Public Relations Manager

Palm Desert, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 80000 - 90000

Posted on: Yesterday

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Full-time

Description

Title: PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Department: Marketing & Communications

Exemption: Exempt

Reports to: Vice President of Marketing & Communications

POSITION SUMMARY

The Living Desert seeks a strategic and creative Public Relations Manager to serve as the organizations primary media contact and public-facing communications expert. This role is essential in amplifying our conservation mission through compelling storytelling securing meaningful media coverage and protecting our reputation as a leader in desert conservation and animal care.

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications you will develop and execute comprehensive publicity strategies that position The Living Desert as a premier destination and conservation leader. Youll cultivate relationships with local regional and national media pitch compelling stories manage crisis communications and ensure our conservation achievements and guest experiences receive the visibility they deserve.

This role requires a skilled communicator who can translate complex conservation science into newsworthy stories respond quickly to media opportunities and represent The Living Desert with professionalism and strategic thinking.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Relations

Serve as primary media contact for all press inquiries and interview requests
Develop and maintain strong relationships with local regional and national media contacts
Pitch feature stories conservation news and organizational milestones to appropriate media outlets
Secure media coverage for major events including Gala WildLights Mission: Pollination! new exhibits animal arrivals and conservation achievements
Proactively identify and leverage local community events and festivals to drive additional media coverage
Coordinate interview opportunities for executive leadership and subject matter experts
Arrange and support on-site media visits filming and photography
Plan and facilitate media events

Press Materials & Distribution

Write edit and distribute press releases for events announcements and newsworthy developments
Develop media kits fact sheets and press materials
Maintain and update media contact database
Coordinate press events media days and press conferences

Publicity Campaign Development

Create strategic publicity plans for events exhibits programs and organizational initiatives
Identify newsworthy angles and story opportunities aligned with organizational priorities
Develop targeted media outreach strategies for different audience segments
Collaborate with marketing team on integrated communications campaigns
Measure publicity efforts and report on media coverage metrics

Crisis Communications

Serve as lead crisis communications contact during emergencies or sensitive situations
Develop crisis communication plans and holding statements for potential scenarios
Coordinate with executive leadership during crisis situations
Manage media inquiries and public response during challenging circumstances
Monitor potential issues and provide strategic counsel on communications approach

Online Reputation Management

Monitor online mentions reviews social media commentary and media coverage
Track and respond to media inquiries across digital platforms
Coordinate responses to negative publicity misinformation or reputational concerns
Compile regular reports on media coverage sentiment and share of voice
Identify and capitalize on positive publicity opportunities as well as trending topics and emerging stories to develop relevant content

Strategic Communications

Support conservation messaging and thought leadership positioning
Align PR efforts with marketing priorities and organizational goals
Advise leadership on communications strategy and media opportunities
Collaborate with Development on publicity for major gifts and capital campaigns
Partner with Conservation team to elevate scientific work and field achievements

Stakeholder Communication Support

Develop talking points and key messages for leadership and spokespeople
Brief and prepare staff for media interviews
Create internal communications regarding media coverage and external recognition
Support board and donor communications as needed

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Bachelors degree in Public Relations Communications Journalism or related field

7-10 years of progressive public relations experience preferably in nonprofit cultural or mission-driven organizations

Proven track record of securing media coverage in local regional and national outlets

Exceptional writing and editing skills with ability to craft compelling press materials

Strong media relations skills and established media contacts (preferably in Southern California/Coachella Valley)

Crisis communications experience with ability to respond quickly under pressure

Strategic thinker with excellent judgment and discretion

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders

Highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Preferred:

Experience in zoological institutions aquariums museums or conservation organizations

Familiarity with AZA-accredited institutions and conservation sector

Background in science communication or environmental journalism

Experience with tourism destination marketing or visitor attraction publicity

Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Proficiency with media databases media monitoring tools and PR software (Cision Meltwater or similar)

Knowledge and understanding of video/photo asset management

Strong social media platform knowledge for monitoring and engagement

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Familiarity with AP Style

Physical Position Description:

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL TASKS: Occasional standing walking bending twisting some lifting up to 50 lbs. Safely operating print and production machinery.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Primarily an office environment occasionally on-grounds.

HOLIDAY/EVENING WORK: Occasional Holiday weekend and evening work.

TRAVEL: Occasional travel to vendors and suppliers.

Licenses and/or Certificates:

Must hold valid California Driver License and be insurable on The Living Deserts auto policy.

Salary Description

$80000.00 - $90000.00/Yr

Required Experience:

Manager

Full-timeDescriptionTitle: PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGERDepartment: Marketing & CommunicationsExemption: ExemptReports to: Vice President of Marketing & CommunicationsPOSITION SUMMARYThe Living Desert seeks a strategic and creative Public Relations Manager to serve as the organizations primary media cont...