Public Relations Specialist- Science and Horticulture
Public Relations Specialist- Science and Horticulture
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Job Description
Were a world-renowned nonprofit offering a unique opportunity for a creative self-starter interested in nature and conservation. We seek someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has experience writing press releases responding to media inquiries successfully pitching stories and interviews communicating complex concepts into lay-friendly language for media outlets and working with spokespeople. Youll join a talented Marketing and Guest Experience team working in a business casual office with the beauty of nature just outside your door!
Position Summary: Advance The Morton Arboretums vision to plant and protect trees for a greener healthier more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together and position the Arboretum as a leading tree science conservation and horticultural organization locally nationally and globally through public relations strategies.
Essential Functions:
Proactively identify develop and pursue story ideas that showcase the Arboretums leadership and expertise in tree science conservation urban and community forestry and horticulture and secure coverage via media podcasts blog articles social media and other communications.
Develop strategic media plans and draft media relations materials including pitches briefing materials press releases talking points and media coverage reports demonstrating writing excellence throughout. Continually cultivate relationships with key local state national and international media writers and producers to pitch and secure stories.
Serve as the Arboretums primary media contact for tree and plant science and horticulture stories serving as a media spokesperson when necessary. Coordinate media interviews with Arboretum experts and provide media spokesperson training and preparation. Oversee the media interview process from start to finish on assigned stories under the oversight of the director of public relations.
Work collaboratively with the Arboretums Science and Conservation and Collections and Horticulture teams to develop an annual editorial plan that reflects priority stories for media outreach and social media engagement showcasing the Arboretums tree and plant collections horticulture expertise and work of the Global Tree Conservation Program Center for Tree Science Chicago Region Trees Initiative and ArbNet.
Collaborate and coordinate with the social media specialist to develop engaging and informative science conservation and collections-related social media content.
Collaborate with the marketing team including the Arboretums photographer and video production specialist on the development of messaging and visual assets including b-roll and photos for media use. Shoot photos and video as needed.
Analyze and report media coverage results in collaboration with the PR Specialist responsible for generating reports.
Conduct environmental media scans related to topics identified as relevant to Arboretum communications for example how trees impact climate change and share them with the department and proactively identify trends and topics in the media where the Arboretum can contribute its thought leadership and expertise.
Demonstrate alignment with the Arboretums employee core values.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Associate degree in public relations or related field required bachelors degree preferred. 5 years professional experience in public relations required with proven record of media placements and effective press release and other PR material development. Excellent writing and speaking skills required. Experience in non-profit or higher education with a focus on science or conservation beneficial. Bilingual English-Spanish fluency a plus. Ability to communicate complex concepts into lay-friendly language for media outlets with a track record of successfully pitching and placing these types of stories. Established media contacts a plus. Fundamental understanding of how to tell a compelling story to a variety of audiences and a clear understanding of how public relations fits within an organizations institutional goals. Ability to stay current with best practices and evolving trends in media relations social media and analytics required. Working knowledge of Cision media tracking software or other electronic media distribution and tracking service preferred. Proficiency with Google applications and experience with WordPress beneficial.
Success Factors: Creative clear communicator with knowledge of AP Style and the ability to adapt to and sustain a brand voice. Curious and driven to understand the Arboretums scientific work. Ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and quickly with strong attention to detail. Self-starter creative innovative and a knack for thinking out of the box. Ability to relate effectively with people of various backgrounds and ages as part of an institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion. A commitment to and ability to effectively convey the Arboretums mission with genuine passion and the willingness to continually learn about the programs and mission. Strong project and time management skills.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Physical Demands: Work requires some physical activity: traversing over all types of terrain in various weather conditions.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily indoors in an office setting although travel within the grounds and buildings of the Arboretum and extended time outdoors is occasionally required.
Equipment: General office equipment. Driving a golf cart.
Schedule: Position requires some weekend evening and early morning hours.
The expected hiring range for this position is $58000 - $65000 based on experience that will be evaluated during the candidate selection process. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of the final offer. This position is also eligible for acompetitive benefits package.
The Morton Arboretum is a champion of diversity supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts inspires and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race religion color national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity age disability or veteran status.
The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal opportunity employer- veteran/disability. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority
Employment Type
Full-Time
