The Media Relations Manager is responsible for communications in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways with specific responsibility in key states on policy and conservation initiatives.
The Media Relations Manager will ensure a strong and increasing positive public perception of Audubon and Audubon’s positions and key strategic initiatives through message development and dissemination, media relations, and other communications work. The Media Relations Manager will coordinate and execute strategic public relations campaigns, work with PR agencies, develop message frames and talking points for key initiatives and issues, conduct media training for spokespeople, provide leadership for local and regional media relations staff and program staff, oversee media coverage reporting, and secure high-quality coverage across the media landscape nationwide. This position will report to the Vice President of Communications.
- Develop and build on strong relationships with reporters and media outlets (including print, digital, TV, radio)
- Develop message frameworks and talking points for key initiatives, strategic priorities of the organization, and events
- Draft press releases, editorials, media pitches, statements and talking points that publicize and support Audubon’s mission and goals
- Collaborate with internal communications team to communicate external organizational priorities
- Cultivate relationships with state-based communications staff in support of the development of greater collaboration
- In collaboration with state-based staff, lead efforts to heighten Audubon’s media profile by developing and implementing strategies for outreach and relationship development to media contacts, growing our impact locally and nationally
- Synthesize national statements, policy and program materials to develop story angles and pitches for media
- Manage projects and campaigns on time and on budget
- Collaborate with Audubon’s social media and web teams
- Manage relationships with public relations agencies and other vendors, providing relevant tools and services across Audubon departments and ensuring successful completion of projects and campaigns
- Craft personalized pitches for reporters, editors and producers
- Land high-quality media coverage at national, regional and local levels across all types of media
- Develop and deliver media trainings for Audubon spokespeople
- Ensure Audubon’s strategic imperative of equity, diversity and inclusion is included in messaging
- Other duties as assigned
- 5+ years in public relations, journalism or other communications fields and 3 years' professional experience with issue campaign organizing, public relations, project management and/or advocacy required.
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills a must; ability to work with multiple stakeholder groups across a decentralized organization also necessary.
- Must have excellent writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy into concise, accurate, and compelling language for the general public including op-eds, talking points, blog posts and essays;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and obvious ability to easily learn how to use tools to manage online communications tools.
- Experience using media databases such as Cision, Vocus or Meltwater strongly preferred.
- Proficiency with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram preferred.
- Experience in identifying and effectively communicating with diverse audiences.
- A flexible approach to work, with a willingness to travel, as needed, and participate in programs occurring after typical business hours.
- Strong personal presence and demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.
- Spanish-language proficiency strongly preferred.
- Strong personal presence and demonstrated interest in wildlife conservation, environmental protection or climate-related advocacy and the mission of the National Audubon Society