Openlands is hiring: Public Relations and Content Specialist in Chicago

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Openlands, a leading conservation organization in the metropolitan region, is offering a full-time opportunity for a Public Relations & Content Specialist to join our team.

The role calls for a compelling communicator with a passion for environmental conservation and the social impact sector, who thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, and who can efficiently meet tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of current conservation and policy issues, with the ability to translate these topics into engaging content and media outreach. The Public Relations & Content Specialist will play a crucial role on the Openlands communications team, which frequently needs to respond swiftly to breaking news across diverse communities in the greater Chicago area. Agility and Spanish fluency are highly valued for this role. This full-time, nonexempt position reports to the Director of Communications.

Requirements

Essential Functions

Media Outreach & Engagement

• Develop and pitch story ideas, press releases, media alerts, and newsworthy content for media outreach.
• Build and maintain strong media relationships, coordinating press interviews, and providing media training for Openlands spokespeople.
• Monitor the news landscape to identify areas where Openlands can establish itself as a subject matter expert.
• Manage outreach to non-traditional media influencers and digital creators to expand Openlands' reach.
• Create press resources such as packets with b-roll, bios, photos, and one-sheets to support local and national media engagement.
• Track, report, and share media coverage, documenting mentions across digital and print platforms.
• Work with the communications team to amplify coverage with internal and external audiences.
• Assist with event coordination, including onsite press management and post-event media outreach.

Content Creation & Management

• Create original content in various formats (e.g., press releases, social media graphics, images, and videos) and repurpose existing content for different channels.
• Manage a digital library of content assets, including photos, videos, testimonials, and media resources, to ensure accessible, organized assets for campaigns and communications.
• Manage print collateral, branded materials, and gear at the Openlands office and coordinate with teams who need to use branded materials for their outreach.
• Update and maintain media-related content on the Openlands website, ensuring timely, accurate documentation.
• Contribute to the development of Openlands' annual editorial calendar, aligning content with strategic communication timelines and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor's Degree
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a sharp eye for detail.
• Experience developing content, coordinating interviews, and building media relationships.
• Ability to pitch ideas and take action through our social media venues.
• Proficiency in creating content across written, graphic, and video formats. Basic skills in design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) or video editing are a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, fastidious attention to detail and execution.
• High level of interest and understanding of conservation and environmental topics.
• Several years of relevant experience in PR, media relations, or journalism.
• Ability to speak, write, copyedit, and read Spanish strongly preferred.
• A valid driver's license and transportation is necessary to visit program sites and capture timely, authentic creative content.

Cover letter and resume required for full consideration. This posting will close on January 6, 2025

Salary Description

$55,000-57,000