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Director of Communications and Media Relations
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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Annapolis, MD, USA
Posted 6+ months ago
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Director of Communications and Media Relations in the Communications Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.
About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act's impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.
CBF has a staff ofapproximately 230employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.
CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world's first U.S. Green Build Council's LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world's most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
CBF has200,000 members and supportersand an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.
About the Hiring Department
Communications
The Communications department galvanizes support for and involvement in Bay restoration efforts. Communications works to frame the public debate on regional water-quality issues; brands CBF as a strong, credible, effective authority with broad expertise; works with other departments to grow and engage CBF's members, activists, and volunteers; and serves as a leader in institutional cross-functional campaigns.
Context of the Position
The Director of Communications and Media Relations is primarily responsible for leading organizational and regional communications and media relations efforts to promote and advance the organization’s mission and policy priorities. He/she is also responsible for leading and inspiring the work of the state/federal Communications and Media Relations Team as well as coordinating with key policy staff and communications colleagues to develop and execute communications and media relations strategies.
Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and as a member of the Communications Directors Team with other Directors responsible for Digital Communications and Marketing, Internal Communications and Operations, Writing, and Creative Services, he/she is primarily responsible for overseeing all aspects of CBF’s earned media efforts including developing and disseminating talking points, press releases, media advisories, and op-eds as well as establishing/maintaining relationships with key reporters and coordinating all major press events. Integrating and collaborating with Communications counterparts, particularly in the digital and creative spaces, to maximize multi- and social media opportunities will be critical.
While primarily focused on earned media, the Communications and Media Relations team also contributes to CBF’s owned media strategies, collaborating on content for blogs, magazines, social media, and websites. They also work closely with the Digital team who leads the organization’s digital advocacy efforts.
Essential Functions
1. Develop organizational messaging, communications, and media relations strategies for key policy and advocacy issues. Ensure that all communications correctly communicate the science and CBF’s policies in compelling and understandable language. Work closely with Communications colleagues to integrate efforts across channels (digital, print/magazines, key spokespeople, etc.) and audiences (members, donors, staff, reporters, etc.).
2. Supervise state/federal Communications and Media Relations Team of four staff, carrying similar responsibilities.
3. Write and place press releases, articles, newspaper opinion pieces, letters to the editor, magazine articles, and columns for all media audiences as well as CBF’s owned media (website, blog, magazine, etc.); and review and approve such communications written by other communications and media staff.
4. Oversee and ensure consistency in the organization’s messaging, in particular to the press. Provide media training to key spokespeople.
5. Ensure that the organization has constructive relationships with reporters and editors, including planning media events and briefings.
6. Develop and maintain relationships with the press. Oversee a media contact system.
7. Oversee dissemination of all news articles that include the organization or have a bearing on our work to appropriate staff.
8. Track and evaluate media coverage. Adjust strategies when needed.
9. Perform other, related, duties as assigned by the Vice President of Communications.
Professional Experience and Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in English or a related communications field and ten years of experience in public relations, media relations, and/or journalism is required. Excellent copy editing, writing, general reporting, media event management, and oral communication skills are also required. Attention to detail, respect for deadlines, and creativity are essential. Experience with photography is essential and experience with video production is desirable. A deep and thorough understanding of environmental issues is required. Experience in a mission-driven, environmental advocacy and/or educational organization is desirable. The ability to supervise, inspire, and work in teams is critical.
Devise creative ways to incorporate CBF’s mission and policy priorities into media/communications opportunities. Translate complex scientific information and environmental policies into language that is accessible to a non-scientific audience. Compose written pieces that attract media attention. Build trust and respect from CBF colleagues. Excellent time-management skills are needed to handle multiple concurrent projects, which are often associated with deadlines.
Salary Range: $115 - $130k
How to Apply
Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume no later than September 28, 2023.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution. Learn more about CBF Benefits.
We Are Committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.
To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:
- Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
- Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
- Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
- Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a job description. Wondering whether you have the right credentials or background to apply? We value lived experience, are serious about embracing diversity, and are committed to building a team that represents our communities' backgrounds. We encourage BIPOC, women, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.
CBF does not discriminate based on any identities. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at Chesapeake Bay Foundation.See open jobs similar to "Director of Communications and Media Relations" Schmidt Marine.