Program Officer/Senior Program Officer, Media Relations

A day with Verra’s collaborative Communications Team might include:

• Answering media inquiries that range from the simple to the highly complex, often requiring extensive research.
• Logging reporter contact info and interactions in media database with the goal of broadening Verra's press list
• Draft talking points for a media briefing to support the development of proactive messaging on the future of carbon finance

Specific functions you will be responsible for leading:

• Managing the media inbox, which entails:
  • Monitoring inquiries,
  • Answering those inquiries you can – first in cooperation with Verra staff, but gradually more on your own,
  • Escalating those inquiries as needed to senior communications staff, then using their guidance to conduct your own research, and
  • Logging all inquiries and the status of responses received;
• Helping to develop and manage Verra’s online press room.
• Establish and maintain constructive relationships with reporters, which includes:
  • Understanding individual reporters’ areas of interest, keeping them abreast of new developments, and pitching them stories.
  • Help reporters understand the full context in which we operate (recognizing that you may be learning this at the same time).
• Collaborate with relevant team members to educate the media about Verra, with a specific focus on carbon offsetting and other environmental and social markets.
• Manage, where relevant, consultants and contractors in the conduct of the above functions.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

You bring with you:

• A strong desire to help meet the climate challenge by supporting pragmatic, non-ideological solutions.
• A background in journalism or media relations.
• A willingness to assist reporters with complex and complicated queries, as well as to conduct additional research on their behalf.
• A rudimentary understanding of environmental impact assessment and carbon finance, or a desire to learn.
• The ability to communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Basic understanding of research methodologies.