Media Specialist at African Wildlife Foundation

Description

The Media Specialist is a key member of the Public Relations & Corporate Communication Unit, reporting to the Director, Public Relations & Corporate Communication. This team, together with Program teams and the Marketing & Creative team, will execute this ambitious plan. Specifically, s/he will play a critical role in leading AWF’s media relations activities. The Specialist also works closely with the CEO to build his brand, by securing key media placements and supporting him in research, messaging and the development of positions, papers, speeches and opinions to advance African leadership in conservation and the mission of AWF

Responsibilities

• In coordination with line manager, develop organizational media plan in coordination with various country office teams (Uganda, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Kenya, US, UK, Belgium, and China) and in accordance with AWF’s overall organizational strategy.
• Lead media relations activities across Africa, including fielding incoming press calls, providing media with requested information in a timely fashion.
• Proactively develop relationships with media (including reporters, producers and editorial writers), building their understanding and knowledge of AWF and our unique value proposition. Build and update media lists.
• Pitch and place stories. Schedule interviews and prepare spokespeople for interviews.
• Draft, edit and distribute high-quality media relations and other communications materials, including news releases and statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial memos, talking points, and other relevant content.
• Plan and execute events such as press conferences, media briefings and editorial board meetings.
• In collaboration with the line manager, develop a media culture within AWF, ensuring that all relevant senior staff are trained, practiced, and ready for interviews and other media opportunities.
• In collaboration with the line manager, develop and execute media plans for major AWF events across Africa, in Europe and in China as needed. Support US team as requested/needed for the same.
• Listen, monitor and track news globally as it relates to conservation and development across Africa, ensuring the PR & Corporate Communications and team is aware of developing stories
• Posts news releases to the AWF News Center
• Consistently coordinates with stakeholders across the organization to ensure the media tracking and analyses are informing and enhancing our communications needs
• Work collaboratively with Country Office teams and Field Communications team to provide media training and support with communications planning and in the execution of those plans.
• Serve as key member of the youth team, advising on media strategy to grow youth engagement with AWF and conservation across the continent.
• Support Corporate & Foundation team in identifying, cultivating and landing strategic media partnerships to amplify and build AWF brand.
• Work with Director to develop CEO’s personal brand, and refine his executive presence and voice.
• Research key relevant issues – independently and as directed by Director, Public Relations and Corporate Communications (and CEO) - to inform AWF and CEO positions, talking points, speeches, social media, etc.
• Write opinion pieces, speeches, and talking points for the key, strategic events for the Chief Executive Officer
• Work on other special projects as assigned by Director, PR and Corporate Communications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public policy, international development, international relations, or another relevant field.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in strategic communications/public relations, preferably functioning as either a key spokesperson for an international organization or a senior staff for a local, national and international media.
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills with proven people, leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to effectively train executive communication skills, and to enhance both name and brand recognition of an international organization.
• Exemplary writing, editing, and proofreading skills necessary for a variety of related activities including speeches and presentations, press releases and media advisories, and other official communications and inter-agency/organization correspondence.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with organizational peers and other teams.
• A global perspective with a focus on Africa, conservation, and economic development.
• A passion for AWF’s mission: ensuring wildlife and wildlands thrive in modern Africa.
• Knowledge of French and/or other relevant languages a distinct and preferred advantage.