Media Relations Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a leading international non-profit organization established to address the challenges of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and agricultural sustainability. Founded in 1966, CIMMYT operates in over 50 countries and employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers through innovative agricultural practices. The organization focuses on enhancing the productivity and resilience of staple crops, particularly maize and wheat, in the Global South, while fostering partnerships that promote sustainable agricultural development. CIMMYT's mission is to contribute to global food security and environmental sustainability through cutting-edge research and development in agriculture.

Job Overview:
The Media Relations Analyst position at CIMMYT is designed for a proactive and service-oriented professional who will play a crucial role in shaping the organization's media strategy and enhancing its public image. This role involves implementing a comprehensive media relations operational plan that aligns with CIMMYT's mission and strategic goals. The analyst will be responsible for executing media outreach strategies to secure positive coverage across various media platforms, including global, regional, and national outlets. The position requires a strong focus on content development, where the analyst will write and edit press releases, media advisories, and news articles that effectively communicate CIMMYT's research breakthroughs and development impacts. Additionally, the analyst will coordinate with various internal departments to ensure consistent messaging and integrated campaign execution, making this role pivotal in promoting CIMMYT's initiatives and achievements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Media Relations Analyst will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Implementing the Media Relations operational plan in alignment with CIMMYT’s strategic goals.
• Executing media outreach strategies to secure positive media coverage.
• Monitoring media coverage and producing reports to assess the effectiveness of public relations efforts.
• Writing and editing press releases, media advisories, and news articles.
• Crafting compelling narratives that highlight CIMMYT’s research and development impact.
• Creating engaging content for various media channels and supporting donor communications campaigns.
• Collaborating with internal departments to ensure consistent messaging.
• Planning and managing media events such as press conferences and interviews.
• Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets. 1
• Responding to media inquiries and supporting crisis communication efforts. 1
• Conducting research on media trends and industry developments. 1
• Coordinating and executing internal and external communications projects, ensuring timely delivery. 1
• Negotiating contracts and managing deliverables related to external communications vendors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications is required, preferably within an international or research-focused organization. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of securing media coverage and managing media events, along with strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English. Proficiency in Spanish and/or French is considered a plus. Familiarity with media monitoring tools and analytics platforms is also essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively across departments and cultures. Strong organizational skills and the capacity to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, journalism, public relations, or international relations. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective communication and media engagement, which are crucial for the role of Media Relations Analyst at CIMMYT.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications. This experience should preferably be within an international or research-focused organization, where the candidate has demonstrated the ability to secure media coverage and manage media events effectively. A strong background in writing and editing for various media formats is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, with strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills being crucial. Proficiency in Spanish and/or French is considered advantageous, as it will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of media outlets and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes benefits beyond the provisions of Mexican Labor Law. This includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is based at CIMMYT’s headquarters in El Batán, Texcoco, Mexico, which is conveniently located approximately 45 minutes from Mexico City.