Public Relations Guru Job at StandUp For Kids Orange County in Costa Mesa

Volunteer Position: Public Relations Guru

Location:Hybrid - Orange County preferred

Commitment: 5 -10 hours/month, flexible with some event-based activity

Reports to: Director of Advancement

About Stand Up for Kids - Orange County:

Stand Up for Kids is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the cycle of youth homelessness. The Orange County chapter has been serving vulnerable and at-risk youth ages 12-24 for over 20 years, providing mentorship, basic needs, education support, and access to housing resources. We empower young people to build brighter futures and ultimately break the cycle of youth homelessness.

The Opportunity:

• StandUp for Kids

Orange County is seeking a skilled and well -connected Public Relations Volunteer to help us amplify our impact and raise public awareness of our work with homeless and at-risk youth. This volunteer will play a key role in expanding our presence in local media, business outlets, and community publications across Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

If you're a seasoned PR or communications professional who’s passionate about social good, storytelling, and community impact-and you know how to pitch, place, and promote meaningful stories-this is an opportunity to make your voice and your network matter.

Key Responsibilities:

Media Strategy & Outreach

• Develop and execute a strategic PR plan that raises awareness of our mission, programs, events, and impact - while staying nonpartisan and values-focused.
• Pitch compelling stories to Orange County and Los Angeles - area media outlets, including local news, lifestyle, business, and philanthropic publications.
• Secure earned media coverage of annual events, youth success stories, volunteer spotlights, and organizational milestones.

Positioning & Thought Leadership

• Help establish our Executive Director as a credible subject matter expert on youth homelessness and prevention in Orange County.
• Secure opportunities for op-eds, quotes in articles, podcast interviews, or panel appearances that elevate the issue and our work.
• Craft talking points, bios, and press-ready materials to support interviews and public appearances.

Event & Campaign PR

• Help develop media strategy for signature events, such as fundraising galas, awareness campaigns, or community outreach events.
• Write and distribute press releases and media advisories; assist with media follow-up and onsite coverage coordination.
• Identify opportunities to get StandUp for Kids featured inOC’s social and society pages or highlighted in local business media.

Ideal Candidate:

• 7+ years of experience in public relations, journalism, or communications.
• Strong, active connections to OC/LA-based media outlets or freelance reporters.
• Proven success placing stories and securing interviews in print, digital, radio, or broadcast.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with an understanding of how to promote social causes while remaining apolitical and focused on impact.
• Passion for youth advocacy and social equity.
• You must complete a half day training and pass a background check ($18 fee).

What You'll Gain:

• The opportunity to use your PR talents and media relationships to help some of the most vulnerable youth in our community.
• Recognition as a key communications partner in our work.
• Public acknowledgment on our platforms, and the chance to shape a cause’s public voice.
• A meaningful, resume-enhancing leadership role with a growing nonprofit.