Public Relations Manager

The Public Relations Manager manages key strategic communications, media relations, and public relations functions for Animal Humane Society. This position is part of an Advancement team whose goal is to advance the organization’s mission and position with relevant constituents to drive broader awareness, to develop deeper relationships, and to increase participation and support among constituents, including, but not limited to, adopters, service users and donors.

Essential Responsibilities:

Public Relations:

• Develop and implement a robust public relations strategy that engages the community in support of Animal Humane Society, including generating story ideas, pitching stories, seeking media placements, writing editorials, engaging influencers, organizing promotions and media appearances, and serving as a public representative and spokesperson for the organization. 
• Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts with journalists, media organizations, thought leaders, and influencers. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to respond to proactively to issues and incidents that require public relations or crisis communications support. 
• Coach AHS leaders and colleagues through interviews and support the development of media readiness skills in others. 
• Monitor, analyze, and report on the impact and effectiveness of public relations efforts and recommend opportunities for improvement.

Content Development:

• Create, edit, and drive development of compelling stories and content to support fundraising appeals, advocacy alerts, publications, marketing materials, program materials, events, editorials, blog posts, websites, and content marketing strategies. 
• Serve as editor of semiannual Animal Tracks magazine and other print and electronic publications. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to manage the editorial calendar and ensure coordination and integration of communications and marketing functions across all channels. 
• Maintain organization-wide style guide and ensure that all published content meets style requirements and brand standards.

Leadership:

• Act as a leader in the organization, fostering collaboration and bringing ideas, energy, and structure to the team. 
• Develop and maintain a strong internal network to stay informed of developments at AHS. 
• Manage, develop, and grow the Media Producer and any other direct reports. 
• Supervise the work of freelance contributors. 
• Manage the public relations budget. 
• Work with AHS volunteers in a positive and effective way to facilitate meaningful volunteer engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in journalism, public relations, or communications. 
• Four to six years of professional experience in a public relations setting; ideally in a nonprofit environment. 
• Persuasive and strategic communicator with excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. 
• Exceptional storyteller, editor, and proofreader. 
• Knowledge of Twin Cities media, media relationships, and journalistic practices. 
• Collaborative work style; able to facilitate amongst diverse communities and individuals. 
• Proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate with an attention to detail. 
• Exceptional project management skills. Able to anticipate challenges, manage stressful situations in a fluid and fast-paced environment, and quickly implement course corrections when necessary. 
• Strong computer skills, including experience with MS Office. 
• Integrity, independent thinking, and personal courage.
• Ability to be available at times on nights and weekends. 
• Comfortable working with animals. 
• Committed to and enthusiastic about the mission, programs and services of Animal Humane Society.