Careers

Media Specialist for Oceans and International Wildlife Issues

Full Time
Location: Oakland, Calif., or Seattle Preferred 

General position overview: The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a dynamic, experienced and creative media-relations expert and professional writer to get the key messages of our Oceans and International programs into the mainstream media. 

The Center is the leading voice in the movement to save animals and plants on the brink of extinction. We work to protect wildlife and the environment from oil spills, trophy hunting, offshore oil extraction, lethal entanglement in fishing nets, the international wildlife trade and a wide range of other threats.   

The ideal candidate will have exceptional writing skills, a strong working knowledge of journalism and a passion for protecting wildlife on land and in oceans around the world, from North Atlantic right whales, leatherback sea turtles and sea cucumbers to giraffes, leopards and elephants. We seek people with competency in diversity, equity and inclusion and experience working successfully with diverse coalitions and teams. They should have a strong desire to join a smart, committed, fun team working together to save life on Earth.

The Media Specialist will generate media stories, press releases, op-eds, reports and creative media products that drive local, state, national and international discussions. The specialist works closely with journalists and Center scientists and attorneys across several time zones, occasionally acts as a spokesperson, and drives communications strategies on a daily basis. Please note: Some projects will involve morning work in the Eastern time zone and potential international travel.

Primary duties:

• Write and edit compelling press releases, op-eds, story pitches, reports and other material for the Center’s Oceans and International programs.
• Lead and execute strategies that produce high-impact print, web and broadcast media coverage of these two programs and their issues.
• Manage, plan and help execute rapid responses to breaking news.
• Work closely with the Media Director and the directors and staff of the International and Oceans programs to develop and execute long-term and near-term communications plans.
• Provide strategic advice on media issues.
• Plan, write and post engaging communications for social media (about 1 hour per week on average).
• Track local, national and international news relevant to the programs and seek ways to become part of the news cycle.
• Cultivate media relationships and pitch stories to reporters and editorial writers.
• Act as a public spokesperson as needed.
• Provide media training to both programs’ staff.
• Plan and implement media advocacy strategies for events and press conferences.
• Assist with other media relations work as needed.

This position reports directly to the Media Director and works closely with the directors and teams of the Oceans and International programs.

Requirements:

• Exceptional writing ability is crucial. Please have a track record of producing clear, concise and compelling copy on tight deadlines.
• Initiative is key. The ideal candidate keeps an eye out for opportunities, including breaking news in our issue areas, and develops tactics and strategies based on media relations expertise.
• Seasoned news judgment and solid understanding of how journalists work.
• Interest in the work of these programs, which focus on protecting wildlife in our oceans and in countries around the world.
• Experience researching, synthesizing and translating complex scientific, legal and regulatory concepts in ways that are accessible to a broad audience.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment that often moves at the fast pace of the news cycle.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and multiple deadlines.
• Penchant for innovative approaches that reach new audiences at a wide variety of media outlets.
• Confident self-starter who also works well with teams.
• Knowledge of AP Style is helpful.
• Fluent Spanish a plus.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least five years of experience as a professional communicator, including journalism or advocacy public relations.