The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, DC, that focuses on nutrition and food safety. CSPI has led efforts that resulted in healthier diets, more-nutritious school foods, safer foods, and more honest food labeling, and publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter, one of the nation’s largest‑circulation health newsletter. CSPI provides objective information to the public and represents citizens’ interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies. CSPI is supported largely by subscribers to Nutrition Action Healthletter, individual donors, and foundation grants. 

This position supports the activities of a busy communications department and reports to the Director of Communications. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to or route incoming media calls to appropriate CSPI staff, monitor press email inbox, respond to media inquiries, and schedule interviews for CSPI experts.
• Organize, update, and maintain the press/media database.
• Assist in the research, drafting, preparation, and deployment of materials such as press releases, press kits, and fact sheets.
• Proofread written material for spelling, punctuation and adherence to CSPI’s style manual.
• Coordinate and send outbound email messages via email/advocacy CRM, Engaging Networks, and manage activist data.
• Perform routine updates to CSPI’s web sites, and assist with content creation for Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets.
• Clip, download, sort, file, distribute, and archive, in a timely manner daily, news clips mentioning CSPI and CSPI spokespersons and other significant articles (NYT, Wash Post, WSJ and USA Today) from print, broadcast, and online media sources.
• Assist with regular reporting of social media metrics.
• Contact media, government agencies, organizations and businesses as needed for follow-up or research.
• Help organize and staff press conferences.
• Provide administrative support to the president as needed.

 Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university (communications, public relations, or journalism degree preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and strong proofreading skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to adapt to changing priorities in a news-driven atmosphere.
• Prior experience in communications, public relations, or issue advocacy, is highly desirable.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office programs, Engaging Networks or other email/advocacy CRMs, Drupal or other CMS, Photoshop, and Cision or other similar media relations services.
• Ability to work independently and with supervision.
• Interest in nutrition, food safety, or health issues and public interest commitment.

To Apply

Please send your application materials, which should include a cover letter indicating relevant experience and interest, résumé, and writing sample to hr@cspinet.org.  Include “CA-Web” in the subject line.

 CSPI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package along with a healthy working environment.  CSPI is an equal opportunity employer.  Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.