PA Communications and Media Relations Manager at Chesapeake Bay Foundation Inc. – Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION

Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally after decades of failed efforts be removed from the Clean Water Act s impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.

CBF has a staff of approximately 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 14 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.

CBF's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world s first U.S. Green Build Council s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center one of the world s most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings in Virginia Beach, Virginia. CBF has an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 200,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

Marketing and Communications galvanizes support for and involvement in Bay restoration efforts. Communications works to frame the public debate on regional water-quality issues; brands CBF as a strong, credible, effective authority with broad expertise; works with other departments to grow and engage CBF s members, activists, and volunteers; and serves as a leader in institutional cross-functional campaigns.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Communications and Media Relations Manager is key to shaping how the public sees environmental issues in Pennsylvania. From policy solutions to planting trees, you will find and tell stories that help build a better future. The position works closely with staff across CBF and partners across Pennsylvania, while reporting to the Director of Communications and Media Relations. The job will be based in Harrisburg, and requires a mix of working in the office, in the field, and remote.

We are looking for someone who is a strong writer, strategic thinker, and relationship builder. You’ll use those skills to develop and execute communications plans that lead to meaningful change. Much of your time will be dedicated to working with the press—speaking with reporters and editors, developing talking points and press releases, and crafting clear, compelling messaging. That also includes monitoring press coverage and media trends to ensure staff are prepared before issues hit the headlines.

Strong multimedia skills, including producing photos and videos, are critical for success. You will also support digital advocacy and engage and inspire people through CBF’s blog, newsletter, social media, and our award-winning magazine.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborate with staff across CBF teams and departments to develop and execute strategic communications plans for Pennsylvania issues. Track engagement and adjust approach for maximum impact.
• Craft messaging that translates science and policy into clear, compelling, jargon-free language that engages and inspires CBF’s audiences, including members, donors, elected leaders, and the public.
• Cultivate strong relationships with reporters, editors, and content creators in traditional and digital media.
• Respond to media inquiries. Write and place press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and feature articles. Ensure that all public messaging is approved internally and used consistently by staff across the organization.
• Monitor news and media coverage, circulate key stories, and proactively anticipate issues that require a CBF response.
• Find and tell stories that advance CBF’s priorities through press outreach and owned channels, including blogs, newsletters, social media, and our award-winning magazine. Topics include CBF’s restoration and advocacy work, our efforts to hold polluters accountable and act as a watchdog, and environmental education work with students and teachers across the region.
• As needed, produce and edit photos and videos of CBF projects and events to make stories come alive.
• Perform other duties as required.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Makes strategic decisions about the content, timing, and dissemination of media releases. Topics that are difficult, sensitive, or technical must be made understandable to the target audiences. Duties involve analyzing and synthesizing information. This is a fast-paced environment. Priorities must often be reassessed, time-management skills are critical. Candidates must have demonstrated the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; provide strategic thinking and advice both on policy issues and media tactics; and be dynamic and energetic. The position will also research and engage new media.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Sets goals and objectives with assistance of supervisor. Creativity is valued. All messages conveyed must follow established CBF policies and platforms. Coordinates activities with other state and headquarters staff for media response, special events, web-page content, and social media. Serves as a primary contact for reporters, editors, assignment desks, bloggers, special event speakers, and photographers, as well as CBF staff for related communications projects. Those include the e-newsletter, and CBF’s magazine, Save the Bay. Adheres to Chicago Manual of Style and CBF style guides.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field. Five years’ experience in newswriting, communications, and/or media and public relations is required. Familiarity with all aspects of CBF’s program, policies, and procedures is preferable. Knowledgeable about processes and editorial policies of major media (press, radio, TV), as well as blogs and experience in writing for digital and social media. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Proficiency with still and video photography is necessary. Proficient in the use of computer systems, standard office software, and in the use of audio-visual media. Environmental experience, especially about the Susquehanna River, Chesapeake Bay, or other water quality issues, is preferable.