Public Information Officer

Position Summary:

The Public Information Officer (PIO) develops and implements a comprehensive press outreach strategy to promote the mission of the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) and drive awareness of the Missouri History Museum, the Library & Research Center and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. The PIO uses creative thinking and smart storytelling to proactively secure positive media coverage. The PIO has a broad understanding of the media landscape and effectively positions MHS to attract diverse audiences for the institution's initiatives and priorities.

Essential Functions:

• Media Relations (50%)
  • As a collaborative member of the Marketing & Communications team, develop communications and media outreach strategies that meet institutional goals
  • Generate story ideas and proactively pitch media in order to secure consistent positive coverage in local, regional, national, and industry-specific outlets
  • Serve as MHS's primary media contact, nurturing strong relationships in the media community
  • Coordinate press tours and interviews
  • Establish a communication release schedule and coordinate the distribution of press materials
  • Cultivate and maintain the institution's media contact database
  • Maintain MHS's online media room
  • Stay up-to-date on relevant topics and issues in order to position MHS historical experts in stories and trends as they occur
  • Under the direction of the Director of Marketing & Communications, assist with crisis communications and issues management as needed
  • Regularly track and evaluate the success of press outreach efforts
• Writing & Messaging (25%)
  • Develop and write key messages for high-profile exhibits, programs and initiatives
  • Employ strong writing skills in preparing press releases, media alerts and supporting materials
  • Prepare talking points, op-eds, media preparation, quotes, and remarks for MHS spokespeople
  • Coordinate the content creations and publication of Currents, MHS's quarterly member magazine
• Internal Collaboration (15%)
  • Cultivate strong relationships across departments in order ascertain story ideas
  • Collaborate with MarComm teammates to ensure that media relations efforts work in concert with digital content and paid advertising efforts
  • Effectively communicate key messages across the institution to ensure consistency of messaging
  • Provide media training for MHS staff members, as needed
• Social Media (10%)
  • Support the creation of social media content as needed by the Digital Communications Manager
  • Schedule relevant press coverage to share on appropriate MHS social media channels
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, English or related field
• Minimum of 4 years of media relations experience
• Experience in non-profit communications, particularly in arts & culture is a plus

Skills:

• Exceptional oral and written communications skills, with preference give for strong storytelling skills 
• Broad understanding of the media landscape and the best ways to position information for maximum impact
• Proven track record of securing targeted press coverage for a brand
• Ability to engender and sustain the trust and respect of the media, MHS donors and staff
• Skilled at developing and maintaining relationships both internally and externally
• Self-motivated professional with proven analytical and problem-solving skills, strong decision-making skills
• Knowledge of both AP and Chicago Styles
• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of the Missouri Sunshine Law

*Writing samples are required. Please upload at the time of applying.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Current Openings for Public Information Officer Jobs at Missouri History Museum