Public Relations Coordinator

The Public Relations Coordinator (PRC) is responsible for increasing the visibility, knowledge and awareness of Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) and its mission. The PRC must be an experienced professional skilled in planning and carrying out media campaigns that reach and effectively communicate with diverse audiences. The PRC will oversee the daily public relations functions of the shelter and take leadership 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 communications pieces such as print and electronic newsletters, direct mail pieces and advertisements. The PRC also manages content for the shelter website and social media accounts. As an integral member of the Development and Marketing team, the PRC will ensure all messaging, outreach efforts and media posts are coordinated with the team’s larger strategies and goals. The PRC will act swiftly to manage crises, report outcomes of public relations strategies to DCHS leadership team and represent the organization at the highest level.

Writing and Graphic Design - 40%

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, DODM and DMS, the PRC will coordinate brand management for DCHS, DCHS’s Wildlife Center and DCHS’s Thrift Store including logo and other graphic design, communications guidelines, etc. 
• Create content and graphic design for direct mail appeals and printed and electronic newsletters to share news and raise funds to support DCHS. 
• Strategize and design print and digital advertisements. 
• Compose speeches, talking points and presentations for special events. 
• Design flyers, thank you cards, invitations, signs, etc. to promote shelter programs and activities. 

Plan and Lead Public Relations and Marketing Efforts - 40%

• Under the direction of the Executive Director, DODM and DMS, draft, manage and execute annual public relations and marketing plans for the shelter that continuously raise the visibility of DCHS through tactics that contribute directly to DCHS’s goal of becoming a national model for animal sheltering and community outreach. 
• Act as media contact and spokesperson for the shelter, fielding interviews, pet of the week segments and responding to media requests. 
• Prepare shelter leadership and other staff or volunteers for interviews with media contacts. 
• Build and maintain a strong network of reporters, editors and other media professionals. 
• Draft and distribute press releases to promote shelter news and activities. 
• Submit and manage an annual budget for public relations and marketing activities. 
• Lead DCHS story collection, systems and use in marketing activities. 

Social Media and Website Management - 20%

• Manage shelter social media accounts including strategizing content creation, setting schedules, analyzing data and monitoring account activity. 
• Manage DCHS’s website by drafting and managing content, making updates as necessary, tracking data and acting as the main contact with contracted website partners. 
• Stay current on social media and website best practices and make recommendations about what could be successful strategies for DCHS. 

Reporting and Special Projects

• Develop routine reports to show progress on public relations plans and demonstrate effectiveness of strategies to DCHS leadership, including the Board of Directors. 
• Collaborate with various shelter departments on special projects. 
• Attend special events and community engagement activities when it is strategic to have a DCHS spokesperson in attendance. 
• Recruit, train and manage PR volunteers and/or interns as needed to accomplish shelter goals.

• Proven experience (3+ years) in public relations, community relations, media relations and/or marketing. 
• Experience in graphic design, including conceptualizing and creating campaigns and comfort using Adobe products. 
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication. Candidates with a background in writing press releases, public speaking and addressing the media are preferred. 
• Experience writing fundraising appeal letters, donor thank you letters, and writing copy for other promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, newsletters, etc. highly preferred. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office products. 
• Experience posting to social media for professional organization desired. 
• Experience coaching and mentoring others in public relations best practices, especially in preparing to address an external audience. 
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record. 
• Acquire and possess a thorough understanding and dedication to the philosophies of animal welfare. 
• Comfort handling a variety of companion animals. 
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competitive salary with benefits package available. Dane County Humane Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.