Communications Specialist - (12-month contract)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist (12-month contract) will coordinate and implement communications strategies to connect Greenpeace's campaign messages and overall mission with key targeted audiences. This position requires the ability to work independently and in collaboration with Senior Communications Strategists and the Communications Director, Media. The Communications Specialist will support the media team with day-to-day communications — which may include internal/external messaging, responding to media requests, drafting content (e.g. press releases, talking points), coordinating events, and handling rapid response needs in consistent alignment with GPUS branding and messaging and organizational goals and mission.

The Communications Specialist (12-month contract) is an exempt, full-time, benefits-eligible, contract position, and is represented by the Progressive Workers Union. This role may be based in any GPUS-authorized location (CA, DC, MD, VA, NY, NJ, CT), and will report to the Communications Director, Media.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Implementation: 

• Implement established communication plans and strategies that support campaign and organizational objectives, including in rapid response and breaking news scenarios.
• Support and organize team efforts toward communication outputs across multiple platforms, including social, emerging, and traditional media.
• Aid in the operations, organization, planning and responsiveness of the media team.
• Study and learn the issue areas and  campaigns (with a specific focus on climate), objectives, policies, branding and messaging of GPUS.

Content Creation: 

• Track breaking news and current events, and assist with disseminating timely information to the team during rapid response moments, in collaboration with the media team.
• Draft and edit materials including press releases, press advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, fact sheets, and talking points.
• Coordinate between campaigns and social media team to draft and implement social media outputs.

Media Relations: 

• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews.
• Track media coverage, pull analytics, and provide monthly reports. 
• Build relationships with reporters, producers, podcasters, and other news decision-makers in the United States. 
• Create, maintain, and update media lists.

Internal Communications: 

• Assist with briefing and training Greenpeace employees to act as spokespeople.
• Prepare and publish content across internal GPUS platforms, ensuring consistent messaging across departments, with guidance from Media Director and Senior Strategists.

Other: 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by the manager, as organizational or team priorities arise and/or shift.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years experience working in PR, at a media outlet,  or as a content creator with demonstrated ability to secure earned media. 
• B.A. or B.S. in a relevant communication field, or comparable communications experience 
• Basic understanding of the main social media platforms.
• Experience drafting and editing content (e.g. writing press releases, crafting posts/emails, assisting with campaigns), in alignment with brand and messaging guidelines. 
• Experience with basic workflows of a media relations team (e.g. monitoring media, managing editorial calendars).
• Basic understanding of media relations, crisis communications, and building public awareness.
• High media-literacy and a strong news diet – having the ability to contextualize organizational goals within broader current events.
• Knowledge of Content Management Systems (CMS) and analytics tools is preferred.

Skill, Attributes and Competencies:

• Strong writing/editing skills, with a focus on AP style.
• Attention to detail, necessary for ensuring accuracy and consistency in all materials and resources.
• Strong verbal communication and proficiency.
• Problem-solving and creative thinking skills to resolve issues and handle challenges. 
• Organized and deadline-efficient with the ability to manage competing priorities and projects in a dynamic environment. 
• Adaptive and responsive to changing needs and technologies. 
• Resilience to work well in rapid response moments and in the public eye. 
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with stakeholders, networking in coalition and understanding audience reactions. 
• Collaborative and able to work effectively within a diverse team and with independent thinkers. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Spanish fluency preferred, but not required
• Analytical thinking to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Other:

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.
• Willingness and ability to work across time zones and outside of normal business hours, including weekends, at times.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Greenpeace offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage with low contributions from staff. We have options for pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care costs. Greenpeace employees enjoy generous 401K matching and time-off for vacation, sick, personal, and parental leave. After five years, staff are eligible for a paid sabbatical. To encourage public transportation use and biking, we offer subsidies for staff who choose to bike or ride mass transit to work. Greenpeace is committed to the growth and development of staff and fostering a creative workplace culture. For more information, check out our benefits plan. 

This role is graded at a level 2, and a salary within the range of $63,410 - $68,632 is anticipated to be provided to the successful candidate having met the minimum requirements for the position consistent with reflecting our commitment to maintaining competitive and fair compensation practices.