This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC, London, The Hague. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

WRI's Communications network aims to expand WRI’s reach, reputation and impact. Working as a globally coordinated network across the Institute's programs and country offices, we distil complex research into clear and compelling messages. We leverage a variety of channels – including media relations, editorial content, digital marketing and more – to inform and engage a growing audience of decision-makers, stakeholders and donors.

You will be part of the Core Communications team, which provides communications leadership and support to the entire institute.

Job Highlight:

With your media relations and strategic thinking expertise, you will help raise the profile of WRI and our experts, advancing our research and ideas to drive change in the world. You will assist in developing and implementing media relations strategies, building and maintaining relationships with journalists, writing and editing media materials and collaborating with staff across the Institute to communicate WRI’s work to external audiences.

You will work in an international environment where you will interact daily with reporters across the globe who will help tell our story. WRI is a recognized voice on sustainability and environmental issues, frequently engaging with reporters from top outlets across major international markets. You will also provide important input on communications strategies and messaging on a variety of topics from food to cities to energy. You will integrate equity into your work.

You will regularly interact with and be supported by communications experts both within Core Communications and across WRI and you will report to the Media Relations Manager within Core Communications.

What will you do:

Media Relations (40%):

• Serve as a key resource for reporters seeking information and interviews from WRI
• Build and manage relationships with journalists, field incoming requests, connect reporters with relevant experts across the Institute and around the world, while preparing staff for interviews
• Play an important role in WRI’s rapid external response to major releases and breaking news, including drafting and promoting press statements, and contributing to media strategies.
• Facilitate press calls and interviews between WRI experts and reporters

Strategy Support (30%):

• Be a trusted partner to WRI’s programs, help draft and shape their key messages, help them respond to media inquiries, and more
• Collaborate with teams to develop media strategies and draft and refine pitch language across programs
• Help organize and facilitate media trainings for WRI’s experts and leaders

Media Monitoring and Administrative Support (30%):

• Manage WRI’s media outreach and monitoring through Cision, overseeing the database and lists, organizing internal trainings, and advising staff on best practices
• Prepare and build targeted media lists through research of relevant media outlets
• Track media coverage and prepare media reports and analytics
• Coordinate with communications colleagues across WRI’s programs and international offices
• Draft, manage and publish web content on WRI.org’s news page
• Provide general administrative support, such as scheduling, logistics, and event coordination.

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have 3+ years of full-time, relevant work experience, including in public relations, journalism, communications or a relevant field
• Experience pitching journalists with newsworthy data or information
• Experience landing media pitches in top-tier media outlets
• Demonstrable interest in issues related to environment, climate, energy, or development issues
• Experience working in Cision or a similar media database, including creating media lists and tracking media coverage
• Experience creating media reports and analytics
• Languages: You are proficient in spoken and written English, additional language skills are desirable
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. 

Potential Salary: 

$69,000 - $78,000 if based in the US

£38,000 – £45,000 if based in the UK

€49,000 – €58,000 if based in the Netherlands.

Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a cover letter by 3 January 2024. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• If based in the US, we offer medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution.

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.