Public Relations Specialist

The Marine Mammal Center•Sausalito, CA

just now•$30 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Relations Specialist supports The Marine Mammal Center’s earned media efforts by developing compelling press content, cultivating productive relationships with members of the media, and coordinating media engagement activities that promote accurate, timely, and mission-aligned representation of the Center. This role will independently research and pitch story opportunities, respond to media inquiries, draft press materials, and coordinate onsite media and documentary visits in close collaboration with the Associate Director, Public Relations. Working with key internal partners, the Public Relations Specialists supports fundraising-aligned media efforts, contributes to multimedia storytelling initiatives, and maintains media tracking and reporting systems to strengthen outreach effectiveness and visibility of the Center’s programs and impact.

Requirements

Strong passion for marine and environmental conservation and the mission of The Marine Mammal Center.
Demonstrated experience developing earned media strategies, pitching stories, and building productive media relationships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling press content and translate complex information for public audiences.
Strong editorial judgment, attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under deadline-driven conditions.
Ability to independently manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines with minimal supervision.
Experience conducting media research, analyzing trends, and identifying proactive storytelling opportunities.
Comfort representing the organization professionally in external-facing interactions including building and maintaining relationships with key partners and stakeholders
Ability to analyze performance data and use insights to improve outreach effectiveness.
Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional partners.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, emerging issues, and evolving media landscapes.
Strong organizational, time management, and project coordination skills.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word) and virtual collaboration tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Zoom).
Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds while demonstrating self-awareness, respect, and professionalism.
Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; and 3 years of relevant professional experience in public relations, media relations, communications, or a related discipline.

Nice To Haves

Fluency is spoken and written Spanish is preferred.
Familiarity with media databases, CRM tools, content management systems, and digital asset platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome media and non-traditional media partners to the Center, coordinate and oversee onsite media visits, and support a positive and well-organized media experience.
Monitor the media inbox and respond to media inquiries in a timely, accurate, and professional manner, escalating sensitive or high-risk matters as appropriate.
Collaborate with department management to produce a balanced mix of both short-form and long-form, data and research informed stories highlighting the Center’s programs, scientific expertise, and ocean health impact.
Support fundraising-focused public relations efforts in close collaboration with the Advancement team, identifying story opportunities aligned with campaigns and donor engagement priorities.
Support video and multimedia production efforts, including documentary projects, b-roll filming for media requests, social media content, and sponsorship videos, ensuring adherence to safety, brand, and messaging standards.
Research traditional and nontraditional media outlets (podcasters, influencers, bloggers, etc.) to identify relationship-building and pitching opportunities that strengthen the Center’s thought leadership profile.
Perform ongoing research to track news related to ocean health, conservation, marine mammals, and relevant policy or environmental trends to support timely and informed media outreach.
Maintain accurate records of media outreach, inquiries, placements, and engagement activity with the Center’s public relations database (Cision).
Compile and generate routine metrics and performance reports related to media outreach, coverage, and engagement to support program tracking and continuous improvement.
Draft and edit engaging press kits, press releases, and media advisories, that translate complex scientific and operational information into accessible public-facing content.
Gather and curate supporting visual assets, including photography and video footage, to strengthen press materials and storytelling impact.
Ensure consistency with brand voice, messaging standards, and editorial quality across all externally facing materials.
Perform special projects and research as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.