Writer/Publicist   Email     Print   PDF

Reporting to the Manager of Public Information and Internal Communications, the media relations Writer/Publicist is knowledgeable Earth Science writer with experience in public relations.  As part of the Public Information team and the larger Communications department, the Writer/Publicist produces new releases, develops and maintains on-going relationships with reporters at news outlets, and contributes to the administrative function of the media relations team.

Media Relations

• Serves as a point-of-contact for media inquires, particularly video and television productions and, as appropriate, directs calls to staff, arranges phone or in-person interviews.
• Identifies target media audience.
• Develops story pitches and promotes them to targeted media.
• Serves as a point-of-contact for Institutional staff on media issues.
• Identifies video as still images using Filmmaker Pro and Image Source database as well as other relevant applications in response to direct media inquires.
• Assists in developing and participating in annual Ocean Science Journalism programs.
• As part of the team, maintains and helps improve on the process for responding to media request, tracking media interactions, and fostering and maintaining relationships.

Writing

• Produces press releases and news tips on timely science stories and assembles ancillary materials, such as related imagery, video, and web links.
• Works with Communications team to identify and track potential newsworthy stories.
• Coordinates effort to produce “image-of-the-day” captions for WHOI web site.
• Assists with other Communications writing project as appropriate.
• Assist in updating the Media Relations web pages; including posting releases, tip sheets, visuals and other related material and postings.
• Keeps abreast of changes in the industry and provide recommendation on WHOI’s approach to these changes.

Bachelor’s degree plus 5-10 years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, science wiring or related fields.  Advanced degree a plus.  Experience with
Adobe Photoshop, FilmakerPro, Dreamweaver and Microsoft Office.  Multimedia experiences a plus.

The worker is subject to a busy office environment.  The job is sedentary work involving sitting most of the time.  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.