Rainforest Foundation US is hiring a
TITLE: Media Relations Coordinator
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full time
WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week
LOCALITY:
DEPARTMENT: Communications
SUPERVISING MANAGER:
TEAM:
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About Rainforest Foundation US
For over 30 years, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS) has worked to address climate change and safeguard biodiversity by promoting the rights of indigenous peoples and supporting their efforts to protect and defend their rainforests. Science shows that forests managed by indigenous peoples are healthier, suffer less deforestation, capture more carbon, and contain more biodiversity than forests managed by private or public entities--including nationally protected areas. What’s more, scientists tell us that protecting forests is as important as reducing greenhouse emissions if we hope to stem the tide of ecological collapse.
RFUS works in partnership with indigenous communities and their representative organizations to protect tropical rainforests by supporting their efforts to secure rights to their lands, strengthen monitoring and land security, influence laws and policies that protect their resources, and build strong and sustainable community leadership. By investing directly in indigenous communities, RFUS connects the people rooted in the land with the tools, training, and resources to be effective advocates and protectors of the forests they call home. RFUS currently operates four country programs in Brazil, Guyana, Panama, and Peru, and hosts a number of regional partnerships in Central America, the Amazon Basin, and across the tropical belt.
About the Position
Immersed in the field of nature-based and people-based solutions to the climate crisis, the Media Relations Coordinator will facilitate the development and implementation of a broad range of communications strategies to elevate awareness of RFUS’s and our partners’ programs and initiatives, and support the strengthening of partners’ advocacy and communications capacities. This position will serve as a liaison between communications and programs and will network and liaise with partner organizations on a regular basis, cultivate relationships with media outlets to secure media coverage for RFUS and our partners, and will also be savvy in communications strategies to serve campaigns and awareness-building for indigenous people’s rights and our partner initiatives.
The Media Relations Coordinator will report to the Senior Communications Manager, work hand in hand with the Programs team, and liaise with the Writer and Editorial Manager as well as the other Communications Associates as required.
Responsibilities
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, international affairs, human rights, environmental science, sustainable development, marketing, or advertising (or other relevant field)
At least 5-7 years of experience in media relations or journalism, environmental policy, political campaigning, non profit communications, or other relevant field
Experience developing strategies to effectively work with the media, including cultivating relationships with journalists and media outlets, securing placed media, and advancing earned media opportunities
Possess highly attuned interpersonal skills, sensitivities, and experience working with indigenous peoples
Ability to work constructively across teams to manage multiple priorities on short deadlines
Proven ability to deliver specific program-related communications strategies
Demonstrated experience using social media and/or email marketing platforms as an advocacy and awareness-building tool to engage target audiences
Experience developing and catalyzing networks or coalitions for communications and/or advocacy aims
Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete work independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated commitment to issues of the environment, climate, social justice, and/or human rights
Ability to travel to remote locations throughout Latin America as needed
Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills
Detail-oriented and able to produce quality outputs in a timely manner
Language requirements
Desired skills
Compensation & Benefits
Workplace Culture & Conditions
Rainforest Foundation US prides itself on providing a flexible, equitable, family-friendly, and inclusive work environment that values work-life balance. Our offices are pet friendly and located in a historic downtown Brooklyn neighborhood that is easily accessible by public transit and boasts many restaurants and services.
Commitment to Equality & Equity
Rainforest Foundation US does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients. Black, indigenous, and people of color are highly encouraged to apply.