Media Relations Manager

About the Program:

Communications and Engagement is crucial for WRI’s efforts to achieve urgent, systemic change to address the climate emergency and global challenges at the nexus of environment, economic growth, and human well-being.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Strategic Communications Director, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our media strategy, establish and nurture relationships with key journalists, and elevate WRI’s profile in the global media landscape. This multifaceted role requires a seasoned professional with extensive experience in media relations and strategic communications.

What will you do:

Media Relations (60%):

• Act as the primary liaison for media inquiries, managing relationships with reporters, and coordinating interviews with WRI experts
• Develop and maintain an extensive network of journalist contacts, facilitating connections with relevant experts within WRI and globally
• Seek out new media opportunities and identify opportunities to broaden WRI’s media footprint in all its priority media markets
• Rapidly respond to breaking news events, including crafting press statements, pitching stories to media outlets, and managing multiple media inquiries simultaneously
• Conceptualize, plan, and execute press calls, media roundtables, and similar engagement forums
• Oversee preparation and talking points for expert media interviews
• Extend invitations to media representatives for events and serve as their primary point of contact
• Oversee an updated database of media contacts covering WRI’s core issues
• Facilitate the placement of op-eds and other materials in global, national, and trade publications
• Organize and facilitate media training sessions for WRI staff, executives, and program leaders

Strategy Development (40%):

• Provide strategic guidance to WRI programs, providing advice on best practice on communications goals
• Support the Global Director for Strategic Communications in message development and strategic communications
• Ensure strategic alignment across WRI program and country teams, to ensure cohesive message and strategy development
• Develop and implement media outreach plans across various programs and country teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Develop and maintain a strong evaluation framework for all external campaigns and launches
• Identify and leverage key internal and external stakeholders to lead key messages through thought leadership opportunities

What will you need:

Education:

• You have completed a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as public relations, journalism, communications, or related field

Experience:

• You have a minimum of 7 years of full-time relevant work experience in successfully pitching journalists and securing coverage in top-tier media outlets
• Experience working with both the U.S. and global media required
• Expertise in environment, climate, energy, or development issues preferred
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with media databases such as Cision, with experience in creating media lists and tracking coverage
• Must have experience supervising direct reports in a fast-paced environment
• Proven track record of managing media relations focused on attaining real-world outcomes/impact
• International experience, including living in a developing country and/or being multi-lingual, is highly desirable
• Ability to thrive in a multi-cultural institution with diverse views and perspectives
• Ability to be technology-forward to increase WRI’s influence and impact
• Commitment to employee well-being, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and other institutional priorities
• Curiosity, creativity, and strong listening skills are necessary
• Sense of humor and a commitment to stay up to date with a variety of fields and media are desirable

Languages:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Requirements:

• Existing work authorization is required where this position. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary:

Salary range is between $96,000 and $110,000 USD. UK: £53k – £67k GBP. Netherlands: €67k to €84k Euro. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive renumeration and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of 09 April 2024. We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission-driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to a hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.