Communications Specialist

EFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Professional 3

SALARY: $67,000 - $74,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Communications

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington DC

REPORTS TO: Communications Director

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: June 2021

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 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 Media Relations 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 3

Administrative

• Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
• Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

Communication

• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
• Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
• Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments
• Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

Critical Thinking

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
• Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work
• Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
• Strategic thinker with the ability to create high-level strategy, identify organizational-level impact, and translate strategy into relatable points and action steps

Project Management

• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
• Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
• Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
• Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion
• Ability to create and implement programs, initiatives, and/or systems which will result in organizational-wide impact; assess specific needs; design oversee implementation; establish benchmarks and track key performance indicators; provide recommendations for improvements; advocate and champion the program internally

Coalition and Community Engagement

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and/or the general public
• Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate issues impacting Defenders’ mission and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions
• Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations

Conservation Knowledge

• Familiarity with Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues
• Familiarity with national and regional social, political and ecological landscapes

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Communications Specialist

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong writing and editing skills, specifically writing for press (op-eds, press releases, editorial memos, reporter backgrounds, etc.)
• Experience with running telepressers and other media events
• Experience with media pitching, relationship building skills and with creating long-term relationships with reporters, editors
• Experience with communications planning and strategy
• Strong time management skills as well as attention to detail
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks on several concurrent projects
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
• Experience working with media databases, specifically Muck Rack
• Knowledge of AP Style

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

N

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

N

High temperatures.

N

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

N

Noisy environments.

N

Hazardous conditions.

N

Poor ventilation.

N

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

N

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

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 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.