Media Coordinator

Half time — potential for full-time in Communications*

General Job Description

Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA) seeks a Media Coordinator whose responsibility it will be to develop and implement PANNA’s media outreach strategy; organize press conferences and briefings; create outreach materials; and develop and strengthen relationships with media representatives (print and electronic) in North America and internationally. This half time position begins May 1, 2002 or as soon thereafter as possible. (There is potential for up to a full time position with additional communications responsibilities—see *Note at end).

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a journalist, communications or public relations professional with at least 3 years of direct media experience and a basic understanding of global environment and development issues. She or he will also be an excellent, rapid writer familiar with a variety of news formats who is able to work to deadlines, coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and who works well in teams as well as alone. Fluency in English is required, and fluency in Spanish strongly desired. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel are also required.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Program Director, this person will:

• Develop and strengthen relationships with key media contacts, keeping them updated on PANNA activities, upcoming publications, press conferences, etc.

• Plan, write (or otherwise develop) and disseminate media outreach and/or public information materials (e.g. releases, advisories, announcements, emails, etc.)

• Assist in developing and implementing organizational communications strategy and campaigns.

• Maintain and expand in-house media contacts database; target and monitor selected press, NGO, and government listserves.

• Respond to media calls and arrange for dissemination of information and set up interviews with other staff as appropriate; pitch stories, events and written materials to the media.

• Plan and manage logistics of press conferences and outreach events.

• Oversee ongoing training of staff for more effective media work.

• Assist staff in building press contacts pertinent to their areas of specialization and organizing meetings with key press in the U.S. and internationally, including assistance in writing and placing articles, opinion pieces and letters-to-the-editor.

• Assist Internet and Database Developers in development of PANNA Web sites, databases, email lists and other online resources so as to facilitate improved media coverage of PAN issues and messages.

The Organization

Pesticide Action Network North America is one of five regional organizations coordinating campaigns and activities of the Pesticide Action Network International, a global network of almost 1,000 civil society groups working to replace pesticides with ecologically sound alternatives. In North America, we link over 150 affiliated health, consumer, labor, environment, progressive agriculture and public interest groups in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. with thousands of supporters worldwide to promote healthier, more effective pest management through research, policy development, education, media, demonstrations of alternatives and local, national and international advocacy campaigns. In California, we are active members of Californians for Pesticide Reform, a statewide coalition with 160 member organizations working to improve pesticide policies and practices at local and state levels.

Salary

Starting salary range: $36,000 – $43,000 full-time equivalent ($18,000 – $21,500 half time) depending on experience. Excellent benefits, including full health and dental plans; substantial paid time off, 403b retirement contributions after first year.

Application

Please send resume, cover letter and at least 3 relevant writing samples (e.g. press releases, feature and/or analytical articles, op-eds), via mail, fax or email to:

PANNA Media Coordinator Search

Attn. Angelica Barrera

49 Powell, #500

San Francisco, CA 94102

Fax (415) 981-1991

We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, and people from diverse, multicultural backgrounds and/or with international experience. When applying, please say you saw this announcement on Green Dream Jobs.

For more information about PANNA please visit our Web site.

*NOTE on full time potential:
PANNA also has an opening for a communications professional to coordinate organizational outreach and public education and edit several print and online publications. We would consider combining the half-time media responsibilities with some of these additional communications responsibilities for the right person. For details, please see the full job announcement, posted on our website after March 28. Interested candidates should indicate their interest in and qualifications for this broader assignment in their letter of application.