California Media Director

 Environmental Defense's distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes a focus on scientific and economic disciplines and on the use of market mechanisms to reach well-crafted, durable solutions. The organization builds teams of scientists, lawyers, and economists to investigate the causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that encourage and subsidize patterns of environmental damage. Environmental Defense seeks practical solutions, founded on science, that policy makers and industry can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

Position Summary:

The California Media Director will be one of the principal liaisons with the media and public to promote and advance the work of Environmental Defense's California office and its key programs. The Media Director will develop and maintain new and existing positive work relationships with key journalists, editorial writers and columnists. In this capacity, the Media Director will be responsible for developing media strategies and a broad array of communication tactics that successfully engage the press and public on the program work and brand of the organization. 

Key Responsibilities: 

* Makes strategic and tactical use of media to promote Environmental Defense and its specific program goals
* Writes, edits and distributes editorial board memos, media advisories, news releases and Op-Eds and other media and marketing materials for print and for the web under tight deadline pressure
* Develops and executes communications plans for core program areas 
* Develops message and sound bite documents to guide media interviews and quotes for key program staff 
* Develops and pitches news stories on a systematic basis for feature coverage, working in partnership with journalists to shape and publish stories 
* Serves as a liaison between journalists and staff to ensure excellent news coverage for the organization, for program priorities and for staff 
* Develops the creation and implementation of media outreach and response strategies on a daily basis, monitoring and facilitating media response to breaking news and political/legislative events 
* Plans and executes news conferences and in-person meetings with media 
* Develops and maintains media contact lists and maintains regular contact and strong relationships with targeted reporters
* Works closely with a core marketing team to conceive and execute integrated marketing campaigns utilizing multi-media channels (web, collateral, advertising, etc.) for maximum outreach and effectiveness 
* Collaborates well with program, marketing and development staff to raise the profile of Environmental Defense in political, business and social circles 
* Helps to prepare program staff with training and advice for media opportunities 
* Prepares summaries and analyses of media coverage on a monthly basis 

Qualifications: 

* A minimum of five years media experience, preferably in a political or issue advocacy context. Environmental media experience is a plus. Journalism background is a plus. Campaign and / or fundraising experience are a plus. 
* Solid understanding of environmental issues and solutions.
* Excellent ability to think strategically and to communicate verbally, in writing, through visual story telling or through advertising and marketing. 
* Superior creative and opportunistic media outreach abilities. 
* Track record of producing national and regional media coverage. 
* Excellent organizational skills including the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and to meet deadlines.
* Good strategic public relations, media and political judgment.
* Ability to multi-task and work effectively with staff on many levels of the organization.
* Able to adapt to frequent change and prioritize effectively under frequent deadline pressure. 
* Strong pitching and presentation skills.
* Familiarity with Vocus media contact software desirable. 
* Ability to manage and develop junior level staff. 

Please email, fax or mail cover letter, resume, short writing sample and salary requirements. 

Cheryl Pickard
Human Resource Generalist
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009 

Environmental Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.