Associate Director of Public Relations

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is currently searching for an Associate Director of Public Relations to join the Communications Department. This is a regular, full-time, exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Associate Director of Public Relations is responsible for leading Woods Hole Oceanographic Institutions public and media relations efforts to build and maintain a positive image of the WHOI brand, increase brand awareness and engagement, raise broad awareness of the importance of the ocean and ocean research, and support Institutional and departmental initiatives as directed. The Associate Director leads the Institutions earned media strategy and supports crisis communications, community relations, content development, and relationships with consumer and public interest groups. This position has one direct report and manages outside contractors and vendors in addition to media and public relations responsibilities. Must be within driving distance of the Institution, flexibility to work remote will be considered once on-boarding is complete.

The internal working title for this position is Associate Director of Public Relations .

Please upload three work samples in addition to your resume and cover letter. Applications that do not include three work samples will not be considered.

• Lead, direct, and oversee the Institutions earned media strategy, including management of a team of internal and external media relations contractors, PR agencies, and strategists
• Plan, pitch, write, and develop strategic storylines, press releases, and other media communications that increase the Institutions media mentions
• Actively build and maintain relationships with reporters and editors in local, regional, national, and international media across print, digital, broadcast, and radio outlets
• Respond to requests for information release or press conference from the media or designate a spokesperson or source of information
• Develop and implement strategies for increasing the reach and impact of WHOI news releases, bylined stories, op-eds, interactives, and other materials issued to the press
• Coach and training internal staff to improve their interactions with media
• Develop strategies, relationships, and content that support crisis communications, community relations, and relationships with consumer and public interest groups
• Support marketing campaigns, fundraising efforts, and Institutional initiatives with strategic earned media efforts

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• May be expected to assist other Advancement and Communications efforts as Institutional priorities mandate
• Willingness to work nights and weekends to support staff public engagement efforts or to respond to an Institutional crisis or media event
• Performs such other duties as the supervisor may deem necessary

• Related college degree with 5-8 years related experience with increasingly responsible, directly related experience or combined equivalent education/experience
• Must have demonstrated results in some of the following areas: Ability to manage and lead a team of communications experts; excellent written and verbal communication skills; broad knowledge of the local, regional, and national media landscape and an established network of contacts in print and broadcast media.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver against organizational objectivesa working manager who is willing to do a wide range of tasks but also can think big picture.
• Knowledge of emerging public engagement tools
• Demonstrated ability to use independent judgement, direct activities, show initiative, and proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong analytic, technical, and computer skills required along with a strong attention to detail
• Skilled at working collaboratively across Communications, Development, and Marketing teams and other functions to best represent the organization
• Strong work ethic, highly responsive and dedicated to results; ability to work independently and take ownership of special projects
• Excellent research skills and resourceful approach
• Experienced in managing budgets
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills essential, along with demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and personal initiative.

Physicalduties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to liftless than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day;carry 10-25 lbs,2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability todistinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse).Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards.Physicalduties are subject to change.