Media Relations Specialist

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Organization:	Polaris Project
Location:	Washington, DC
Deadline:	Aug 31, 2012
Polaris Project is a leading non-governmental organization combating human trafficking and modern slavery, with programs operating at the international, national, and local levels through our offices in Washington, D.C. and Newark, N.J., and through Polaris Project Japan in Tokyo. With an annual budget of $4.4M and 52 staff in 2012, Polaris Project has grown rapidly in size and impact since its founding in 2002. Following the celebration of its 10-Year Anniversary in 2012, Polaris Project will accelerate towards a bold vision for global growth and impact in the fight against human trafficking. More details about our programs and history can be found on our web site at www.polarisproject.org. Polaris Project’s Public Outreach and Communications (POC) department is charged with inspiring a dramatically growing number of people to get involved in Polaris Project’s efforts to combat human trafficking. To this end, the communications team works to increase the profile of Polaris Project and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline, promote concrete steps that people can take to fight trafficking, build support and activism for federal and state anti-human trafficking laws, and provide accurate information on human trafficking that empowers survivors without sensationalizing the issue. As a core member of a three-person Public Outreach and Communications team, the Media Relations Specialist will be responsible for executing Polaris Project’s press strategy. The specialist will build and maintain relationships with journalists and bloggers, help with the drafting of press releases and talking points, pitch stories, respond to incoming media requests, and help maintain the organization’s blog. For the position, we seek an exceptional writer, an avid consumer of mainstream and social media, and a self-starter who is passionate about finding creative ways to help the organization achieve its goal of eradicating all forms of human trafficking in the U.S. and globally. The position will report directly to the Director of Communications and is located at our headquarters in Washington, D.C. Some travel will be required. Responsibilities: I. Media Relations (80%) - Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, reporters and bloggers for national and targeted state-level outlets - Manage day-to-day press inquiries and requests - Work with the Director of Communications and senior managers to develop and hone topline messages that further each program’s goals - Assist with the writing of press releases, letters to the editor, fact sheets and other communications materials for the media and compile press packets - Track and identify opportunities to respond to developing stories related to Polaris Project’s goals - Organize press briefings, teleconferences, editorial board meetings and other informational sessions with reporters - Build media lists and maintain media database in Salesforce - Track news coverage of Polaris Project and organizational issues for board and donor reports - Promote organizational blog posts to bloggers and online media - Help journalists understand the sensitivities around telling survivors’ stories II. Blog and Website (15%) - Identify and request stories for the North Star blog and edit submissions from staff members and fellows - Write original content for the North Star blog - Assist the Online Communications Specialist with posting content on web, social media sites and emailing out content. - Oversee the tracking of blog statistics. III. Other Administrative Duties (5%) - Compile reports on activities for staff, board, donors and foundations. - Manage Fellows on specific projects as assigned. - Assist Director of Communications and Online Communications Specialist with other miscellaneous tasks as assigned. Required Qualifications: - Two to three years’ experience working with the media in a non-profit communications department, a public relations agency, or related professional experience - Proven ability to secure local or national media for a specific goal - Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills - Avid consumer of mainstream news and blogs and a passion for seizing on breaking news and other media opportunities - Interest in and knowledge of issues related to human trafficking and women’s rights, and a commitment to empowering trafficking survivors and treating survivors and vulnerable populations with dignity and respect - Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in conversations with press - Highly independent and motivated person with ability to juggle multiple tasks and respond rapidly to new events and issues - Experience working on advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting positive social change HOW TO APPLY: Please visit http://www.polarisproject.org/about-us/careers/employment-opportunities to apply and be sure to include a short, professional writing sample with your resume.
Contact:	Polaris Project
Phone:	202-745-1001

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