Communications Officer

Michigan Environmental Council Published: February 8, 2018
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Communications / PR / Outreach / Advocacy / Program Management

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Description

~ The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) – a 501-(c)(3) charitable organization – was founded in 1980 and is a coalition of over 60 environmental and public health organizations with more than 200,000 individual members. ~

For 37 years, MEC has provided a voice for the environment at the State Capitol. In addition to serving as a clearinghouse of environmental information, MEC develops public policy, educates elected officials and the public, and provides training and support to member organizations. ~

Position Overview

The Michigan Environmental Council seeks a media-savvy communications professional with outstanding writing skills to join our team as Communications Officer.

The person in this position will be responsible for managing MEC’s relationships with journalists across the state; writing and editing for our web and print publications; shaping our overall communications strategy; developing and delivering compelling messages that drive news coverage and shape discussions in the State Capitol; and implementing our new digital program that grows MEC's base of support and ability to influence policymakers in Lansing and across the state.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in journalism, public relations or a related field; a proven ability to write clearly, cleanly and quickly in a variety of formats; strong social media skills with a proven ability to build and engage new audiences digitally; a familiarity with environmental issues and strong grasp of the policymaking process; and a friendly, professional demeanor.

Location: This full-time position is based at our Lansing office.

Supervision: Work under the administrative direction of the MEC President in collaboration with the Editor.

Responsibilities

  • Write press releases, media advisories and on-deadline statements to drive news coverage of MEC initiatives.
  • Respond quickly and reliably to media inquiries and connect journalists with MEC staff based on their issue expertise.
  • Pitch stories about MEC’s priority issues to journalists around—and occasionally beyond—Michigan.
  • Serve as spokesperson for the organization as needed.
  • Manage MEC’s presence on social media.
  • Assist with the management of MEC's website, supporter database, and email program.
  • Write blog posts, news articles, profiles of environmental leaders and other types of content for MEC’s newsletter, website, annual report and other publications.
  • Work with MEC policy staff and leadership to develop talking points and key messages on priority issues,and opportunities to engage our supporters on priority issues and strengthen MEC's support base and influence in the Capitol.
  • Help to lead communications efforts for issue-based coalitions in which MEC participates.
  • Monitor public opinion research related to MEC’s work and incorporate polling insights into the organization’s communications.
  • Stay on top of news coverage of environmental and public policy issues in Michigan and changes in the state’s media landscape.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Commitment to the health and beauty of Michigan’s environment.
  • Proven, outstanding writing skills.
  • Social media savvy.
  • Strong attention to detail, including firm grasp of AP style.
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Preferred:

  • Experience with message development and strategic communications.
  • Experience in issue-based advocacy; including online, digital organizing.
  • Experience designing email advocacy programs, evaluating and monitoring success.
  • Experience using Nationbuilder or a similar CMS platform preferred.
  • Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson for the media.
  • A track record of successfully pitching stories to journalists.

Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, public relations or a related field; and
  • At least 5 years of progressively increasing levels of responsibility and experience in journalism, public relations or a related field.

Other Requirements:

  • Must be available to respond to media inquiries outside normal work hours as needed.
  • May be required to work non-standard hours and to be available for occasional evening and weekend activities and events.
  • Must be available for in-state travel [Driver’s license required].
  • Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. Benefit package provided.

To Apply

Click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, three references and two writing samples (all in one PDF please) to:

Chris Kolb, President
Michigan Environmental Council
602 West Ionia Street
Lansing, MI  48933

  • If you have questions, call or email Judy Bearup.
  • Deadline: March 9, 2018

~ MEC is an equal opportunity employer ~

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