The position of 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. 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).

Work Location: This position is approved for remote work in Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area.

1. 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, social media content, etc.).
2. Plan and implement national, state, and local media relations campaigns and tactics.
3. 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.
4. 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.).
5. Help create and implement communication training for FWW/FWA staff.
6. Track and catalog media hits for FWW/FWA.
7. Carry out other projects, as assigned.
   

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must have proven previous experience with media, public relations, publications, and team management. 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 coursework or certification in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and proficiency with all other Microsoft Office products.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, the incumbent must demonstrate:

Interpersonal Skills: Maintains confidentiality; remains open to others’ ideas; exhibits willingness to try new ways of doing things.

Oral Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification.

Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and has excellent grammar and proofreading skills; presents numerical data effectively and is able to read and interpret written information.

Planning/organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans; meets deadlines and adheres to specific timelines; tracks multiple processes to meet goals for timeliness.

Quality control: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and looks for ways to improve and promote quality of own work; promotes and upholds office policies and procedures.

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; handles several projects concurrently; is able to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.

Problem-solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully.

Judgment: Displays willingness to make timely decisions; exhibits high-level, sound, and accurate judgment.

Safety and security: Actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures; uses equipment and materials properly.

Teamwork: Builds positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; provides excellent internal and external customer service.

Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment.

Ethics: Treats people with respect and dignity; works with integrity and ethically upholds FWW/FWA’s mission and values.

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 is 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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to sit and use his/her hands. Some local, regional and national travel will be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment described below is representative of what an employee may encounter while performing the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The work environment is that which is typical of an office setting.