Media Relations Manager

The Nature Conservancy

A LITTLE ABOUT US:

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.

https://www.nature.org/en-us/

Position Details

Media Relations Manager
Job
Full-time
12/9/2020
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC:

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a savvy and experienced media relations manager to join its team. This person will develop, manage and implement media and communications strategies to raise the visibility of the Illinois chapter, engage its varied audiences, influence conservation action, and achieve revenue goals. Securing media placements in the Chicago market is a primary focus among other large markets throughout the state. This position will provide strategic guidance and leadership expertise to other Midwest state operating units, and work in collaboration with the global media team and other media staff across the organization to elevate stories of regional and national importance. The position will report to the Director of Marketing, IL/MI/Great Lakes.

The Nature Conservancy has a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We seek to create an inclusive and diverse culture among our team members, volunteer leaders, supporters, partners and the communities where we work to promote conservation work that is both equitable and just. This is true of us and the work we support. Equity and justice are essential to creating a world where all of nature, including humanity, thrives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This position will serve as the media liaison for the chapter, working closely with executive leadership, staff across multiple disciplines including conservation, government relations and development as well as trustees and external partners. They will provide consultation, media training and coaching, and develop key messages and talking points to persons serving as spokesperson(s). They will cultivate and steward media relationships on a local and national level while identifying, pitching and securing media stories in major news outlets. This person will work to position TNC and the Illinois State Director as a thought-leader in conservation through the placement of op-eds and high-profile speaking engagements. The media relations manager must have strong writing skills, a “nose for news”, be proactive and have a proven ability to generate creative and fresh ideas that result in story placements.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE:

  • Manage and serve as team lead on assigned media and/or communications initiatives. 
  • Write, disseminate and follow up on the distribution of media materials including press releases, pitches and visual assets. 
  • Monitor news coverage and evaluate results and develop recommendations for corrective strategies as needed. 
  • Responsibility and accountability for meeting project goals and objectives. 
  • Resolves complex issues independently within program area. 
  • Opportunity to act independently within program goals. 
  • May supervise contractors and/or interns.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum 7 years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • Experience managing and implementing media strategies and measuring results. 
  • Experience writing, editing and proofreading messages for targeted audiences. 
  • Experience cultivating and managing client relationships. 
  • Experience developing media relations networks. 
  • Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Multi-lingual skills appreciated. 
  • Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred. 
  • Experience placing stories in diverse media outlets. 
  • Experience developing, implementing and measuring communication and engagement plans/strategies. 
  • Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills. 
  • Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices. 
  • Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline. 
  • Experiments to find creative solutions – thinks out of the box to identify potential solutions. 
  • Proactive, sets and meets deadlines and ensures program accountability.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.


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