Community & Public Relations Specialist Job at Homemakers Plaza, Inc in Urbandal
Homemakers Plaza, Inc, Urbandale, IA, US, 50322
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Homemakers is looking to add a talented community minded representative to our marketing team. If you possess the desire to help others, make a difference, and create positive relationships then we encourage you to please apply.
Job Summary:
The Community & Public Relations Specialist helps maintain a positive public image for Homemakers by ensuring that all community engagement and external communications reflect the company's Aim. This role manages community donations, sponsorships, and the Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, while also supporting press releases and formal business communications. In addition, the specialist serves as an active representative of Homemakers within both the Des Moines and Tiffin markets, strengthening relationships, building visibility, and aligning outreach with company priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
Community Engagement & Representation
- Actively representing Homemakers in community organizations (e.g., chambers of commerce, nonprofits, associations) to build relationships and expand visibility.
- Represent Homemakers at community events and assist with hosting or coordinating company-sponsored activities.
- Review and evaluate community donations and sponsorship requests to ensure alignment with company values and priorities.
- Manage approved donations and sponsorships, with responsibility for budget oversight and reporting.
- Draft, align, and distribute press releases for business-related announcements.
- Manage public relations efforts across traditional media and employee-forward platforms such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor to strengthen brand and employer reputation.
- Support leadership with external vendor communication, formal statements, talking points, and media inquiries, maintaining message alignment with Marketing and HR to ensure consistent employer brand representation.
- Manage and promote the company's VTO program to drive employee engagement.
- Build partnerships with local nonprofits to create meaningful volunteer opportunities.
- Track participation and communicate the program's impact both internally and externally.
- Measurement & Reporting
- Support employer branding efforts by highlighting Homemakers' community impact and employee involvement in communications.
- Track PR activities, donations, sponsorships, and community participation against budget and strategic priorities.
- Provide reporting and recommendations to leadership on ways to increase visibility and strengthen brand reputation.
- Relationship Building & Networking: Ability to develop strong partnerships with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders while confidently representing Homemakers in public settings.
- Communication: Exceptional oral and written skills, with the ability to craft formal communications and present ideas clearly.
- Values Alignment & Cultural Awareness: Ensures all outreach and communications reflect Homemakers' Aim
- Organizational & Budget Management: Skilled at managing multiple priorities, tracking budgets, and reporting outcomes with accuracy.
- Adaptability & Judgment: Thrives in fast paced environments, makes sound decisions, and demonstrates creativity in identifying opportunities that enhance Homemakers' reputation.
- Education/Work Experience:
- 2-3 years of experience in public relations, community relations, or external communications with demonstrated writing and community partnership skills.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
- Extended sitting or standing at a desk for computer-based work.
- Ability to travel between Homemakers' markets (Des Moines and Tiffin) as needed for community events, meetings, and organizational involvement.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required for travel to off-site events and community engagements.