The California-based Media Relations Officer will support hard-hitting advocacy campaigns in California and other western states around some of our most pressing food, water and climate issues. Food & Water Watch has helped change the debate in California around fossil fuels and factory farms, working with a wide range of communities and organizations across the state. We helped pass fracking bans in several cities and counties, moved Governor Newsom to commit to a statewide fracking ban, and passed measures in Los Angeles to stop new urban oil drilling. Our press coverage has been critical to these successes. We’re looking for a media relations officer to take our campaigns to stop new fossil fuel development, halt factory farm expansion and fight corporate control of our water to the next level in California, New Mexico and other western states.
The Media Relations Officer achieves organizational and campaign goals by implementing creative, ambitious traditional media relations plans that support the policy, research, and organizing initiatives of Food & Water Watch/Food & Water Action (FWW/FWA). This position works closely with policy, political, organizing, and research staff to strategize, plan and implement communications tactics that forward policies and campaigns, and elevate the identity of the organization, by securing positive media coverage of our work.
This position serves as the day-to-day media relations lead for a specific set of regional and/or national policy and organizing initiatives and campaigns. This position is a Union position covered under a contract between Food & Water Watch and the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).
Office Location: This position is approved for remote work in Southern California, the San Francisco Bay area or the Central Valley.
Compensation: $55,000 – $65,000 annually, dependent upon location and experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Write, edit, and/or support the development of media relations plans and tactics related to signature campaigns, aligned issues, and other organizational priorities (including, (but not limited to) communications plans, media statements, press releases, research reports, speeches, talking points, staff briefings, policy memos, web content, video/audio scripts, etc.
- Plan and implement national, state, and local media relations campaigns and tactics. Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and other media professionals, and place news, opinion, and advertising in desired media targets, including radio/TV/web interviews for staff.
- Collaborate with FWW/FWA staff to develop and implement communications strategies and tactics to support organizational initiatives (including political and organizing campaigns, policy initiatives, research initiatives, etc.).
- Help create and implement communication training for FWW/FWA staff.
- Track and catalog media hits for FWW/FWA.
- Carry out other related projects as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must have proven previous experience in communications, media, public relations and/or publications. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- B.A. degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field.
- 3-5 years of communications or journalism experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Computer Skills: The incumbent must work in a computerized environment and have adequate knowledge of word processing, email, internet and spreadsheet software; in particular have experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and proficiency with other Microsoft Office products.
SUPPORTING OUR CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY:
All staff must assist in fundraising and development for the organization. All staff must demonstrate an understanding that our members and supporters make our work (and our salaries) possible and should provide the highest level of customer and member services to people outside the organization. While your job position does not require you to raise any particular amount, you are expected to always be an “ambassador” for FWW/FWA and our work. All staff are expected to help with and participate in/attend events and other activities as appropriate that are organized for our supporters and donors. All staff is expected to be cognizant of fundraising opportunities and to share contacts and information that will help build and sustain FWW/FWA.
Click here to apply. Please include your resume, cover letter and three professional references to be considered.
We will review your application and if we feel that your knowledge, skills and abilities are potentially a good match for our organization, we will be in contact with you. Please include a Cover Letter with your submission. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Food & Water Watch (FWW) strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
Food & Water Watch (FWW) is committed to the health and safety of its staff members. Moreover, FWW, as an organization, promotes science-based policy. Science clearly shows that unvaccinated populations drive the spread of the coronavirus and the emergence of new variants, and that unvaccinated people are more likely to contract COVID and experience severe symptoms. Effective immediately, prospective new staff members are required to provide proof of vaccination or request a waiver as a condition of their offer of employment.