Communications Director

Join Amazon Watch, a dynamic organization that has led the way to ground breaking victories for indigenous peoples' rights and the environment.

Position Overview: 

We are looking for a motivated and organized individual to function as our Communications Director. This is a full time position.

The communications department is responsible for media relations, publications, advertising, marketing and messaging for the organization and its campaigns. The Communications Director position is responsible for implementing media outreach campaigns.

Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in journalism, public relations, or a related communications field with an emphasis on direct media outreach. Candidates should have a record of success working with print, broadcast, and online media to effectively and pro-actively frame issues and drive coverage. Strategic thinking, the ability to quickly build strong relations with journalists, and the capacity to react quickly, calmly and effectively to breaking news are essential.

We're looking for a media officer for whom clear and compelling writing comes naturally and who believes strongly in the importance of our mission to defend the rights of indigenous peoples and protect the Amazon rainforest. The Communications Director directly reports to the Managing Director, and work directly with all campaign teams both in the field and from our San Francisco headquarters

Responsibilities:

• Identify and develop media outreach opportunities that advance the organization and our campaigns;
• Develop organizational media work plans;
• Work with campaign staff on media strategies;
• Cultivate alternative and mainstream media relationships in strategic markets, both national and international;
• Identify story ideas and events and pitch them to reporters;
• Assist campaign staff in relationship building with strategic media outlets/reporters;
• Respond to media requests and arrange interviews for campaigners and spokespeople;
• Conduct interviews with media and represent Amazon Watch at public events where appropriate;
• Create press lists and maintain up-to-date media contact database;
• Monitor media coverage on core issues and campaign targets;
• Organize press briefings, media alerts and other PR events;
• Write, design and produce various PR materials including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points, etc.;
• Conduct target and market specific media research as necessary to support campaign objectives;
• Create and/or copy-edit material for publications, web site and electronic newsletters; annual report
• Monitor Amazon Watch publications and messaging for consistency and accuracy;
• Provide media trainings to staff and allies;
• Assist in the preparation and production of development materials (annual report, event publications, etc.)

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years experience in journalism, public relations, or a related communications field.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Ability to draft documents under tight deadlines.
• Solid copy-editing skills, strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work closely and constructively with others.
• Good organizational skills, demonstrated initiative, flexibility and creativity.
• Bilingual English/Spanish applicants (Portuguese also desirable).
• Desire to work with indigenous and affected communities is strongly preferred.
• Understanding and appreciation of different cultures, peoples and communications styles and methods is highly useful.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience, plus health, dental, chiropractic, and matching retirement plan option.

Deadline for Applying: June 12, 2009
Target Start Date: As soon as possible

To Apply: 

Please send résumé, 3 references, and cover letter about why you would like to join our team and why you are the best candidate for the job Paul Paz y Miño, Managing Director. If you submit your application via email, please name and save your attachments with your first and last name in the title, such as:
"Ana_Martinez_Cover_Letter.doc" and "Ana_Martinez_Resume.doc."

Paul Paz y Miño, Managing Director
Amazon Watch
221 Pine St., 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

Amazon Watch is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, political belief, age, gender, sexual orientation or class. People of color and indigenous people strongly encouraged to apply. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.