Media Relations Specialist

American Bird Conservancy

Media Relations Specialist

Position Summary:

Title:                     Media Relations Specialist

Reports to:         Director of Marketing

Location:             Flexible/remote; preference for Washington, DC area

Salary:                  Estimated at $75,000; based on experience

Submission Deadline: May 19, 2023

Introduction:

The mission of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is to conserve birds and their habitats – the places birds need to thrive – across the Americas. We are a growing group of 125+ dedicated staff, located across the United States and with a network of partners from Canada to Chile. Each year, we grow in budget and staff, and we deliver more results aimed at preventing bird species extinctions and reversing population declines that are affecting nearly all bird groups. Our work is guided by our principles, which include a commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI).

ABC is looking for a creative, proactive Media Relations Specialist to join ABC’s growing marketing team, playing a key role in raising the organization’s visibility and brand reach through strategic media relations efforts. Successful candidates will bring established relationships with journalists and traditional news outlets as well as experience with social media influencers, podcasts, and other media. Other necessary attributes include a drive to develop clear, effective messaging on complex topics using both words and visuals; passion for current events and sharing the news; and an unflagging ability to quickly yet thoughtfully move ideas to completion.

Major Duties:

• Advance ABC marketing initiatives through savvy, proactive, and strategic media relations efforts. Achieve notable press coverage in targeted traditional and digital outlets.
• Serve as ABC’s primary media contact and spokesperson, and build key media relationships.
• Write, review, edit, and pitch press releases, Op-Eds, talking points and other news pieces as assigned; identify compelling visuals; and contribute to development of messaging for ABC overall and for individual programs.
• Develop and maintain subject matter expertise on the latest bird conservation issues and ABC’s programmatic efforts.
• Maintain a clear understanding of the technical side of our work.
• Track topics related to bird conservation in the media.
• Report on earned media and other project or initiative results.
• Collaborate with ABC communications team, especially the news and social media sub-team, to coordinate and leverage efforts.
• Work closely with ABC leadership, board members, and ABC’s broader team to accomplish all duties and build a strong understanding of ABC programs and initiatives.
• Coordinate and participate in media coverage.
• Write and edit other materials as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, marketing, or related field; four+ years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, or related field; or a combination of both;

• Demonstrated ability to achieve significant earned media placements;

• Established network of media contacts;

• Talent for communicating, influencing, and problem-solving with internal and external audiences;

• Ability to operate at both a strategic and executional level;

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail and accuracy;

• Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment;

• Experience with media tracking services;

• Knowledge of birds and passion for bird conservation preferred;

• Ability to speak and write Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus;

• Background screening required; and

• Must be authorized to work in the US; US citizen or Permanent Resident.

Benefits:

• Excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and employer-matched retirement savings, flexible schedule, etc.
• Paid vacation days (starting at 15 days annually and increasing to 20 days after 1 year of employment), paid holidays (including both US holidays and additional ABC holidays) and sick leave.
• Lodging, meals, and transportation covered for work-related travel away from home.
• Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement where applicable.

If you have difficulties, please email your cover letter and resume to HR@abcbirds.org**.**

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer-; ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.