National Geographic Society (NGS) seeks a seasoned communications strategist and media relations director to design and implement communications strategies that cultivate relationships with the media that boost awareness of our partnership with the Wyss Foundation’s Campaign for Nature.
The Wyss Campaign for Nature is a $1 billion investment to help communities, indigenous peoples, and nations conserve 30% of the planet in its natural state by 2030. National Geographic Society has partnered with the Campaign to raise global awareness about the urgent need to give nature more space. This effort will inspire citizens, policymakers, and funders to help accelerate the protection of the natural world.
The position requires the ability not only to think and plan strategically, but to execute on those plans and deliver media coverage results that present the partnership and campaign achievements.
The successful candidate will partner with the NGS Campaign for Nature Campaign Director, NGS Marketing & Engagement (M&E) team and the Wyss Foundation to develop a creative, disciplined and results oriented media relations strategy among Tier 1 domestic and global media outlets as well as conservation/environmental and public policy press. The strategy will deliver news coverage on the campaign’s achievements, leaders and scientific results across all platforms (print, broadcast, digital, etc).
The position will also contribute to the creation of broad and targeted narratives based on audience goals. S/he is a highly sophisticated and seasoned media relations expert who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and inclusive culture while executing with a sense of urgency.
This position serves as lead communications strategist and media relations director for National Geographic Society’s partnership with the Wyss Foundation’s Campaign for Nature.
Collaborate with Campaign Director, Marketing and Engagement and Wyss teams to develop narratives per audience segment and then set media relations strategy to deliver those narratives. (20%)
- Create message maps for each audience segment that deliver the right message to the right audience at the right time and through the right channel(s).
Collaborate with Campaign Director, Marketing and Engagement and Wyss teams to proactively pitch to targeted reporters/outlets, including National Geographic. (35%)
- Create a calendar of media stories opportunities that are in line with political targets.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters, bloggers and other media influencers in the conversation, environmental and public policy space.
- Generate press events as appropriate.
Secure, arrange interviews and write press releases to promote NGS’s partnership with the Wyss Foundation’s Campaign for Nature. (20%)
- Generate press statements, op-eds, talking points and memos related to the Campaign.
- Develop media interview briefing documents for designated spokesperson.
- Prep and staff spokesperson for all media interviews.
Manage the flow of news about the partnership and campaign to the media and in coordination with the National Geographic Society overall editorial calendar. (25%)
- Gather and disseminate timely information about the partnership to press.
- Track media coverage.
- Report on campaign’s media coverage results on a weekly basis.
- Manage sensitive issues to maintain National Geographic Society’s good reputation.
- 10 or more years of experience in media relations, securing key media placements in local, national and international conservation, environmental and public policy press.
- Experience working in racially diverse teams and coalitions, and creating equitable and inclusive environments, with an ability to build strong, trusting relationships that include seeking and adapting to perspectives from all parties.
- Experience leading in political campaign communication
- Ability to develop media strategy and deploy creative tactics to build press coverage in conversation, environmental and public policy press
- Established media relationships at local, national and international media conversation, environmental and public policy outlets
- Excellent media pitching and writing skills
- Proven work experience as Campaign Communications Director or similar role
- Deep understanding of the conservation, environmental and related public policy issues
- Established relationships with reporters covering conservation, environmental and/or public policy
- Solid experience securing top-tier coverage for issues campaigns
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to foster long-term relationships with key media professionals
- Highly collaborative
National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer