Media Relations and Outreach Director

Position Overview

The Media Relations & Outreach Director develops and directs the implementation of all public relations and promotional strategies for the organization, its programs, and activities. This position leads the development of campaigns to heighten DCEFF’s brand reputation to a broad and diverse constituency, generate and identify new audiences, and lead promotional partnerships and press outreach. This role is responsible for coordinating all external communications efforts related to press, publicity, promotion and grassroots outreach for the annual Festival in March as well as the special screenings and events held throughout the year. This role collaborates regularly with the Executive Director and other Festival staff and may manage contract positions (agencies, media buyers, interns, etc.).

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct and implement an integrated communications plan for DCEFF in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan, while also creating integrated campaigns specific to the Festival as well as year-round initiatives
• Leads all PR for the organization, including building and maintaining relationships with members of the press, developing press kits, identifying and developing pitch opportunities for the Festival, films, and filmmakers, hosting press events/guests, and writing press releases, PSAs, and articles
• Create a brand and positioning strategy that will establish and enhance the organization and the Festival’s profile, image and position within the field
• Coordinates outreach and collaborations for Festival promotion with a variety of environmental, cinematic and educational organizations
• Develop outreach strategies for specific filmmakers, events and programs and manage promotional budgets to support the organization’s revenue and attendance goals
• Establish strong working relationships with the leadership of the organization to establish marketing and communications priorities
• Support festival communications, including talking points, statements, etc. and provide writing, editing, and proofreading support for key materials
• Obtain media sponsorships from publications, broadcast media, and civic organizations to provide free advertising opportunities for Festival promotion
• Manage the advertising budget and oversee the design and placement of ads on owned, paid, and partner channels
• Collect and track press hits and other campaign data and provide analysis summarizing data and trends to help inform advertising, promotion, and pricing strategies
• Obtain media sponsorships from publications, broadcast media, and civic organizations to provide free advertising opportunities for Festival promotion
• Manage the advertising budget and oversee the design and placement of ads on owned, paid, and partner channels
• Collect and track press hits and other campaign data and provide analysis summarizing data and trends to help inform advertising, promotion, and pricing strategies

Qualifications

• 5+ years mid- to senior-level communications experience preferably with a nonprofit organization
• Existing relationships with media outlets, industry press, members of the press, influencers, and other related organizations
• An interest in film, specifically documentary film and/or environmental issues
• Passionate film, media, and/or arts consumer and advocate with expertise in events, live audiences and media
• Well-versed in PR and communications best practices as well as online advertising and promotion
• Talent for building organizational brand presence and for developing compelling promotional campaigns across channels
• Persuasive written and visual communicator with experience with graphics, design, photography, and video
• Comfortable utilizing customer relationship management systems and email platforms as well as making data driven decisions
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, film, or a related field

Compensation and Benefits

Non-profit salary commensurate with experience. Remote friendly position, but some travel to Washington, D.C. required.

Background

Launched in 1993, the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) is the largest and longest-running showcase for environmental films in the United States. Each March, our signature Festival presents more than 100 documentary, narrative, and short films from around the world in venues across greater Washington, D.C. Alongside the screenings, we offer panels and special events featuring filmmakers, subject matter experts, and other invited guests to foster dialogue and deepen engagement.

We also offer a full slate of year-round programming, such as our signature Youth Program for D.C. public and charter school students and regular community-based screenings, including both first-run and encore Festival presentations. A leading D.C. cultural institution, we were named Best Film Festival in D.C. by Washington City Paper readers in 2019, 2020, and 2021 and honored with the 2017 D.C. Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Creative Industries. Our 31st Annual Festival will take place from March 16-26, 2023.

How to Apply

The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Job applicants are considered with no discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non–merit-based factors.

Email resume and cover letter to julie@littlerougehen.com.