Media Relations Specialist

The Public Interest Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Interest Network is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to support communications for its environmental, health and consumer advocacy network. You will serve as the point person for securing coverage from journalists and coordinating with the broader communications team to connect with media nationwide.

This role requires discretion and independent judgment in significant decisions and involves developing media strategies, building relationships, and mentoring interns within our

Qualifications

• Experience crafting messages for diverse audiences across multiple channels.
• Ability to write clear, concise press materials and memos.
• Comfortable building and managing media lists and relationships.
• Experience coordinating campaigns and managing timelines.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of media campaigns from gestation to fruition.
• Write and edit news releases, blogs, and internal memos.
• Build and maintain lists of media contacts across digital, TV, radio, and print.
• Pitch stories to journalists and tailor narratives to journalist needs.
• Recruit and assist in developing interns and junior staff as needed.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Editing

Project management

Networking

Story pitching

Intern management

Job description

The Public Interest Network is hiring a Media Relations Specialist to provide communications support to our network of environmental, health and consumer advocacy organizations. The Public Interest Network consists of organizations, such as PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), Environment America and their state groups, all committed to a shared vision of a new future and a strategic approach to change. Our groups work for clean air and water, protection of wildlife and open spaces and a livable climate, and advocate for consumers, advancing solutions to problems that affect our health, our safety and our well-being. We work across the political spectrum for pragmatic solutions, prioritizing making a difference in people's lives over "making a statement."

The mission of our in-house media communications department is to elevate our campaigns and positioning through increased media mentions and more interviews with our leadership and subject matter experts.

AsMedia Relations Specialist, you will be the point person for garnering coverage from key journalists for our issues and campaigns and working with other members of the communications team to support connections with media across the country. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.

Representative responsibilities

• Project Management and Media Strategy: Take ownership of media campaigns from gestation to fruition. Develop comprehensive, multifaceted communications strategies for ongoing and new campaigns.
• Writing and Editing: Write and assist in writing news releases, blogs, position statements and internal memos. Edit internal and public-facing writing for consistency, clarity and relevance.
• List Building and Networking: Build and maintain lists of media contacts. Add to network media lists through outreach to journalists across the political spectrum and in a wide array of media including digital media, podcasts, television, radio and print.
• Story Pitching: Pitch stories to journalists using persuasive writing and speaking skills. Match our stories to journalists' needs. Reach audiences via phone, email and social media and digital platforms.
• Build our Team: Recruit and manage interns. Potential to oversee junior staff. Provide organizational support as needed to other departments within our network of organizations.