and skills desired:

• A bachelor’s degree.
• Five to 10 years of experience as a professional communicator, including journalism or advocacy.
• Proven track record as a working journalist or in strategic or advocacy communications work.
• Proven ability to produce clear, concise, persuasive and powerful writing on tight deadlines.
• Seasoned news judgment and solid understanding of compelling media narratives.
• Knowledge of how journalists work and think.
• An assertive, energetic and proactive approach to injecting our messages into media cycles.
• A knack for finding creative, sometimes fun ways to communicate serious issues.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal skills.
• A passion for Population and Sustainability issues, including reproductive health, empowerment of women and food systems that are safe for wildlife, people and the planet.
• The ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and juggle multiple projects and multiple deadlines.
• 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.