Media Relations Coordinator
: Job Details :

Media Relations CoordinatorFood & Water Watch is seeking a new media/public relations professional to join our Communications team to help implement creative, ambitious media relations plans that support our policy, research and organizing initiatives in a number of Eastern U.S. states to protect our food, water and climate. In the last few years, Food & Water Watch, through our Municipal Ordinance Project, has passed over 30 measures protecting communities from fracking in Western Pennsylvania and worked with communities fighting the petrochemical industry. We also passed a ban on fracking in all the county parks in Allegheny County. This Pittsburgh, PA-based position will help build on all this, working alongside our organizers to generate media coverage of our campaigns related to stopping oil and gas drilling and fracking, fighting the buildout of petrochemical/plastics production, halting oil and gas exports, and protecting clean water and safe food in communities through the region. About Food & Water Watch: Food & Water Watch is working to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come - a world where everyone has safe food, clean drinking water and a livable climate. We run hard-hitting campaigns and have won dozens of major victories. These include banning fracking in New York, Maryland and California, stopping factory farms in Oregon, and stopping water privatization in communities across the United States. Making this happen requires involving people in the pressing issues of our time at the local, state and federal levels, building on one win after another, as we develop a growing movement that has the political power to make our democratic process work. About the position: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).This position is a temporary one-year, grant-funded position. An extension of this position beyond one year is a possibility, but not guaranteed.Salary: $51,700 - $57,000Location: Pittsburgh, PAESSENTIAL 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, social media content, 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 projects, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must have some proven previous experience with media/public relations, ideally in a nonprofit or political setting. 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; 1-3 years of communications or journalism experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Computer Skills: An individual should be able to 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.Compensation: $51,700 - $57,000 annually dependent upon experience and location.Food & Water Watch provides an excellent benefits package for full time employees. This includes 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision plans for staff; 403b retirement plans with employer contribution once eligible; 12 weeks paid parental leave; 3 weeks vacation for new employees; 12 sick days and 5 personal days; paid federal holidays and winter break (December 24 - January 1). This position is a bargaining unit position covered under a contract between Food & Water Watch and the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU). Please include your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and three professional references to be considered. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not 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. Food and Water Watch is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and other members of underrepresented groups. 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. Pay Range: $51,700 - $57,000 per year