Media Relations Manager (m-f-d)

Media Relations Manager

The Media Relations Manager is responsible for supporting proactive media relations and contributing to reputational risk management at FSC International. This includes monitoring media trends, drafting press materials, coordinating responses to journalist inquiries, and helping ensure timely, accurate, and credible communication around FSC’s work. The role focuses on building and maintaining media relationships, supporting spokespersons with preparation and messaging, and assisting the Communications team in managing issue‑driven communication needs to protect and strengthen FSC’s reputation.

Responsibilities

• Support proactive engagement in public debates relevant to FSC by monitoring key media narratives and identifying opportunities for FSC visibility.
• Assist in organizing press briefings and media engagements on major FSC topics.
• Cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, and media responses on topics relevant to FSC.
• Monitor, track, and summarize emerging issues or risks that could affect FSC’s reputation and support the development of recommended communication actions.
• Contribute to the implementation of crisis communication plans and protocols as directed by senior staff.
• Serve as a first point of contact for routine media inquiries and support escalation of sensitive or high‑risk topics to senior team members.
• Prepare briefing materials, Q&As, and talking points for FSC spokespersons for media interviews and events.
• Maintain and regularly update messaging, key narratives, and issue‑specific talking points.
• Any other task as assigned by the formal supervisor and project work as assigned according to special organizational needs.

Qualifications

Education and Training

• University degree in a relevant field (e.g. Journalism, Media, PR, Communications, or a related field).

Working Experience, Style and Skills

• At least five years of professional experience working with journalists, including at least three years responding to crisis issues and/or public relations.
• Experience in the development and management of communications strategies.
• Good time management skills: Ability to perform well while simultaneously handling a number of functions.
• Solution oriented attitude to work.
• Service oriented attitude to work.
• Project management experience.
• A strong sense for diligence and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proven ability to plan and organize work independently.

Computer Skills – good skills in the use of/experience with

• Standard software packages (MS Office).
• Adobe Creative Cloud skills are a plus.

Communication Skills

• Native English speaker is a requirement for this role. Other languages are a plus.
• Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to shape messages for intended audiences.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• Experiencing in managing crisis communications.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive interpersonal relations.
• Ability to respond quicky and decisively to media requests and issues.

Benefits

• Be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of sustainable forestry and contribute to the mission to help protect the world’s forests.
• Play an active role in the FSC global community of 400+ forest stewards who come together in‑person at least once a year.
• Benefit from cross‑cultural collaboration and networking opportunities by working in a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse international culture with over 60 nationalities represented under one roof.
• Benefit from work‑life balance with our hybrid working structure.
• 30 vacation days yearly.
• Regional transportation ticket.
• Breakfast bars, coffee, tea.
• Take part in learning lunches.
• Celebrate together festivals from different cultures.

Fine Print

• Location: Bonn, Germany.
• Working Hours: Full time – 40 hours per week.
• Duration of Employment: Temporary contract – 2 years (extension possible, subject to satisfactory performance).
• Starting Date: As soon as possible.
• Travel: Sporadic travel is required.

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We are looking forward to your application.