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

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

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

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

Position Key Competencies

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

Supervisory or Managerial Responsibility

• Volunteers
• Vendors and Subcontractors

Travel

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

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.

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

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.

We will begin reviewing applications as they are received and anticipate closing the application period on February 16, 2024.

Requirements

Position Qualifications

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

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

Required

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

Desired

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