Media Relations Manager

OFFICE LOCATION United States The choosen candidate must live in IL, IN, OH, or WI. Remote and hybrid options are available. #LI-Remote #PDN WHO WE ARE The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor. One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER The Media Relations Manager manages and implements media and communications strategies to raise the visibility of projects and priorities in the Midwest Division, engage its varied audiences, influence conservation action, and support achieving revenue goals. Working with contracted media relations agencies, associate directors, and key program staff, the media & public relations manager will curate stories, insights, and learning for placement in appropriate outlets across the Midwest Division. They will also help identify other key audiences for those stories, build brand awareness, and position The Nature Conservancy as a thought leader. This position will collaborate with other colleagues in the Midwest division. The Media and public relations manager will also work with the global media team and other media staff across the organization to elevate stories of regional importance to national coverage. The position will report to the Director of Marketing and Communications. The Media Relations Manager works to implement media and public relations tactics to help drive organizational strategy. They develop and foster relations with key stakeholders, partners, and media contacts to manage the dissemination of information and stories. They inform and help develop speeches, key messages, talking points, press releases, and pitches, as well as package distributed materials and visual assets as needed. They help to facilitate ongoing communication between leadership and staff across multiple disciplines, including conservation, government relations, and development, as well as trustees and external partners. As the Media Relations Manager, you will: Participate in the development and implementation of media relations strategy and plan for the five states in the Midwest Division (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Manage and serve as team lead on assigned Midwest state/s, media and/or communications initiatives. Facilitate ongoing communication between leadership and staff across multiple disciplines, including conservation, government relations, and development, as well as trustees and external partners. Provide consultation, media training and coaching, and development of key messages and talking points to persons serving as spokesperson(s). Cultivate and steward relationships with media and third-party stakeholders across the Midwest division while identifying, packaging, pitching, and securing media stories and external audience e gagement. Monitor news coverage, evaluate results, and develop recommendations for corrective strategies as needed. Collaborate with Associate Directors for regional media story opportunities, including pitching and placement of stories. Generate creative and fresh ideas that result in story placements and third-party engagements. Occasional travel is required for business meetings, team retreats, and/or training. May manage one or more professional staff and accountable for achievement of team business and professional development goals and objectives. 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: Multi-lingual skills appreciated. Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred. Prior experience in managing large U.S. media markets, especially the Chicago and Illinois market. Experience developing, implementing, and measuring communication and engagement plans/strategies. Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills. Experience managing a budget. Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices. Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline. 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.