• Writing: Generate press releases, statements, talking points, advisories, factsheets, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos and other press materials
• Serve as a lead/central point of contact where there are media opportunities that span across several different beats, specifically in relation to Defenders’ Hill work, such as Interior Appropriations, NDAA, among others
• Media & Messaging Strategy: Work with program staff and Communications Team to develop and implement media plans
• Participate and represent Defenders on key coalition teams, collaborating with coalition partners in strategy, materials development and action
• Media relations: Establish working relationships with reporters in beat areas. Call and email reporters to pitch Defenders-related stories; field inquiries from the media and forward reporters’ questions to pertinent program staff members
• Research: Conduct research to develop talking points and other media relations and programmatic materials as needed
• Press events: Work with appropriate program staff to coordinate, execute and publicize press events, teleconferences, and other promotional activities
• Advertising: Develop strategies for advertising in relation for appropriate use within advocacy campaigns
• Develop messaging strategy, copy and manage design of advertisements; work with vendors to place advertisements
• Attend press briefings and activities and help prepare senior executives for interviews and media appearances
• General support: Collaborate with and support Communications Team colleagues in daily communications department work
• Perform all other work-related duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, coordinating focus groups, and polling. Collaborate with Defenders’ Conservation Program Teams and Marketing Team for seamless communications across all forms of Defenders of Wildlife Communications including but not limited to publications and reports, press materials, social media, website and other outreach, etc 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders 

• Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
• Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
• Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
• Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders’ interests in external environments
• Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
• Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ work
• Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
• Strategic thinker with the ability to create high-level strategy, identify organizational-level impact, and translate strategy into relatable points and action steps

• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
• Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
• Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
• Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion
• Ability to create and implement programs, initiatives, and/or systems which will result in organizational-wide impact; assess specific needs; design oversee implementation; establish benchmarks and track key performance indicators; provide recommendations for improvements; advocate and champion the program internally

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders’ members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and/or the general public
• Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate issues impacting Defenders’ mission and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions
• Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations

• Familiarity with Defenders’ legal, scientific, and/or political issues
• Familiarity with national and regional social, political and ecological landscapes

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong writing and editing skills, specifically writing for press (op-eds, press releases, editorial memos, reporter backgrounds, etc.)
• Experience with running telepressers and other media events
• Experience with media pitching, relationship building skills and with creating long-term relationships with reporters, editors
• Experience with communications planning and strategy
• Strong time management skills as well as attention to detail
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks on several concurrent projects
• Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision 
• Experience working with media databases, specifically Muck Rack
• Knowledge of AP Style