DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Professional 3

SALARY: $66,000-$74,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Communications

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

REPORTS TO: Communications Director

LAST REVISED:  July 2022

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is responsible for helping to plan and implement a wide variety of media activities to gain coverage for Defenders of Wildlife’s issues related to the organization’s mission.  In this role, the Communications Specialist’s primary responsibilities include developing and implementing media plans, drafting news releases, factsheets and other press materials and providing them to members of the media. Interacting with members of the media and building relationships is also an integral responsibility. In addition to other activities as assigned by the Communications Director and/or Vice President for Communications.

Regular interdepartmental collaboration for determining media opportunities, deadlines and messaging priorities/materials is essential in this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Writing: Generate press releases, statements, talking points, advisories, factsheets, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos and other press materials
• Serve as a lead/central point of contact where there are media opportunities that span across several different beats, specifically in relation to Defenders’ Hill work, such as Interior Appropriations, NDAA, among others
• Media & Messaging Strategy: Work with program staff and Communications Team to develop and implement media plans
• Participate and represent Defenders on key coalition teams, collaborating with coalition partners in strategy, materials development and action
• Media relations: Establish working relationships with reporters in beat areas. Call and email reporters to pitch Defenders-related stories; field inquiries from the media and forward reporters’ questions to pertinent program staff members
• Research: Conduct research to develop talking points and other media relations and programmatic materials as needed
• Press events: Work with appropriate program staff to coordinate, execute and publicize press events, teleconferences, and other promotional activities
• Advertising: Develop strategies for advertising in relation for appropriate use within advocacy campaigns
• Develop messaging strategy, copy and manage design of advertisements; work with vendors to place advertisements
• Attend press briefings and activities and help prepare senior executives for interviews and media appearances
• General support: Collaborate with and support Communications Team colleagues in daily communications department work
• Perform all other work-related duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, coordinating focus groups, and polling.
• Collaborate with Defenders’ Conservation Program Teams and Marketing Team for seamless communications across all forms of Defenders of Wildlife Communications including but not limited to publications and reports, press materials, social media, website and other outreach, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluency in Spanish is preferred
• Experience working with and placing stories in Spanish-language media
• Knowledge of AP Style

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible.