Media Specialist

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION • Kansas City, MO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Collaborate with the media and the public to promote the Missouri Department of Conservation.

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.
• Comfort communicating with members of the media.
• 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.
• Regularly work in a standard office environment.
• 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.
• Occasionally work in outdoor weather environments (cold/hot/humid/wet).

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.

Benefits

• Compensatory time in lieu of cash payments

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level