Public Relations Specialist [The Trustees of Reservations]

The Trustees of Reservations are seeking a full-time Public Relations Specialist to help increase the visibility of The Trustees organization, mission, properties, enterprises, membership and public engagement initiatives among target press and key stakeholders. Working within the focus areas outlined in The Trustees Strategic Plan to protect, steward, excite and grow, the Public Relations Specialist will help identify, create, and support press placement and media positioning opportunities that illustrate our organizational leadership, expertise, milestones and initiatives in key thematic focus areas and position the organization as newsworthy and relevant.

The Trustees of Reservations’ Public Relations team is a statewide team, with regional responsibilities. Key priorities for this role will include: increasing exposure for our Southeast and Boston regions, including priority programming initiatives, property acquisition, conservation, and target audience outreach initiatives, as well as promoting The Trustees’ high profile leadership and programming partnership with the Boston Public Market, including our on-site vendor enterprise and demonstration kitchen educational programs. The Public Relations Specialist will also work closely with the Public Relations team to continue to shape and grow the overall public identity of The Trustees of Reservations by supporting statewide press campaigns including the organization’s upcoming Cultural Resources Campaign and 125th Anniversary milestone.

The Public Relations Specialist will report to the Public Relations Director and collaborate closely with the statewide Marketing & Communications team, as well as Regional Directors, Engagement Managers, and Program Educators.

Responsibilities:

The Public Relations Specialist will be responsible for driving public relations efforts primarily in The Trustees’ Southeast and Boston regions utilizing a statewide PR calendar developed with the Public Relations Director and other members of the Public Relations team, including:

• Develop and support targeted regional media strategies and effective campaigns that synergize with statewide marketing and communications efforts and seasonal press themes
• Initiate proactive media outreach to generate press coverage for organizational and regional news, milestones, events and programs
• Cultivate new and nurture existing relationships and communications with target local, regional, and national broadcast, online, and print contacts in key subject areas such as agriculture, gardening, outdoor recreation, culture, conservation, preservation and travel and tourism
• Engage in proactive pitching of press features in print, broadcast, and online outlets taking advantage of planned newspaper and magazine editorial calendars as well as seasonal and themed special supplements, guides, and roundups that tie in with key organizational subject areas
• Draft and distribute press releases and pitch letters, gathering statistics, quotes, photos and other visuals to enhance newsworthiness and storytelling
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate deliverables, including arranging press interviews and drafting spokesperson talking points
• Provide on-site support at Trustees-sponsored press, organizational, or other high profile events
• Assist Public Relations Director with other opportunistic and strategic Public Relations initiatives as they arise, as well crisis/incident communications
• Support Engagement Managers and regional educational staff with press release templates and contact list development, as well as drafting press releases and placing press features for signature events and high profile programs
• Nurture and/or cultivate new relationships with local and regional travel & tourism bureaus to network and extend public relations opportunities
• Work with Public Relations team and the Social Media Coordinator to submit weekly posts to The Trustees Facebook site and support other social media outreach efforts, as needed
• Maintain and continually develop press contact database and editorial calendar lists
• Track press placements and contribute to monthly and quarterly reports

• B.A. or B.S. in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or other related field
• Minimum of 3-4 years direct experience in Public Relations
• A proven track record of effective media relations, storytelling, and press placement including persuasive, well written pitches, press releases, and media alerts
• An established network of press contacts in key Greater Boston print, broadcast, and online outlets
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Must be a self-starting multi-tasker who is highly organized and comfortable being supervised remotely and making independent decisions on day-to-day tactical questions
• Demonstrated ability to work at a fast pace with quick turnaround times
• Must be energetic, self-motivated, and highly persistent in pursuing press opportunities
• Proficient in using Vocus and Burrelles/Cision, or related press database and press tracking services
• Experience creating analytical press reports including graphs, charts, and visual presentations

Compensation & Benefits:

The position is a full-time (40 hours per week), year-round position. The position will be based out of Boston and Sharon. Some work on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required. Starting salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  As a full-time employee, the Public Relations Specialist is eligible for a variety of benefits provided by The Trustees, including vacation, sick, and personal time as well as health care, participation in a 401k retirement savings plan and our Flexible Spending Account plans. The position requires significant travel in employee’s own car. The organization reimburses for mileage.

Public Relations Director

The Trustees of Reservations

396 Moose Hill Street

Sharon, MA 02067

Or by email to: marketing@ttor.org

Please include salary requirements and where you saw the job posting.

No phone calls please.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team.  We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.