Public Relations Coordinator

Inspired to promote DCHS’s mission and sharing the ambitions of their humane colleagues and the community’s generous philanthropists, the Development and Marketing Team is charged with enhancing the shelter’s culture of philanthropy and long-term sustainability. The Development and Marketing Team is poised to be a mission-focused, relationship-based, high-performing team that will take the fundraising and marketing efforts of the organization to the next level.

Currently, DCHS is actively recruiting for a new, part-time, Public Relations Coordinator (PRC) to maintain the respected and high visibility of DCHS’s mission and to serve as a primarily spokesperson for the organization. This unique opportunity is charged with promoting an understanding of and appreciation for animal welfare programs, issues, ideas, and events at DCHS that help move the organization towards its ultimate goal of becoming a national model and permanent resource for animal care in our community and beyond. Please review the following position overview and qualifications to see if you might be a good fit to join the DCHS team.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Public Relations Coordinator (PRC) reports to the Assistant Director of Development (ADOD) and works under the leadership of the Director of Development and Marketing (DODM).

The PRC must be an experienced professional skilled in planning and carrying out media campaigns that reach, and effectively communicate with, diverse audiences across Dane County and Wisconsin. In addition to the basic building of recognition of brand, image and achievement, the PRC will oversee the daily public relations functions of the shelter and be charged with publicizing shelter position statements, strategic partnerships, fundraising initiatives, special events and educational programs.

Using strong writing and graphic design skills, the PRC will be responsible for drafting public facing communication pieces such as Family Tales, the website and other strategic marketing messages. As an integral member of the Development and Marketing team, the PRC will ensure all messaging, outreach efforts and media spots are coordinated with the team’s larger strategies and goals. The PRC will act swiftly to crisis management, report outcomes of public relations strategies to DCHS leadership and represent the organization at the highest level.

• Proven public relations and marketing skills with demonstrated success in strategic communications as a result of carefully thought out planning and execution.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in public relations, community relations, media relations and/or marketing.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication. Candidates with a background in writing press releases, public speaking and addressing the media are preferred.
• Experience in coordinating multiple communication vehicles (websites, position statements, social media outlets, promotional materials, etc.) are in alignment with DCHS’s core values, program philosophies and philanthropic priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to advise organizational leadership in public relations strategies and create an environment that creates collaboration among all shelter departments to rally around mission focused messaging, brand management and a positive reputation.
• Skilled at coaching and mentoring others in public relations best practices, especially in preparing to address an external audience.
• Experience with graphic design – both the ability to conceptualize and create compelling designs and the ability to use design programs.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to establish and maintain good working relationship with colleagues, donors, and volunteers, with an emphasis on tact, diplomacy, flexibility, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to serve as a spokesperson for and represent DCHS at the highest level, especially in times of crisis management when leadership is needed to develop key messaging and communication strategies to best articulate the shelter’s position.
• Strong sense of ethical conduct that will inspire confidence and trust in maintaining confidential matters as they relate to donor relations, personnel, and internal shelter policies.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Comfort handling animals preferred. Must have a reliable means of transportation and a valid Driver's License to travel and transport materials to multiple work sites, including meetings and events both on and off the DCHS campus. Occasional overtime may be required, including evenings and/or weekends that coincide with events and meetings. Occasional domestic travel may also be required.