The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

The Marketing department plays a key role in helping to shape and grow the overall public identity of our organization by increasing visibility, visitation, and public engagement in our historic and cultural sites, landscaped gardens, lodgings and enterprises. This is an exciting time in our organization’s nearly 125-year history as we look to move the four pillars of our bold Strategic Plan forward and better steward and protect our portfolio of stunning properties and their cultural and natural resources, excite current and new audiences in our work using our properties and programs as a platform, and grow our organizational mission and impact.

Position Summary:

The Public Relations Specialist will help identify, create, and drive strategic media outreach and press placement opportunities that position The Trustees as newsworthy, relevant, impactful and important to support by illustrating our properties and enterprises as premier destinations for travel, cultural exposure, rest and rejuvenation, experiential learning, and engagement. Press outreach will focus on telling the many stories of our properties and program initiatives through our preservation and restoration projects and milestones, enhanced visitor services and experiences, and exciting partnership with the Boston Public Market as a high profile onsite food vendor and lead demonstration kitchen programming partner. The Public Relations Specialist will also work closely with the Public Relations and Marketing Communications team to support strategic campaigns around the organization’s Cultural Resources initiatives and upcoming 125th Anniversary.

Essential Functions:

Reporting to the Public Relations Director, the Public Relations Specialist will also collaborate closely with the statewide Marketing & Communications team, as well as Regional Directors, General Managers and Engagement Managers to drive public relations opportunities among target cultural and travel and tourism press and bureaus, utilizing an annual work plan and PR calendar that synergizes with overall Marketing/Communications initiatives. Responsibilities include:

  • Develop media outreach strategies around organizational initiatives and campaigns and seasonal press themes
  • Cultivate new and nurture existing press relationships with local, regional, national, and international broadcast, online, and print press contacts in key subject areas including history, culture, arts and antiques, horticulture, preservation, travel and tourism, food and lifestyle
  • Engage in proactive pitching of press features, taking advantage of newsworthy topics,  newspaper and magazine editorial calendars, and seasonal special supplements and guides that tie in with subject focus 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 for press visits and FAM tours
  • Nurture and/or cultivate new relationships with local and regional cultural and travel & tourism bureaus to network and extend public relations opportunities
  • Assist Public Relations Director with other opportunistic and strategic Public Relations initiatives as they arise, including crisis/incident communications
  • 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
  • Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:          

  • 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

Skills/Qualifications:

  • A proven track record of effective media relations, storytelling, and press placement including persuasive, well written pitches and press releases
  • An established network of press contacts in key subject matter areas a plus
  • Excellent writing and public speaking skills
  • Must be a self-starting multi-tasker who is highly organized and able to work independently, 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

Other:                           

  • Some work on weekends, evenings, and holidays may be required.

Organizational Relationships/Scope:

  • Reports to Director of Public Relations; has no direct reports.

Working Conditions:

Normal office conditions.

Please Note:  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Benefits and Salary:

The Trustees offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, flexible spending account, vacation, sick and personal time, as well as the option to participate in our 401(k) savings plan.  We also offer the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

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.

How To Apply:

APPLY NOW – Public Relations Specialist

Click here to see all job opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations

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.

Apply by:
June 18, 2015