About LACI
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy for the people of Los Angeles by unlocking innovation by working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, transforming markets through partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, and enhancing communities through workforce development, pilots, and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world by UBI Global. In the past ten years, LACI has helped 340 portfolio companies raise $697 million in funding, generated $323 million in revenue, and created 2,565 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a projected 5-year economic impact of more than $573 million. Learn more at laci.org
Position Summary:
The Media Relations Director leads efforts to generate earned media for strategic priorities, developed with the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and CEO, with support and in partnership with LACI’s media relations agency(s), to support LACI’s mission, increase participation in LACI’s programs, and create awareness of LACI’s key initiatives and outcomes. Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and working closely with the CEO, this role collaborates with staff and stakeholders throughout the organization, to advance the organization’s priorities through earned media as well as related functions for events, speeches, panels, interviews, etc. The role is responsible for developing messaging, drafting talking points and press materials (e.g., op-eds, press releases, etc.), managing media relations, and coordinating interviews, news, print, broadcast, and radio features, as well as produce press events, advocacy campaigns, and related digital media efforts. The Media Relations Director will also cultivate reporter relationships and identify topical story opportunities around climate, clean energy, clean transportation, green job training, and clean tech sectors. The goal of this position is to consistently present LACI, its innovative programs, and startups, front and center in regional and national media coverage and to drive more reporters to proactively contact LACI
What You’ll Do:
- Assist in the development and implementation of communications strategies that promote and support LACI’s priorities and recruitment of its programs and startups, Develop and pitch stories to media outlets directly and via consultant(regionally and nationally).
- Write, review, edit, and distribute media advisories, press releases, op-eds, white papers and briefs, talking points, and other relevant materials.
- Draft and circulate quotes and statements from the CEO on key relevant breaking news.
- Develop and manage onsite and on location press events including managing all related production logistics and speaker prep.
- Proactively pitch and also field, screen, and coordinate opportunities and requests for interviews, speaking opportunities, trade show appearances, industry panels, and other related public and industry facing opportunities.
- Develop and draft award applications and opportunities to help LACI gain recognition for our work and impact.
- Source and manage press clippings, update media trackers, and prepare required and timely reports and key data metrics.
- Performing other duties as necessary as part of the Marketing & Communications Team.
Why You’re Right for the Job:
- You’re experienced in marketing, digital, and earned media.You have experience leading media efforts and marketing campaigns, working with social media platforms. You know how to form meaningful connections across a variety of channels, and build relationships that continue to grow and amplify the brand and the work.
- Editing and writing is your thing. You’re an excellent, experienced writer and/or editor with a track record of producing high-quality, externally-facing content such as press-releases, articles, speeches, op-eds, blogs, case studies, awards entries, and website content. You know how to synthesize and translate complex information for a broad spectrum of audiences from reporters in technology and finance to investors, entrepreneurs and economists (in a tweetable format, when needed).
- You’re focused and flexible. You know what you need to get done, but you’re flexible when priorities change. It doesn’t phase you to work in a fast-paced environment in both working closely with a CEO to identify and shape key messages and priorities while frequently leading and working with your team with limited guidance, because you know how to ask questions and get the information you need to get the job done.
- You have exceptional attention to detail. A typo is not getting past you! (Okay, no one’s perfect - but it’s rare.) Your organization and time management skills are excellent. Sometimes, you’re even amazed at how many balls you can juggle (#humblebrag).
- You enjoy telling stories while empowering partners. In managing your own team and being part of the larger LACI community, you love to empower staff and colleagues, entrepreneurs, and community members to succeed in their roles and goals. You are confident you can create the messaging, toolkits and training for people to act as ambassadors of LACI and further our mission. You know how to research, ask questions and tease out all of the pertinent details to create an accurate and compelling narrative.
Requirements:
Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in earned media and media relations, communications, or a related field demonstrating an increasing scope of work and responsibility and proven success.
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Being a strong writer and editor, who can develop a story with great clarity and impact is a must, as is exacting attention to detail and facts, and proficiency in researching, with a clear ability to synthesize complex information for various audiences into highly organized, well-articulated, compelling stories.
- Strong relationships with local and/or national media outlets.
- History of strong earned media success.
- Prior press and/or public affairs experience and/or prior environmental, technology, non-profit, government, legislative, experience is required.
- Production experience and ability to execute detailed press events with a high production value.
- Experience effectively and simultaneously managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ability and comfort operating in a fast-paced environment, often under short and shifting deadlines in high-pressure situations.
- Willingness to be available non-traditional hours to accommodate urgent/timely media requests and news opportunities on occasion.
- Ability to work effectively with a team and independently and interact with a broad range of leaders and high-profile industry representatives.
- High proficiency in the English language. Grammar and sentence structure count.
- Proficient in Spanish a plus
Position Details:
This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District. Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here. Some travel may be required.
Salary Range: Director Range $90-105k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.
In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including: paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan with match, and paid parking (with EV charge stations). We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass and bikeshare for every employee.