Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Healthy Communities

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer.

Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

In addition to a talented cadre of environmental lawyers and legislative advocates, Earthjustice has an amazing Communications department that works in partnership with every other department at the organization.

The Media Relations and Communications Strategist for Healthy Communities will join the Public Affairs and Communications team to develop and carry out earned media and communications strategies for Earthjustice litigation and policy work. This position will report to the Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Healthy Communities and work under their guidance and strategic leadership to develop communications strategies and deepen and expand press coverage in support of priority issue areas.

This is a non-supervisory position. The Media Relations and Communications Strategist is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule. This role will preferably be based in a hybrid work arrangement from our Washington, D.C., San Francisco, or Los Angeles office. We will consider candidates located elsewhere in the United States, either working remotely or from another Earthjustice office.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Media Outreach (55%)

• Pitch stories to national and regional media outlets, and other influential news sources on behalf of Earthjustice, its clients and partners.
• Track media narratives, identify and pursue earned media opportunities, and build relationships with journalists.
• Respond to breaking news moments, seize coverage opportunities, and manage media lists/media contacts.

Message Development and Media Training (15%)

• Work with Associate Director of Public Affairs and Communications, the communications team, litigators, policy staff, clients and coalition partners to build, shape, and implement media outreach strategies on Healthy Communities issues and the Community Partnership Program.
• In collaboration with Associate Director, work with national and grassroots coalitions to support advocacy efforts and develop messaging and media strategy.
• Develop talking points, quotes, and statements for program team, and assist program staff in preparing for media interviews.

Strategy (20%)

• Implement communications strategies for program priorities under the strategic leadership of Associate Director, working directly with clients, partners, coalitions, communications team members and relevant program staff.
• Write and distribute press releases, talking points, and background materials on cases of interest.
• May coordinate with vendors for communications content (digital ads, photos, etc.).

Administrative and Professional Development (10%)

• Attend and contribute to team meetings, support project management, and collaborate across the department on knowledge sharing and content planning.
• Attend events, webinars, trainings and other professional development programs.
• Attend internal DEI learning opportunities to increase awareness and contribute to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment.

Ongoing Learning

• Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge.

Please note that the percentage breakdowns provided above serve as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job's requirements.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or Marketing preferred.
• At least three years' experience in media relations.
• Experience working with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government, or political campaigns preferred.
• Experience working on environmental issues preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with journalists and pitch high-impact media stories to advance advocacy campaigns.
• Proven ability to succeed in a fast-moving environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience using social media, Muck Rack, and/or other media relations software to monitor media narratives, connect with journalists, and amplify earned media placements.
• Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice's values of justice, excellence, inclusion, and partnership.

SALARY & BENEFITS

We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment.

Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required.

Salary range in San Francisco, CA: $119,000 - $132,200

Salary range in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, CA: $113,000 - $125,600

Salary ranges in other locations will vary by location: $101,200- $125,600

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following materials via Jobvite. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Two brief writing samples (press statement or pitch preferred, 1-2 pages max)

Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at The Hiring Process - Earthjustice. Please reach out to [email protected] if you are having technical difficulties submitting your application.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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