Media Manager

As part of an overall strategy to heighten the visibility of The Nature Conservancy (and conservation writ large) in Virginia, this role calls for a well-rounded media relations professional with a strong understanding of media outlets, journalists, content, news channels of all mediums, and of the importance of cultivating relationships with both internal and external clients to execute media strategy. S/he will collaborate with Conservancy colleagues and external partners to coordinate and maximize media and promotional opportunities for the Conservancy within target markets throughout Virginia.

The Media Manager plans/executes a strategic approach to obtaining media placements in Virginia and develops and pitches stories to targeted outlets via pitch letters, press releases, news alerts, content packages, and other mediums. In this role, s/he will help to generate concrete and compelling story ideas around the Virginia chapter’s conservation priorities. The multifaceted approach to media planning and storytelling s/he will take will include engaging in proactive discussions with Conservancy scientists and staff, including media training, monitoring media outlets weekly, and developing strong relationships with key members of the media.

With these responsibilities, it is expected that s/he will have creative ideas, solid execution, and follow-up skills; experience multi-tasking, and an inclination towards working as part of a larger marketing team. It is also essential that the Media Manager has excellent organizational and writing skills, as a key function of the position will be drafting written materials for placement in local and national outlets, developing print, radio and television content for the media, generating media lists, and assisting producing short news scripts and audio/visual supports. This role will develop media messaging/talking points to support “talent” in the Virginia chapter and incorporate key publications’ editorial calendars into annual media plans. S/he will have fresh ideas about conservation stories and priorities and a passion for seeing these ideas through to production.

The preferred location is Charlottesville, but Arlington and Richmond will also be considered.

The Media Manager is an integral contributor to The Nature Conservancy’s Marketing Division and the primary interface with the media in Virginia, reporting to Virginia’s Director of Communications & Marketing. S/he develops and implements media and public relations plans that support the Virginia chapter programs and priorities, cultivates local/regional print and broadcast media and publicizes priority conservation issues, manages both reactive and proactive media contacts, and makes use of print, broadcast, and electronic media to secure placements. The position develops messaging and other content for special projects, events, and issues and has primary responsibility for writing media outreach materials in support of the chapters. S/he will manage crisis communications when called upon, and act as spokesperson for the Conservancy at the discretion of the Virginia state director.
S/he may supervise other staff and contractors on a project basis.

Another crucial function will be following media trends and journalists, and interfacing with various outlets and communities via social media.

Approximately 15 percent of this position will be dedicated to providing content (writing/editing, photography and videography) and project management support to the Director of Communications & Marketing Director. Up to 15 percent travel may be required.

• Create, pitch, and place story ideas, press releases, and media advisories for local/regional/national outlets related to conservation work in Virginia.
• Generate editorial content with, or on behalf of, the chapter’s conservation, science, and executive leaders.
• Develop a strategic media plan for the Virginia chapter, in consultation with Director of Communications & Marketing, tailored around chapter conservation priorities.
• Manage existing media relationships and generate/cultivate new ones.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive media database tracking existing and prospective reporter relationships, contact information, and correspondence history.
• Guide conservation staff, state director, and government relations staff in their efforts to be on the look-out for story ideas with media potential and needed areas of communications support.
• Coordinate with philanthropy staff to identify key outlets and markets for placement in support of fundraising efforts and keep them abreast of important placements and developments.
• Provide general writing, editing, and project management support to the marketing team.
• Develop/draft materials/scripts/talking points/photos/b-roll video footage and other needed materials for story packages.
• Be prepared to work with other marketing staff to adapt story package material for distribution across social media channels and additional internal platforms.
• Work with conservation staff to develop field opportunities for media including work site tours, boat trips, and preserve visits.
• Coordinate media and communications efforts with TNC partners, including state and federal agencies, academic institutions, other NGOs, and private companies and enterprise.
• Coordinate with Worldwide Office media team on cultivating local story opportunities for national and international press and provide local media support for WO priorities as needed.
• Coordinate with media staff from neighboring state chapters—Maryland/DC, West Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York—on shared market media opportunities and materials.
• Field all media inquiries.
• Provide media training sessions for all public-facing chapter staff in group or individual settings and provide media orientation sessions for new, incoming staff. Provide follow-up training and support as needed.
• Create materials for staff outlining key procedures and expectations for development of media plans around conservation projects and priorities, including guidance on timing, content development, and media assets.
• Generate regular, monthly media tracking reports on all pitch/release efforts.
• Monitor local conservation topics/news and use media databases to generate media lists for press releases, blogs, community forums, and calendars.
• Attend select, local media events.
• Gather/develop regular press clippings packets.
• Use social media, specifically Twitter, to develop relationships with media outlets/journalists.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field and a minimum of 5 years’ related experience or equivalent combination
• Experience writing, editing and proofreading messages for targeted audiences
• Experience cultivating and managing client relationships
• Experience developing media relations networks
• Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
• 7 years’ experience with proven ability to secure strategic media placements
• Experience developing and implementing media relations plans and proven ability to place media stories and manage relationships with local/regional contacts, specifically pitching nonprofit or environmental stories to media
• Experience in media relations writing and editing and in using digital/social media to support traditional media outreach
• Experience using all MS Office suite software
• Experience with media training, spokesperson coaching, and providing consultation and talking points to individuals serving as spokespersons
• Strong time-management skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work independently and as part of a geographically dispersed virtual team
• Knowledge of Associated Press writing and editing styles
• Ability & willingness to travel overnight
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Cision or other media-based software
• Experience in a mission-driven organization
• Experience communicating the importance of protecting or restoring lands and waters is a plus.
• Experience developing and implementing media relations plans and managing press during a period of crisis
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with both clients and media representatives
• Personal passion for preserving and protecting the natural world with a belief in the mission, principles, and values of The Nature Conservancy’s global approach to conservation

To apply to position number 46890, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 13, 2018.

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.