School of Media Studies

WRI is hiring a Media Specialist

MEDIA SPECIALIST, COMMUNICATIONS

WRI seeks a Media Specialist to join our Core Communications team. In this role, you will help raise the profile of WRI, our research and experts around the world. You will be responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies, building and maintaining relationships with journalists, writing and editing communications materials, and working with staff across the Institute to communicate WRI’s work more effectively.

This fast-paced job includes daily interaction with reporters; strategy and messaging on a variety of topics from food to cities to water; general communications support; and more. A successful candidate will be an excellent writer with strong interpersonal skills, highly organized, diplomatic, and capable of balancing multiple projects at the same time.

Job Responsibilities

• Work strategically with WRI experts to expand WRI’s media coverage
• Write and edit communications materials including pitches, press releases, media advisories, and press statements
• Build relationships with reporters around the world, maintain and grow WRI’s media lists, and frequently pitch story ideas to journalists
• Respond to incoming media requests and connect reporters with relevant WRI experts across the Institute
• Develop communications strategies and messages to support WRI reports, announcements, and events
• Promote and manage WRI press calls and interviews
• Conduct media monitoring, manage WRI’s Cision media database, and compile quarterly media analytics
• Use social media and other innovative channels to engage with reporters and expand WRI’s media presence
• Help plan and support both internal and external events
• Work closely with colleagues across WRI’s programs and international offices
• Stay up-to-date on current events and trends in the environment and development sectors
• Publish web content on WRI.org’s news page
• Support internal communications products like the weekly Snapshots report
• General administrative support, such as scheduling, logistics, and other responsibilities, as needed

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. Degree in communications, public relations, or journalism preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of full time work experience in public relations, journalism, communications or a relevant field
• Proven experience in media relations
• Excellent written and oral communications skills essential
• Experience with environment, climate, energy, or development issues preferred, but not required
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to work efficiently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with team members across the world
• Able to demonstrate flexibility in fulfilling assignments and be pro-active in seeking projects and feedback
• Understanding of online media and social networking; ability to brainstorm and think creatively about communications
• Commitment to our mission and values
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of public-relations software and basic HTML preferred
• US work authorization is required for all WRI US opportunities. WRI is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this opportunity.

Apply Now: https://jobs.jobvite.com/wri/job/ovw79fw1

Cover letter, resume and 2 writing samples required.

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

Communications Overview

WRI’s Core Communications team, based largely in Washington D.C., oversees strategy and outreach for the Institute in support of WRI leadership, programs, centers and international offices. Communications is crucial to WRI’s success at achieving rapid, systemic changes. The global communications team strives to work as an integrated global network to expand WRI’s reach, reputation and impact.

WRI Overview

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 in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect.

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.

We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $120 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 900+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

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.  

The World Resources Institute (http://www.wri.org) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.