The mission of Space Center Houston is to inspire all generations through the wonders of space exploration. We aspire to be the world’s leading science and space exploration learning center. Owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, we are the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, a Smithsonian Affiliate and a Certified Autism Center. The center features more than 400 space artifacts, hands-on interactive educational exhibits, and robust youth programs interpreting the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human spaceflight program.
We are currently seeking to hire a full-time Public Relations Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for creating highly visible PR campaigns and garnering ongoing positive earned media coverage for Space Center Houston and the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation through the use of strategic, proactive and reactive public relations programs and excellent media relations. This allows the organization to build mutually beneficial relationships with external and internal stakeholders. The selected candidate will work with local, national, and international media. Space Center Houston offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop strategic media relations and media outreach plans and programs to communicate the organization’s key messages, achieve ongoing positive publicity and assist in achieving department, center and foundation goals
Manage news media requests and other requests for interviews, stories, tours, broadcasting, photo shoots and filming in and about the center and the foundation
Meet and accompany press for on-site appointments
Serve as spokesperson and help other spokespeople present to media
Monitor, analyze and write reports of news media and publicity results from print, broadcast and digital media
Research media coverage and industry trends
Develop fresh story ideas, research, write and issue/implement news releases, pitches, key messages, reports, webpage copy, presentations and other communications
Maintain news media database, write, maintain, update and improve the center’s News Center
Assist in crisis communications in conjunction with the vice president of communications and marketing
Plan and manage special media and public relations events designed to generate positive publicity, encourage attendance, promote education and present the center and foundation favorably to current and potential donors as well as prospective employees and volunteers
Serve key internal department client(s) with its communications needs (public relations, marketing, and other messaging) by developing strategic plans for communications (marketing and public relations) and working with department colleagues to ensure plan is executed in a timely manner
Use strong communication skills to influence, guide and motivate stakeholders internally and externally with tact, reasoning and sensitivity
Support and collaborate with Communications Team members
Work with NASA Johnson Space Center Public Affairs Office to develop a cohesive and mutually beneficial working relationship
Support executive leadership with key messages, speeches, and presentations
Maintain strong working knowledge of media-relations tools, such as Cision
Other duties as assigned
REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications or Journalism
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the field of Public Relations, Media Relations or Journalism
Excellent spokesperson to news media and excellent public speaking skills
Excellent writing skills and experience in writing news releases
Available to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends and be on call at times (some travel may be required)
High level of professionalism, energy, enthusiasm and collaboration
Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint
CONTACT:
Qualified candidates may submit their cover letter and resume online by clicking here. Space Center Houston promotes a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. Space Center Houston is an equal opportunity employer.