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, 2026

Job 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 experience
• 2 years of communications experience or internships
• Ability to proactively identify communications opportunities and develop media relations plans to support marketing goals
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time management, problem-prevention, and problem-solving skills
• Flexible in responding to changes in business priorities; proven ability to work effectively and efficiently under multiple, competing deadlines
• Interest in environmental conservation and/or legislative advocacy
• Nonprofit experience preferred
• Ability to work with Meltwater, or similar platform, and Episerver or Optimizely
• Experience working with video production crews
• Ability to both work independently and to collaborate effectively on multidisciplinary marketing team
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
• Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:

$70,304- $76,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Salary : $70,304 - $76,000