Media Specialist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION • Cape Girardeau, MO

2d

About The Position

Collaborate with the media and the public to promote the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Essential Job Duties
Facilitate media coverage of MDC activities through news releases, interviews and other contacts with media outlets.
Prepare articles and news releases and ensure delivery through the proper channels.
Answer media/reporter inquiries about conservation issues or programs, supply information, and connect reporters or producers with MDC staff for interviews or information.
Respond to queries from general public received via e-mail, phone call and walk-in visitation.
Coordinate ad purchases (radio and television) by negotiating contracts, assisting with design and/or production, placing of ads with media outlets, and making sure invoices are paid.
Monitor spending in compliance with budget.
Coach field staff in media interaction, interviewing and effective writing.

Ancillary Job Duties
Serve on internal and external committees, special events, trade shows, etc.
Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or related
• Two years of combined experience in news media, public relations and/or forestry/fish/wildlife management.
• Must maintain a current, valid driver’s license.
• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, multi-line phone system, fax machine, scanner, and computer.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with citizens, city and county officials, university faculty and administrators, civic groups, Department staff and members of other news media.
• Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to work varying shifts and hours, as needed.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight.
• Remain in a stationary position up to 70% of the time.
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision- ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 10 pounds, correctly lift up to 25 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with the media preferred.
• Forestry/Fish/Wildlife experience, preferred.
• Comfort communicating with members of the media.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate media coverage of MDC activities through news releases, interviews and other contacts with media outlets.
• Prepare articles and news releases and ensure delivery through the proper channels.
• Answer media/reporter inquiries about conservation issues or programs, supply information, and connect reporters or producers with MDC staff for interviews or information.
• Respond to queries from general public received via e-mail, phone call and walk-in visitation.
• Coordinate ad purchases (radio and television) by negotiating contracts, assisting with design and/or production, placing of ads with media outlets, and making sure invoices are paid.
• Monitor spending in compliance with budget.
• Coach field staff in media interaction, interviewing and effective writing.
• Serve on internal and external committees, special events, trade shows, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees