Media Relations Coordinator   Email     Print   PDF

Reporting to the Manager of Public Information and Internal Communicators, Media Relations Coordinator is the key point of contact for day-to-day media-related activities: produces news releases and tips, develops and maintains ongoing relationship with reporters at news outlets and coordinates the administrative management of the Media Relations Office.

•  First point of contact for the media
  •  Identifies request and sources appropriate WHOI scientist or other personnel to respond to medias’ request
  • Arranges phone or in-person interviews
• Writes and distributes news releases, news tips, and assembles related materials (still images, video, and web links)
• Writes and edits copy for display, brochures, posters, videos, etc.
• During the manager’s absence, edits weekly calendar and Headlines.
• Responds to all media inquiries (newspaper, magazine, and TV, Radio, and Film companies.
• Speaks, interviews production or documentary groups to pitch storylines and works with graphics and other colleagues within media group to obtain and research images, videos, etc.,
• Coordinates, follows and responds to inquiries regarding WHOI through social media channels, e.g. Facebook, Twitter, etc.
  • Develops and maintains Media Relations Twitter page; tweets new releases, video and available WHOI imagery, media coverage of WHOI research, image of the day, audio slideshows, etc.
  • Uses social media to foster relationships with science journalist, freelancers, industry peers and related organizations.
• Assists with identifying potential newsworthy stories; pitch story ideas and upcoming/research/expeditions to the media
• Researches images for “Images of the Day” and writes captions
• Develops and maintains daily “WHOI in the News” feature on the home page for monitoring media coverage
  • Sends daily emails to WHOI subscribers
• Checks and responds to media@whoi.edu; forwards image licensing requests to Media Relations assistant for appropriate action
• Answers media telephone line
• Facilities all aspects of on-site outreach workshops including one day regional workshops and the Annual Ocean Science Journalism Fellowship Program
  •  Arranging week-long programs of tours, lectures, etc.,
  • Review, evaluate and select candidates for participation
  • Facilitate attendees’ accommodations and  schedules
• Acts as a Publicist, representing WHOI at press conferences by working with media groups and WHOI scientist on location, e.g. Annual Ocean Science Conference
• Serves as WHOI representative for the Science Communication and Marine Public Information (SCAMPI) group
• Manages and update the Media Relations Office Web page, including posting releases, tip sheets, visuals and related materials.
• Disseminates press material, visual images and related materials to media
• Collaborates with manager and the media group in handling media contacts during time of Institution crises or major breaking news.
• Serves as a back-up to Writer/Publicist

College degree preferred.  Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Dreamweaver, PowerPoint, Word and Excel preferred.  Previous experience in public relations or journalism is helpful.