Eastern Press Secretary

Earthjustice, the nonprofit law firm for the environment, currently has an opening for a Eastern Press Secretary.

Earthjustice works through the courts to safeguard public lands, national forests, parks, and wilderness areas; to reduce air and water pollution; to prevent toxic contamination; and to preserve endangered species and wildlife habitat. Founded in 1971 as Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund, Earthjustice has played a leading role in shaping the development of environmental law.

This position is responsible for media outreach efforts for the policy and legislation (PAL) department and Earthjustice attorneys in the DC, Florida and Northeast offices.  This position works with policy, litigation and communications staff to develop and implement communication strategies for Earthjustice's issues. It represents Earthjustice's media department in national coalitions and develops content for Earthjustice's web site and publications. 

Major Responsibilities

• Work with the PAL staff, litigators in the DC, Florida and Northeast offices, Campaign Manager and Media Director to develop and implement media plans. Determine stories of national and regional interest as well as possible feature stories.
• Develop an in-depth knowledge of regional and national litigation, policy programs and daily news.
• Create accurate and compelling written materials for use by reporters and editorial writers such as press releases, backgrounders, and web content.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters and editorial writers and provide useful, timely information that helps land stories on Earthjustice issues and creates opportunities for Earthjustice spokespersons.
• Coordinate press events.
• Organize editorial board visits and mailings as needed.
• Conduct media trainings with program staff, with a particular focus on message development.
• Contribute columns and editorial content as needed for campaign websites.
• Work with, Director of Media Relations, VP of Policy and Legislation, Campaign Manager and other program staff to develop advocacy communication strategies per particular legislative issues and threats.
• Develop and manage integrated campaigns using a combination of earned media, paid media, events, collateral and electronic advocacy techniques to achieve communication goals.
• Work with creative agencies and other vendors on integrated campaigns and manage project budgets.
• Coordinate with web team to develop strategies and content for online campaigns.
• Track and report on effectiveness of advocacy communication programs.
• Attend meetings and keep Earthjustice's Communications and PAL departments up to date on coalition efforts and coordinate coalition media work with Earthjustice's communication efforts.

Qualifications:   

Education:  Bachelor degree in journalism, communications, environmental studies, political science, history or other relevant area of study.

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years experience in news reporting or production, preferably in Washington DC, or experience in advocacy media relations with a proven ability to gain media coverage in targeted publications.
• Experience writing for news publications preferred.
• Working knowledge of environmental issues and the political system.
• Experience in public speaking.

Skills  

• Self-starter able to work independently and juggle multiple projects and priorities.
•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to Pitch and advance stories.  Excellent research skills.  Excellent computer skills. 

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a stimulating, rewarding work environment.  Earthjustice is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of under-represented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff.

To Apply

Email resume, cover letter writing samples and references and include "Policy Press Secretary" in the subject line. No phone calls please.