POSITION TITLE:Communications Specialist

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Communications

REPORTS TO: Director, Communications

STATUS: Full-Time; Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Washington, D.C. preferred; other states include: AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist provides communications support across a variety of programmatic areas. They are responsible for implementing communication strategies; engaging with members of the media; monitoring and evaluating media outreach; and responding to communications opportunities as they come. The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer with good knowledge of the media landscape and a keen sense for storytelling.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors for media opportunities and distribute a regular clipsheet (3x per week) to staff across the institution.
• Proactively pitches journalists on stories connected to Ocean Conservancy and our program work.
• Responds to media requests and facilitate communications between Ocean Conservancy experts and journalists.
• Creates and delivers effective communications to help reach targeted audiences to deliver conservation wins.
• Creates, updates and maintains media lists in Muck Rack; assists with media materials distribution; ensures database accuracy across a variety of trackers; and generates media reports as needed.
• Collaborates with Communications and Program department colleagues to develop communication collateral including press statements, blogs, research memorandums, social media language, presentations, and more.
• Contributes to team brainstorms and discussions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, to include meeting prep, notes capture, presentation development and other support for communications leadership team as needed.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of two years of related work experience.
• Experience pitching to journalists and cultivating journalist relationships.
• Familiarity with news media as well as social media platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Working knowledge of Muck Rack, Cision or other comparable media databases.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including knowledge of correct grammar and syntax, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with a variety of audiences.
• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and function as part of a team.
• Ability to accept and execute projects and manage priorities accordingly.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Graphic and design skills welcomed.
• Familiarity with AP style preferred.
• Passion for the ocean strongly preferred.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in communications, marketing, media relations or television production.

COMPENSATIONOcean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected salary range is $45,407 to $66,731. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.