Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Healthy Communities

Earthjustice•Washington, DC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

Earthjustice is hiring a Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Healthy Communities to develop and carry out earned media and communications strategies supporting its litigation and policy work. The role is part of the Public Affairs and Communications team and focuses on deepening and expanding press coverage in priority issue areas. It reports to the Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Healthy Communities, is non-supervisory, and works under that leader’s strategic guidance. The position is full-time at 37.5 hours per week. It is preferably based in a hybrid arrangement in the Washington, D.C., San Francisco, or Los Angeles office; candidates elsewhere in the United States may be considered for remote work or work from another Earthjustice office. The work includes media outreach; developing messaging and preparing staff for media interactions; implementing communications strategies with clients, partners, coalitions, and program staff; writing and distributing communications materials; and contributing to project coordination, collaboration, and professional development. The stated percentage breakdowns are guidelines, and other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in media relations.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Proven ability to develop relationships with journalists and pitch high-impact media stories to advance advocacy campaigns.
Proven ability to succeed in a fast-moving environment with tight deadlines.
Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of justice, excellence, inclusion, and partnership.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing (preferred).
Experience working with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government, or political campaigns (preferred).
Experience working on environmental issues (preferred).
Experience using social media, Muck Rack, and/or other media relations software to monitor media narratives, connect with journalists, and amplify earned media placements.

Responsibilities

Pitch stories to national and regional media outlets and other influential news sources on behalf of Earthjustice, its clients, and partners.
Track media narratives, identify and pursue earned media opportunities, build journalist relationships, respond to breaking news, and manage media lists and contacts.
Develop and implement media outreach strategies on Healthy Communities issues and the Community Partnership Program with the Associate Director, communications team, litigators, policy staff, clients, and coalition partners.
Work with national and grassroots coalitions to support advocacy efforts and develop messaging and media strategy.
Develop talking points, quotes, and statements for the program team, and help program staff prepare for media interviews.
Implement communications strategies for program priorities with clients, partners, coalitions, communications team members, and relevant program staff.
Write and distribute press releases, talking points, and background materials on cases of interest.
Coordinate with vendors on communications content, such as digital ads and photos, as needed.
Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.
Attend events, webinars, trainings, and other professional development programs, including internal DEI learning opportunities.
Pursue professional development, build skills, share knowledge, and contribute to a culture of learning.