Media and Communications Specialist

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Supervisor: National Interpretation Coordinator

Status: Full-time, exempt. No direct reports.

What We Need

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Media and Communications Specialist, a position responsible for enhancing ONMS’s visibility through the development and implementation of effective media relations strategies for the National Marine Sanctuary System.

The Media and Communications Specialist will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

The Media and Communications Specialist will play a key role in leading proactive and reactive media engagements, identifying topics that will resonate in the media, networking with media outlets, crafting compelling messages, drafting statements and press releases, and coordinating media events. The Media and Communications Specialist will work day-to-day as a member of the ONMS Communications and Engagement Division.

The position will be based in NOAA’s ONMS headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD. A belief in our mission, excellent project management skills, as well as a strong team mentality, is a must.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement media plans that increase awareness, support and visibility of national marine sanctuaries.
• Create and maintain media contact lists; monitor and analyze media coverage to measure impact, visibility and public sentiment.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with local reporters, editors, bloggers, partners and others to secure impactful media coverage of national marine sanctuaries.
  • Draft press releases, story pitches, sanctuary announcements, fact sheets, infographics, feature stories, op-eds and multimedia content to encourage understanding and support of national marine sanctuary objectives.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for media interviews, ensuring coordinated and consistent messaging; provide training to spokespeople to ensure they represent ONMS effectively.
  • Identify and tailor messaging for key internal and external audiences, including NOAA leadership, the Hill, students, educators, interested public, and research partners.
  • Coordinate daily with the National Media Coordinator on media planning and requests.
  • Perform additional duties as requested.
  • Regular attendance required.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Advertising, Communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of related experience.
• Proven success in media strategy and execution, including high-impact placements, rapid response, and press event management.
• Ability to build and nurture deep, professional relationships with media contacts.
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive topics clearly and effectively for public and press audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple and shifting priorities.
• Strong writing, editing and story-telling skills across media formats—press releases, op-eds, community announcements, exhibits, brochures, infographics, videos, photos and web.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across functions and teams.
• Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback to support professional growth.
• Journalism or communications experience is strongly preferred as well as familiarity with AP News Style.
• Keen interest and understanding of marine conservation issues and a commitment to the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries mission and goals.

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.

• Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
• Commuter Benefits

Compensation and Benefits: $80,000 to $90,000 annually, based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references.

Applications received by December 17, 2025 will be preferred.

Location: Silver Spring, MD

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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.