Media Specialist, Endangered Species

~ 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!

Description

The Center for Biological Diversity seeks a Media Specialist for our Portland, OR office to lead communications for our national work to save endangered species. We're looking for an experienced, driven, dynamic and creative media professional with exceptional writing and editing skills and a deep passion for wildlife.

The Center is the leading national voice in the movement to protect animals and plants on the brink of extinction. Our innovative, highly motivated Endangered Species team uses cutting-edge legal, scientific and organizing strategies to secure federal protections for species, protect habitat, influence policy, pressure Congress and mobilize wildlife advocates across the country. With 1 million animals and plants now facing extinction, the Media Specialist will help lead the fight to focus public attention on threats facing species from wolves to salamanders.

The Media Specialist will produce high-impact communications on every platform aimed at addressing these issues, including generating media stories, press releases, op-eds, reports, editorials and creative media products that drive the national discussion about the wildlife extinction crisis. This is a dynamic, high-level, high-volume position that works closely with members of the media and Center scientists and legal experts, occasionally acts as a spokesperson, and drives communications strategies on a daily basis.

Responsibilities

Primary duties:

• Lead and execute communication strategies that produce high-impact media stories.
• Write and edit compelling press releases, op-eds, white papers, story pitches, blog posts, fact sheets, reports and other material.
• Heighten public knowledge about issues facing endangered species (from local, on-the-ground threats to national policy debates) and help shape the media narrative around the importance of protecting habitat and all endangered species, from the smallest insect to the largest carnivore.
• Work closely with communications and Endangered Species staff to develop and execute long-term and near-term strategic communications plans.
• Manage, plan and help execute rapid response to breaking news.
• Organize and execute editorial drives.
• Track national and international news on the wildlife extinction crisis and seek strategic ways to become part of the daily 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.
• Provide media training to Endangered Species program staff, including scientists and legal experts, on conducting interviews, maintaining good media relations and media strategies.
• Expand and refine the Center's existing communications materials, including the website and regular publications.
• Occasionally provide educational and persuasive outreach to members of Congress and other decision makers.
• Identify and act on opportunities, especially in the media, to drive and influence the nationwide discussion around endangered species.

Note: This position reports directly to the communications director and works closely with the deputy communications director, endangered species program director, program staff and communications staff.

Compensation

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

Qualifications 

Position Requirements:

• 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.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal skills.
• A passion for saving endangered animals and plants.
• Knowledge of endangered species, the Endangered Species Act and other natural resource issues is highly desired.
• An understanding of media cycles and the ability to consistently work with them.
• An aptitude for helping scientists and legal experts communicate with lay audiences about the wildlife extinction crisis.
• 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, legal and regulatory 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.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to submit 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.