Media Relations Manager

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Media Relations Manager in The Nature Conservancy’s Western US and Canada Division develops, manages and implements focused communications and media tactics that facilitate comprehension, adoption and advancement of the organization’s goals and objectives in the Pacific Northwest states of Alaska, Washington and Oregon.

The Media Relations Manager is responsible for the creation, management and implementation of strategic communications plans to build awareness, engage target audiences and influence conservation action. They help identify communication and media needs and opportunities in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest team’s Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, as well as internal and external stakeholders. They help elevate stories from within the Division to regional, national and global marketing and communications teams within The Nature Conservancy. They actively identify target audiences and cultivate media contacts on a local and regional level, and they manage, track, and report on the dissemination of media information. They develop key messages and talking points and write op-eds and statements. They lead on other public relations and visibility-building activities, including identifying and coordinating media tours. They provide consultation, media training, coaching and talking points to persons serving as spokesperson(s). They collaborate with key stakeholders on crisis communications as needed. They contribute other mission-critical content for digital and print as needed.

As Media Relations Manager, you will:

• Develop, implement, and measure media relations strategic communications plans.
• Cultivate and maintain contacts within local, regional and diverse media outlets, identify and pitch stories to those contacts, connect journalists with staff for interviews, and respond to inquiries from reporters.
• In collaboration with the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, develop key messages, talking points, op-eds and statements.
• Provide coaching and consultation to prepare non-communications staff for media interviews.
• Manage assigned budget, evaluate results and develop recommendations for corrective strategies as needed.
• Responsibility and accountability for meeting project goals and objectives.
• Resolve complex issues independently within program area.
• Opportunity to act independently within program goals.
• Some travel will be required within the US (estimated 10% of time), particularly to Oregon, Washington and Alaska for field site visits and team retreats.
• Other related duties as assigned.

We’re Looking for You:

The ideal candidate will have all or some of these qualifications. If you don’t have all of them, apply anyway and tell us about your skills and experience: 

• Experience developing media relations networks and pitching and placing stories
• Committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable and just workplace and continued learning in this space; respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and the ability to work across differences to meet objectives.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Experience taking complicated subjects (e.g., conservation, science, climate, policy, etc.) and translating them into approachable and relevant concepts for diverse audiences including journalists, donors, board members and the public.
• Experience and understanding of work in multi-cultural or cross-cultural settings, specifically with Indigenous cultures.
• Knowledge of conservation issues and TNC's work in Alaska, Oregon and Washington.
• Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends, technologies and best practices in media relations, marketing and communications.
• Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects.
• Experience managing a budget.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum 7 years’ related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing and implementing media strategies and measuring results.
• Experience writing, editing and proofreading messages for targeted audiences.
• Experience cultivating and managing client relationships.
• Experience developing media relations networks.
• Experience implementing and managing multiple complex projects.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!