Public Relations (PR) Specialist

Strong writers with a passion for Public Relations (PR) and media who are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment must check out the LSS PR Specialist opportunity available now! LSS is seeking a PR Specialist with 3-5 years' experience in developing and managing media relationships, tracking PR opportunities; writing and pitching stories across media channels; and helping to prepare spokespeople at all leadership levels. Position requires effective communicators who are able to handle multiple assignments at one time and can easily modify project focus based on shifting priorities/needs. Reporting to the Communications Director, the PR Specialist will create and manage the LSS PR plan, and work with the Communications team and LSS leaders to develop strategies, tactics, and measurements for the organization's annual communications plan.

The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for developing public relations plans - including writing, conducting research, preparing materials, developing and maintaining media contacts and responding to inquiries. This person supports LSS in all operations and fundraising communications as required or assigned, and acts as the in-house client PR contact. The Public Relations Specialist requires strong writing skills, excellent communication skills, and a good working knowledge of publicity and public relations skill sets.

Essential Duties and responsibilities:

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• Works with the Communications Director to develop annual PR plan that aligns with the strategic communications plan. 
• Work with the communications team to develop and execute social media strategy. 
• Initiates and writes press releases and important announcements. 
• Collaborating with fundraising team and LSS grant writer, researches and maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant industry data, facts, and trends. 
• Distributes proofed, edited releases or feature story draft documents to leadership team for review final editing. 
• Produces final, leadership-approved releases and story documents. 
• Works with the Communications team to source any digital photography, art, client outcomes/analytics or other materials needed for distribution with publicity stories. 
• Develops and maintains relationships with journalists or other influencers. 
• Maintain media contact list.
• Coordinates and supports interview requests and press conferences. 
• Develop, manage, and execute Public Relations campaigns/events 
• Co-creates with Communications Director, internal clients, and external PR counsel to develop ideas for weekly story opportunities and distributes publicly. 
• Creates a media relations production schedule for leadership review approval at monthly/quarterly planning meetings. 
• Oversees the clipping/archiving of publicity stories for LSS, and provides monthly/quarterly recap of placement results to leadership. 
• Develops creative briefs required for long-term, multi-week projects. 
• Prepares media spokespersons guide for interviews (identifies LSS leader/colleague spokespersons). 
• Assists in creating video, slide shows or other visual presentations for meetings and business gatherings. 
• Helps plan and run events. 
• Develops and maintains a positive public image for the organization (and all its programs and departments) through public-facing communication. 
• Prepares written materials, including brochures, program inserts, newsletters, donor appeals as needed. 
• Provides general administrative support to the communications team as needed.
• Expected to understand applicable productivity expectations and meet those standards that have been established for the role and the program.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• A Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or relevant field required or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• A minimum of at least 3 years of experience in public relations or a related field required
• Experience in development, project management and execution of PR plans, campaigns and/or initiatives 
• Human services and fundraising knowledge/experience required 
• Experience in copywriting and editing 
• Good judgment, creativity, and an enthusiastic attitude 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• The incumbent of this position must have a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.
• Accreditation by a professional society such as the Public Relations Society of America desirable

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate both in verbal and written format, effectively and efficiently in job. 
• Ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing 
• Aptitude in presentation and public speaking

COMPUTER SKILLS/TECHNOLOGY:

• Working knowledge of computers to allow employee to access computer systems and applications to complete timecards, read and respond to email, and complete required on-line training. 
• Working knowledge of MS Office required 
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook etc.) is required 
• Photo and video-editing software is an asset

TRAVEL:

• Ability to travel on day trips as required up to 30%.
• Some overnight travel may be required.