Senior Communications Associate Job Description

by Elissar Khalek — last modified 2009-08-18 12:52

Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer rights organization that challenges the corporate control and abuse of our food supply and water resources. We are seeking a Senior Communications Associate to implement media outreach strategies for national, regional and local issue campaigns.

The Senior Communications Associate will serve as the media point person for the food and fish teams. Specifically, this person will be responsible for developing media messages and outreach strategies for both teams and will support the water campaign when needed. This person will write all press materials for the food and fish teams, including press releases, news advisories, talking points, letters to the editor, op-eds, Web site text and responses to Web news or blogs. The Senior Communications Associate will also work closely with the campaign/program directors to plan and coordinate all media projects.

Candidates must have at least four years of professional media relations experience, writing expertise, strong leadership skills, an ability to multi-task, and must be able to work quickly in a fast-paced environment. A graduate degree in communications or a background in journalism is preferred.

Specific Responsibilities:

•    Lead the planning and implementation of national, state and local media campaigns involving food and fish issues.
•    Build and maintain relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers and news and talk show producers who cover those issues.
•    Plan and write all press materials for the food and fish teams, including press releases, news advisories, pitch letters, editorial board memos, notes to press, talking points and Web content.
•    Develop and implement strategy for specific campaigns within the issue areas, and oversee/coordinate with communications staff and campaign staff on events, report deadlines, etc.
•    Assist in message development, newsworthiness of content and press strategy for food and fish team reports.
•    Respond to press inquiries, pitch stories to reporters and obtain op-ed placements and radio/TV interviews for staff experts.
•    Monitor media coverage for food and fish issue areas.
•    Maintain media database, build new media lists and research new media contacts.
•    Select and manage communications intern: responsibilities include monitoring news coverage, maintaining news clips file, writing blogs and Web site content, mentoring on two to three large media projects per semester.
•    Work closely with food and fish directors and staff to ensure constant media presence for each issue area.
•    Other duties as required.

Requirements:

•    College degree required. A graduate degree in communications or a background in journalism is preferred.
•    Knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy; familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media; familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques.
•    At least four years of professional experience in communications preferably linked to issue campaigns; proven experience and success in developing and executing media strategies.
•    Ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
•    Excellent interpersonal, writing and verbal skills are required.
•    Good computer skills, including proficiency with database programs.
•    Ability to work with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis.
•    Proven capacity to successfully frame and translate complex issues for both journalists and the public.
•    Video and podcasting experience a plus.
•    Demonstrable social media savvy.
•    Command of writing online for high conversion goals.
•    Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Watch.

How to apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references to jobs@fwwatch.org. Position open until filled. Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.

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Senior Communications Associate Job Description

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Take Action Keep Chinese chicken out of the U.S. Explore Further Mission Who We Are Board of Directors Career Opportunities Internships Newsletters Contact Us Press In The News Bluefin quotas are meaningless – EU misses another critical opportunity Food & Water Watch Releases Fresh New Collection of Affordable, Sustainable Seafood Recipes for Holiday Season Opposition to Desalination Escalates in Rockland County, New York Ohio Elections Commission Pursues Frivolous Case Against Consumer Group More >> See all headlines >> See all headlines >> Help Us Grow	Senior Communications Associate Job Description by Elissar Khalek — last modified 2009-08-18 12:52 Food & Water Watch is a nonprofit consumer rights organization that challenges the corporate control and abuse of our food supply and water resources. We are seeking a Senior Communications Associate to implement media outreach strategies for national, regional and local issue campaigns. The Senior Communications Associate will serve as the media point person for the food and fish teams. Specifically, this person will be responsible for developing media messages and outreach strategies for both teams and will support the water campaign when needed. This person will write all press materials for the food and fish teams, including press releases, news advisories, talking points, letters to the editor, op-eds, Web site text and responses to Web news or blogs. The Senior Communications Associate will also work closely with the campaign/program directors to plan and coordinate all media projects. Candidates must have at least four years of professional media relations experience, writing expertise, strong leadership skills, an ability to multi-task, and must be able to work quickly in a fast-paced environment. A graduate degree in communications or a background in journalism is preferred. Specific Responsibilities: • Lead the planning and implementation of national, state and local media campaigns involving food and fish issues. • Build and maintain relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers and news and talk show producers who cover those issues. • Plan and write all press materials for the food and fish teams, including press releases, news advisories, pitch letters, editorial board memos, notes to press, talking points and Web content. • Develop and implement strategy for specific campaigns within the issue areas, and oversee/coordinate with communications staff and campaign staff on events, report deadlines, etc. • Assist in message development, newsworthiness of content and press strategy for food and fish team reports. • Respond to press inquiries, pitch stories to reporters and obtain op-ed placements and radio/TV interviews for staff experts. • Monitor media coverage for food and fish issue areas. • Maintain media database, build new media lists and research new media contacts. • Select and manage communications intern: responsibilities include monitoring news coverage, maintaining news clips file, writing blogs and Web site content, mentoring on two to three large media projects per semester. • Work closely with food and fish directors and staff to ensure constant media presence for each issue area. • Other duties as required. Requirements: • College degree required. A graduate degree in communications or a background in journalism is preferred. • Knowledge of how the media works and what is newsworthy; familiarity with national, regional and state print and electronic media; familiarity with organizing strategies and advocacy techniques. • At least four years of professional experience in communications preferably linked to issue campaigns; proven experience and success in developing and executing media strategies. • Ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously. • Excellent interpersonal, writing and verbal skills are required. • Good computer skills, including proficiency with database programs. • Ability to work with a wide range of people, work well under pressure, and adapt to changing situations on a daily basis. • Proven capacity to successfully frame and translate complex issues for both journalists and the public. • Video and podcasting experience a plus. • Demonstrable social media savvy. • Command of writing online for high conversion goals. • Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Watch. How to apply: Please send a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references to jobs@fwwatch.org. Position open until filled. Food & Water Watch strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.