Media Relations Specialist

Denver or Washington, DC 

Media Relations Specialist, The Public Interest Network 

The Public Interest Network is hiring a Media Relations Specialist to provide communications support to our network of environmental, health and consumer advocacy organizations. The Public Interest Network consists of organizations, such as PIRG (Public Interest Research Group), Environment America and their state groups, all committed to a shared vision of a new future and a strategic approach to change. Our groups work for clean air and water, protection of wildlife and open spaces and a livable climate, and advocate for consumers, advancing solutions to problems that affect our health, our safety and our well-being. We work across the political spectrum for pragmatic solutions, prioritizing making a difference in people’s lives over “making a statement.”

The mission of our in-house media communications department is to elevate our campaigns and positioning through increased media mentions and more interviews with our leadership and subject matter experts. 

As Media Relations Specialist, you will be the point person for garnering coverage from key journalists for our issues and campaigns and working with other members of the communications team to support connections with media across the country. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.

Representative responsibilities:

• Project Management and Media Strategy: Take ownership of media campaigns from gestation to fruition. Develop comprehensive, multifaceted communications strategies for ongoing and new campaigns.
• Writing and Editing: Write and assist in writing news releases, blogs, position statements and internal memos. Edit internal and public-facing writing for consistency, clarity and relevance.
• List Building and Networking: Build and maintain lists of media contacts. Add to network media lists through outreach to journalists across the political spectrum and in a wide array of media including digital media, podcasts, television, radio and print.
• Story Pitching: Pitch stories to journalists using persuasive writing and speaking skills. Match our stories to journalists’ needs. Reach audiences via phone, email and social media and digital platforms. 
• Build our Team: Recruit and manage interns. Potential to oversee junior staff. Provide organizational support as needed to other departments within our network of organizations.

Qualifications

You:

• Are a concise communicator who can advocate for causes and translate wonky topics into layman’s terms.
• Can write and edit well enough to impress even a grizzled, veteran journalist.
• Can manage complex projects.
• Are goal-driven and results-oriented, lead by example, take initiative and learn from mistakes.
• Are digitally savvy with Google Suite, Microsoft Office and major social media platforms and can effectively use spreadsheets, databases and other technology.
• Preferably have at least 5 years of experience in public/media relations and/or journalism. Experience at a nonprofit or in politics is a plus.
• Have at least a bachelor’s degree and excellent academic credentials.
• Can make a two-year commitment to the position.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting target annual compensation range for someone with 5-8 years of relevant experience is $42,000-$54,000. Candidates on the lower end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location: Denver, CO is preferred. Will also consider Washington, DC.

Why work with The Public Interest Network? Check out 10 reasons on our website.

About The Public Interest Network

The Public Interest Network consists of organizations, such as PIRG, Environment America, and their state groups, that are committed to a shared vision of a new future and a strategic approach to change.

We tackle problems that arise from America’s endless pursuit of economic growth. This imperative to produce and consume “more” explains why our society continues to burn more fossil fuels, despite the damage to our climate and our health. It’s why our marketplace keeps mass-producing more single-use plastic, despite the price we pay in waste and pollution for a moment’s convenience. And it’s why even the most technologically advanced companies design and market their products for obsolescence, not repair and reuse. 

Together, the staff of The Public Interest Network’s organizations are relentlessly pragmatic in our approach to these problems. We prioritize making a difference in people’s lives over “making a statement.” We work with everybody to make change happen, political ideology aside. And we are serious about the work – we set clear goals, benchmarks and systems to measure our progress, and hold ourselves accountable to making change now and building for the future.

This unique approach gives even our newest staff an opportunity to make a concrete difference for the environment and the public interest – just as hundreds of dedicated staff have done over our 50 year history. If you want to add to this change-making legacy; if you have the passion and the drive that it takes; if you're looking for a mission, not just a job – then let’s talk.

Our Mission and Values

The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit our website for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

The Fund for the Public Interest is an equal opportunity employer.