Communications Associate

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.Priority deadline for applications is June 12th , 2026. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than June 12th, 2026Job Summary:Under general supervision, support the Aquarium’s internal communications program that ensures employees understand, are engaged with, and are inspired by our mission and strategic priorities; and our media relations efforts with the goal of publicizing the attraction as a premiere destination as well as positioning the organization as a global leader in ocean conservation. Upload content to the intranet and the Aquarium’s press site, draft the staff news digest and basic press material, conduct limited media outreach, research media opportunities, build and maintain media lists; coordinate logistics between media/staff and work with the P&C team on logistics for All Staff Meetings. Perform other duties as required.Core Activities:Evaluate media requests sent to media email inbox; obtain required information and respond or route internally for media response.Coordinate logistics for interview and film requests between media and staff. (e.g., site visits, group scheduling, obtaining aquarium operations approval, etc.).Draft and edit content related to promoting staff projects and activities for internal communications.Publish and deliver content on a variety of channels including the intranet, internal emails, Zoom channels, and break room walls, and others.Evaluate media pass application requests and respond accordingly.Represent aquarium by escorting media and film crews visiting Aquarium sites, providing accurate information about aquarium and its initiatives in accordance with its brand guidelines.Identify and recommend earned media opportunities to create and maximize public awareness of the aquarium and its initiatives.Upload staff news digest and other content to the intranet.Research, compile, and update targeted media contact lists.Conduct general press contact outreach by proactively emailing press about potential story opportunities.Write press materials in accordance with aquarium brand guidelines, including press releases, pitches, talking points, etc., and update tasks in project management software.Update media clip database.Create weekly clips report newsletter by evaluating and organizing clips, to then write and distribute report to management detailing media coverage of Aquarium.Update and maintain MBA Newsroom website (press releases, media kits, image galleries, etc.) using Aquarium’s content management system.Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):BA in Communications, public relations or advertising, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience2 years of communications experience or internshipsAbility to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop media relations plans to support marketing goalsExcellent verbal and written communications skillsAbility to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time management, problem-prevention, and problem-solving skillsFlexible in responding to changes in business priorities; proven ability to work effectively and efficiently under multiple, competing deadlinesInterest in environmental conservation and/or legislative advocacyNonprofit experience preferredAbility to work with Meltwater, or similar platform, and Episerver or OptimizelyExperience working with video production crewsAbility to both work independently and to collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary marketing teamBilingual (English/Spanish) a plusAbility to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core ValuesPhysical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:Typical office equipmentConstant sitting, standing, walking, bendingOccasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbsTypical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite eventsAnnual Compensation Range:$70,304- $76,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.VEVRAA Federal Contractor.We request Priority Protected Veteran & Disabled Referrals for all of our locations within the state.PDN-a1d84b02-ac7c-4a4d-8754-921f7f7f8b8a