Media Relations Officer

Media Relations Officer

Food & Water Watch is seeking a new communications professional to join our Media and Public Relations team to help implement creative, ambitious media relations plans that support our policy, research, legal and organizing initiatives to protect our food, water and climate.

This position is based in New York City.

About Food & Water Watch:

Food & Water Watch is working to create a healthy future for all people and generations to come—a world where everyone has food they can trust, clean drinking water and a livable climate. Making this happen requires involving people in the pressing issues of our time at the local, state, and federal level, building on one win after another, as we develop a larger movement that has the political power to make our democratic process work.

About the position:

This position works closely with legal, policy, political, organizing and research staff to strategize, plan and implement communications tactics that forward priority organizational policies and campaigns, and elevate the identity and reputation of the organization – all relating our work to rapidly transition the country off fossil fuels and onto a truly clean, renewable energy future, and ensure safe and affordable food and water for all.

This position will be the day-to-day media relations lead for our grassroots organizing work in New York State, New Jersey and other states as necessary. This position will also support our policy, research, legal and organizing work on national climate, energy, food and/or water issues.

Salary: $58,000 - $70,000

Location: New York City

Responsibilities:

1. Write, edit, and/or support the development of media relations plans and tactics related to signature campaigns, aligned issues, and other organizational priorities (including, but not limited to, communications plans, media statements, press releases, research reports, speeches, talking points, opinion pieces, staff briefings, policy memos, web content, video/audio scripts, social media content, etc.).
2. In collaboration with FWW staff, proactively plan and implement national and regional media relations campaigns and tactics to support organizational initiatives and bolster FWW's reputation, (including legal work, organizing campaigns, policy initiatives, research products, etc.).
3. Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers and other media professionals, and place news, opinion and advertising in desired media targets, including print/radio/TV/web interviews for staff.
4. In collaboration with FWW staff, proactively plan and implement national, regional, state-based and/or local media relations campaigns and tactics to support organizational initiatives and bolster FWW's reputation (including legal work, organizing campaigns, policy initiatives, research products, etc.).
5. Help develop and implement communications trainings for FWW staff.
6. Track and catalogue media hits for FWW.
7. Carry out other projects, as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must have proven previous experience with media, public relations, journalism, or a related field. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Education/Experience: B.A. degree in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field; 3-5 years of communications or journalism experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills: The incumbent must work in a computerized environment and have adequate knowledge of word processing, email, internet and spreadsheet software; in particular have coursework or certification in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and proficiency with all other Microsoft Office products.

• Commitment to Food & Water Watch's core values of justice, human dignity, fair treatment, and equity.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse racial, ethnic, class, age, gender, and sexual orientation backgrounds.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent time management & organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects.
• Ability to work remotely using basic online programs, including email, Slack, and Google docs.

Food & Water Watch provides an excellent benefits package for full time employees. This includes 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision plans for staff; 403b retirement plans with employer contribution once eligible; 12 weeks paid parental leave; 3 weeks vacation for new employees; 12 sick days and 5 personal days; paid federal holidays and winter break (December 24 – January 1).

This position is a bargaining unit position covered under a contract between Food & Water Watch and the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU).

Please include as one combined document your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and multiple professional references to be considered. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

We will review your application and if we feel that your knowledge, skills and abilities are potentially a good match for our organization, we will be in contact with you.

Food and Water Watch is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with disabilities, and other members of underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Food & Water Watch (FWW) is committed to the health and safety of its staff members. Moreover, FWW, as an organization, promotes science-based policy. Science clearly shows that unvaccinated populations drive the spread of the coronavirus and the emergence of new variants, and that unvaccinated people are more likely to contract COVID and experience severe symptoms. Effective immediately, prospective new staff members are strongly recommended to provide proof of vaccination.