DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

At Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, we share the spirit of curiosity that drives Scripps’ global research to understand our planet. Birch Aquarium’s growing portfolio of programs and exhibits currently serves approximately 500,000 public visitors and 50,000 K-12 students each year. We engage people in science and invite them to ask questions, explore, and observe to better understand how our world works-Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and life-and our unique role in our global ecosystem. We use science to guide conservation action to support a healthy thriving planet where we feel hope for the future and empowered to make positive change. We connect people with each other, with nature, with science, and with a shared sense of purpose to care for our amazing one-and-only planet Earth.

Our values can be found here: https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/about/mission

Job Location: Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Media Relations Specialist will be a crucial addition to the Marketing and Communications Team. Working closely with the Director of Marketing and a tight knit team, this position is responsible for representing Birch Aquarium to both the public and the media. From writing press releases and News Center content, to proactively pitching news stories and managing relationships with key influencers, this position will help take Birch Aquarium’s reputation to the next level.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of three (3) years experience with public relations and media relations in an agency or other fast-paced environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of journalistic best practices and AP style. Ability to turn copy around quickly.

• Experience writing compelling copy that is targeted to specific audiences via a variety of outlets including social media, websites, printed brochures and publications, websites, talking points, articles and reports.

• Familiarity and interest in science and/or environmental fields.

• Proven experience coordinating media interviews and managing reporters.

• Demonstrated ability to establish positive relationships with news media that result in the placement of positive press coverage.

• Demonstrated skill to complete projects that require a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with staff teams.

• Experience writing news releases, media advisories, feature stories, blogs and media pitches.

• Be an avid consumer of news across print, online, broadcast and social media.

• Demonstrated experience acting as spokesperson for television interviews.

• Working knowledge of concepts and principles of news, media communications and media relations.

• General knowledge of the usage and applications of electronic communication tools and skill in using same.

• Working knowledge of the location, its achievements, mission, vision, goals, objectives, programs and infrastructure.

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal communication skills and political acumen.

• Good organizational skills.

• Skill to maintain confidentiality.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including any evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed.

• This position does not meet the criteria officially designated supervisory under HEERA, however; this position provides work direction to a student employee.

Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).