Communications & Media Relations Manager

Description

Are you compassionate about animals and have a desire to speak for those who cannot? For over 100 years, the Dumb Friends League has been working to end pet homelessness and animal suffering by providing a strong and steadfast voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. If you work well with people too, join our team and help us provide that voice.

Purpose of Position: This position serves as the primary contact and representative for the League to outside media and manages our internal communications.

Responsibilities

• Write timely and accurate news releases, media alerts, editorial submissions, letters to the editor, scripts, publication articles, and website news content
• Provide and coordinate crisis and media training to staff
• Participate in inter-departmental meetings and discussions to support and develop League initiatives
• Regularly pitch news stories, respond to media requests, and arrange interviews and appearances.
• Track media coverage, organize information for reporting, and share reports with appropriate parties
• Monitor trends in animal welfare and be knowledgeable on important issues
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the organization, with support from the Communications Specialist and the Marketing & Communications Director
• Support internal communications efforts in partnership with Human Resources
• Manage crisis communication in partnership with the Marketing and Communications Director.
• Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with local, regional and national media outlets to increase public awareness and a positive image for the Dumb Friends League and Colorado Humane Society
• Develop a media relations strategy, seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media
• Handle radio and television segments
• Build and implement the external and internal communication plan for major League events and initiatives
• Monitor, analyze and communicate media coverage results on a quarterly basis
• Monitor and oversee social media and communications processes and strategies to maximize efficient uses of resources

People Care

People are the key to fulfilling our mission. Making internal and external patrons and their needs a primary focus is expected in all situations. This position interacts with and collaborates with employees at all levels of the organization. Communication occurs through face to face, telephone, and electronic interactions and may also include contact with the general public and League business partners. Communication and contact must be clear, understandable, cooperative, professional and respectful in all circumstances. Employees are expected to actively support a positive team environment, directly address conflict, and appropriately express concerns.

Competencies

Competencies are work behaviors and expectations necessary for successful job performance. They encompass knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions. Additional definitions for competencies may be obtained from Human Resources

Organizational Key Competencies

• Adapting to Change and Ambiguity
• Excellence
• Integrity and Ethics
• Emotional Intelligence
• Customer and Community Focus

Position Key Competencies

• Innovation
• Conflict Management
• Analytical Thinking
• Community Partnerships
• People Development
• Project Management
• Strategic Thinking

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Vendors and Subcontractors
• Volunteers

Travel

• This position requires travel to other work sites
• This position requires driving a company vehicle

Schedule

• Work hours vary and may include early mornings, nights and weekends

Full Time Benefits – Please visit our website for a comprehensive list of all offered benefits.

• Sabbatical program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• League-paid Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• And more!
• Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with matching
• Flexible spending accounts
• Benefits (medical, dental, and vision)

Compensation: Starting at $61,000.00-$65,000.00 (starting pay commensurate with market, experience, and equity)

Work Conditions And Physical Requirements

Performs work primarily in an office setting. Potentially prolonged periods of sitting and repetitive motion. May work in an area with high noise level. Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, fumes, dust, animal dander, and feces. Occasional lifting with reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Position Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency with media placement and monitoring
• Proficient in MS Office programs
• Comfortable handling cats, dogs, and other small pets
• Strong organizational, strategic planning, and teamwork skills
• Presents oneself professionally and articulately on-air
• Ability to manage multiple projects and demands
• Familiarity with press release and article writing structures
• Results-driven and detail-oriented
• Strategic planning to support major League activities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Required

• Demonstrated success in creating and implementing public relations plans and securing media coverage.
• Special Training, Certification or Licensure: Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field
• Experience in crisis communications and internal communications.
• Five years of experience working in media relations and internal communications.
• Work Experience:

Desired

• Experience with animal welfare issues
• Experience as an organizational spokesperson, preferably with knowledge of and a relationship with Denver-area media
• Experience with non-profit media relations