Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Lands, Wildlife and Oceans

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

About the Role

The Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Lands, Wildlife and Oceans will join the Public Affairs and Communications team to develop and carry out earned media and communications strategies for Earthjustice litigation and policy work. This position will report to the Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Lands, Wildlife and Oceans and work under their guidance and strategic leadership to develop communications strategies and deepen and expand press coverage in support of priority issue areas. This is a non-supervisory position.

This role will preferably be based hybrid from our Washington, D.C. office. However, we are open to remote candidates within the U.S. Some domestic travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Media Outreach (55%)
  • Work with Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications and communications team, litigators, policy staff, clients, and coalition partners to build, shape, and implement media outreach strategies on Lands, Wildlife and Oceans issues.
  • Pitch stories to national and regional media outlets including papers, magazines and long-form media outlets, TV and radio stations, online outlets, and other influential news sources.
  • Track media narratives, identify and pursue earned media opportunities, and build relationships with journalists.
  • Write and distribute press releases, talking points, and background materials on cases of interest to national, regional, and online media.
  • Occasionally respond quickly to breaking news moments and seize opportunities for coverage when there are unexpected and fast-moving developments.
  • Manage media lists and contacts and monitor media coverage.
  • May coordinate with vendors for communications content (digital ads, photos, etc.).
  • May lead on arranging virtual or in-person press conferences.
  • May provide media strategy guidance to team members across the Public Affairs and Communications team.
  • May conduct media outreach on behalf of clients and partners and contribute to joint media efforts with external partners.
• Message Development and Media Training (15%)
  • Work with program staff to assess media narratives and develop appropriate messages.
  • Develop talking points, quotes, and statements for program teams and assist program staff members in preparing for media interviews.
  • Provide media training to program staff.
  • In collaboration with Associate Director, work with national and grassroots coalitions to support advocacy efforts and develop messaging and media strategy.
• Strategy (20%)
  • Implement communications strategies for program priorities under the strategic leadership of Associate Director, working directly with clients, partners, coalitions, communications team members, and relevant program staff.
• Administrative and Professional Development (10%)
  • Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.
  • Attend events, webinars, trainings, and other professional development programs.
  • Attend internal DEI learning opportunities to increase awareness and actively contribute to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

Please note that the percentage breakdowns provided above serve as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job’s requirement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing preferred.
• At least three years’ experience in media relations.
• Experience working with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government, or political campaigns preferred.
• Experience working on environmental issues preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with journalists and pitch high-impact media stories to advance advocacy campaigns.
• Proven ability to succeed in a fast-moving environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience using social media, Muck Rack, and/or other media relations software to monitor media narratives, connect with journalists, and amplify earned media placements.
• Demonstrated commitment to the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of justice, excellence, inclusion, and partnership.

Pay

We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required.

• Salary range in Washington, D.C.: $113,000 - $125,600
• Salary range in San Francisco, CA and New York, NY: $119,000 - $132,200
• Salary range in Chicago, IL, Seattle, WA, and Los Angeles, CA: $113,000 - $125,600
• Salary range in Denver, CO and Philadelphia, PA: $107,100 - $119,000
• Salary range in Miami, FL, Bozeman, MT, and New Orleans, LA: $101,200 - $112,400
• Other remote locations: $101,200 - $125,600

Schedule

This position is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment.