The Institute for Public Strategies (IPS) works to address public health and safety concerns in communities throughout San Bernardino County. The goal is to foster positive changes in community norms. Methods used include communication strategies such as Media Advocacy, community mobilization, policy development and the integration of scientific research with community prevention.

IPS is seeking a fulltime Media Advocacy Specialist to skillfully and strategically conduct community advocacy campaigns designed to reduce problems associated with substance abuse. Such campaigns will use a range of media outlets (television, newspapers, video, web sites, and other outlets) to create a shift in public opinion and mobilize community resources to advance selected policy goals. The focus of such campaigns will not be on public relations, community awareness, or information dissemination but on changing environmental conditions that that tend to increase youth access to alcohol and other drugs. This position is located in San Bernardino, CA.

This is a fulltime position. The person selected to fill the position will have responsibility for the design of news events /conferences, news releases and advisories, op-eds, broadcast interviews for agency and community members, and editorial board meetings; .S/he will also be responsible for facilitating workgroup of media advocates, helping them to conduct newsmaking activities to create momentum for achieving policy goals. Recruiting community members and training them as spokespersons is also an aspect of this position.

Technical Skills:
• Development and implementation of a strategic media campaign to drive a policy-based initiative forward
• Knowledge of how to make an issue newsworthy, gain access to media
• Excellence in originating and preparing written material such as issue briefings technical materials, manuals as well as layouts for use in various communication media.
• Ability to frame a problem as a collective / environmental issue with a policy solution and thereby shifting the focus from changing the individual to changing the community environment in which the individual acts.
• Skills in producing and operating media events, conferences, and related logistical tasks.
• Basic understanding of public relations, persuasion, image, and consistency of message. Works with unique goals, features, and audience of each news output.
• Ability to edit the work of others to reflect professional written communication standards.

Essential Behavioral Traits:
The person who does well in this position enjoys framing public health and safety problems with policy solutions and presenting information in clear and direct ways; they have a talent for the strategic, imaginative, and creative approach. This person is a self-starter with high energy that they use efficiently and effectively in creating policy change. They are good listeners and can motivate others. They can easily develop schedules and organize people and activities and can anticipate and adjust for problems and roadblocks as they arise as well as adapt and respond quickly to opportunities. In addition, this person has demonstrated ability to put a plan in place and follow through to the end and, related skills of good time management, managing deadlines, and good team relationships.

Minimum 3 years, but preferably five or more years experience in media advocacy, community advocacy including extensive newsmaking, or related fields. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Journalism, Communications or related field or related work experience.

No relocation assistance available.

Must have valid California Driver’s License, have car insurance and own a reliable vehicle to use during work.

This is a full-time position with health coverage and other generous benefits.

See website: www.publicstrategies.org for descriptions of current and past projects.

To Apply:
Email cover letter, resume, and salary history to mediaspecialist@publicstrategies.org

In accordance with ADA guidelines, reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified and able to perform the functions of this position.

The Institute for Public Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff.

• Location: San Bernardino
• Compensation: Please email cover letter, resume & salary history to mediaspecialist@public
• This is at a non-profit organization.
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.