Position Objectives:
• To advance animal rights by generating specialized media coverage of PETA's campaigns
• To coordinate outreach and correspondence with media representatives and establish long-lasting productive professional relationships to help ensure animal rights issues remain in the spotlight
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
• Generate press coverage for PETA campaigns and specialize in celebrity, influencer, sports, and Animals in Film and Television (AFTV)-related media pitches through:
o Becoming an expert in and applying your knowledge of sports, celebrity, and entertainment media to brainstorm ideas for potential campaigns and press opportunities
o Establishing, developing and maintaining contacts with reporters, editors, podcast hosts, and producers who cover, or would be interested in covering, issues related to PETA’s work, across all media platforms
o Researching and identifying appropriate local and national media outlets and podcasts for placing coverage of PETA's efforts
• Develop new pitch ideas and ways to revamp news releases and pitches in order to increase media coverage of PETA campaigns
• Keep up to date on job transitions/changes in the journalism industry
• Monitor trends in sports, celebrity, and entertainment media coverage and news readership
• Represent the organization to the media, attending meetings and events as needed
• Monitor email and voicemail afterhours and, as-needed, manage rush media requests
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience working in a professional environment
• Minimum of two years of professional working experience in public relations or the media industry
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships and deal with a variety of people in a professional manner
• An interest in the news and public relations
• Willingness and ability to be on call and service rush news releases during weekend and evening hours
• Thorough knowledge of animal rights issues and campaigns and a desire to pursue a career in animal rights
• Interest in celebrities and the entertainment industry
• Professional writing experience, including newspaper or magazine writing experience
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of animal rights issues and campaigns
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Willingness and ability to travel on occasion
• Proven ability to take initiative and follow-through
• Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments and work independently
• Proven exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Proven excellent organizational skills
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Professional appearance and adherence to a healthy vegan lifestyle
• Support for PETA's philosophy and the ability to professionally advocate PETA's positions on issues
• Commitment to the objectives of the organization
The salary range for this position is $52,500 - $68,950 annually. The ultimate salary within this range that will be offered to a qualified candidate will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and the cost of living in the area in which the candidate will live and work.
A list of benefits available to qualified employees is available here.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 6.5 million members and supporters.
PETA focuses its attention on the four areas in which the largest numbers of animals suffer the most intensely for the longest periods of time: in the food industry, in the clothing trade, in laboratories, and in the entertainment industry. We also work on a variety of other issues, including the cruel killing of rodents, birds, and other animals who are often considered “pests” as well as cruelty to domesticated animals.