PA Communications and Media Relations Manager

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.

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. CBF has an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 200,000 members and e-subscribers.

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.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Communications and Media Relations Manager is key to shaping how the public sees environmental issues in Pennsylvania. 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Collaborate with staff across CBF teams and departments to develop and execute strategic communications plans for Pennsylvania issues.
- Craft messaging that translates science and policy into clear, compelling, jargon-free language.
- 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.
- 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.
- As needed, produce and edit photos and videos of CBF projects and events.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field. Five years' experience in newswriting, communications, and/or media and public relations is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Proficiency with still and video photography is necessary.

Salary: $74,000 - $80,000 annually