Media Relations Specialist

About the role

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is built on the idea that respect and understanding of human rights can serve as a positive force for change in the world. The Media Relations Specialist will support our collective efforts to build a workplace culture that is inclusive, equitable, innovative and focused on inspiring action. 

Reporting to the Director, Public Affairs, the Media Relations Specialist provides professional media relations for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). The special focus of this position is the maintenance of open, positive, ongoing relationships with local, regional, national and international media. As part of that focus, the incumbent must also be a steward of the many relations and partners who work with the Museum to share their human rights stories. 

The incumbent will be a strong and thoughtful communicator, an excellent writer and an innovator, who will bring a collaborative approach to their role.  

What you'll do

• Contributes to a culture that promotes respect, equity, inclusion and innovation and models anti-racist and accountable behaviours. 

• Serves as the organization's primary media contact and responds to media requests in a timely manner.

• Provides media relations support, advice, and counsel for CMHR staff and designated spokespersons.

• Prepares media coverage analysis reports. 

• Arranges interviews; prepares media kits; organizes news conferences and media events.

• Writes media lines, news releases, backgrounders, speeches and provides writing support to a wide array of other public-facing documents as required.  

• Provides guidance to senior management by recommending response statements and researching, monitoring and reporting trends/issues in the media.   

• Works with staff, external media, and other contacts to tell the CMHR’s story through a variety of mediums, including generating proactive media coverage.  

• Develops and executes annual proactive media relations strategies to demonstrate the Museum’s progress against its strategic objectives.   

• Develops proactive media response statements including key messages.

What we're looking for

• Relevant education at the post-secondary level (e.g., a university or college degree in journalism, public administration, political science, communications, or public relations)

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a communications-related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience. 

• Commitment to human rights principles, including respect, equity, inclusion and dignity for all. 

• Strong experience and understanding of media relations. 

• Demonstrated experience handling critical communications under pressure. 

• Knowledge and understanding of media trends and what makes “news” and why. 

• Ability to present facts in language and style that is appropriate to the target audience. 

• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing skills; the ability to inform others, increase awareness, persuade or change behavior. 

• Ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines, and adept at handling simultaneous priorities. 

• Ability to exercise good judgment and decision-making. 

• Ability to adapt approach and solutions to the needs of the situation. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate with proficiency in both official languages, oral and written. 

• Possess an existing network of connections with a variety of media outlets. 

• Experience communicating about human rights themes. 

Official Language Proficiency: 

English Essential, French Preferred: This position may have to handle requests and understand simple requests in French from members of the public. 

This role has apreference for candidates who can communicate inFrench; however, it is not a requirement and encourage all interested candidates to apply.

Other:

• Work is in an office environment and will require long periods at a desk, reading lengthy documents, and time in front of a computer. 

• May be required to be on-call on weekends and evenings. 

• Will require irregular hours with short or no notice, including evenings and weekends. 

• Infrequent travel is required. 

Conditions of Employment:

• Security Screening Level – Reliability Status 

• Child Abuse Registry Check