Director, Public & Media Relations

American Humane is seeking an experienced Director, Public & Media Relations to promote the mission and work of American Humane and to be an integral member of the Communications departments. This position will be a hybrid of in-office and remote-telework based out of the Washington, DC headquarters office location with regular telework schedule based on organizational policy, need and manager discretion and reports directly to the Chief Communications Officer.

American Humane is committed

to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people. We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.Position summary

:The Director, Public & Media Relations is responsible for promoting the mission and work of American Humane and is an integral member of the communications department reporting to the Chief Communications Officer. The Director will work collaboratively and cross functionally to help develop the organization’s communications and media outreach strategy and is responsible for proactively executing on that strategy with a focus on increasing significant, high quality earned media opportunities.The person in this role will work with all communications team members as well as leadership, and program and marketing teams to maximize communications opportunities and collateral. The Director will pitch and secure global, national, and regional broadcast feature pieces and print media, including long-lead feature pieces. This person will take a lead role in supporting programs and working with development team members to design communications materials including press kits, ads, blogs, invitations, programs, etc.Responsibilities

:Oversee and engage in daily media relations activities of the communications team, driving results to meet organizational and team goals.Develop and implement media strategies in collaboration with communications team, Chief Communications Officer, and executive and programmatic leadership.Responsible for enhancing American Humane’s thought leadership profile through earned media efforts and working with the marketing and program teams to develop and write content for social channels, media kits, blogs, newsletters, etc.Pitch and land significant coverage of human interest and business stories to members of the press (reporters, television network producers, etc.) in collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer.Through earned media efforts, work with news outlets to promote and raise awareness around the mission and work of American Humane. This includes working cross-functionally to assist with social media, promoting programs and disseminating organizational messaging to achieve media coverage.Develop and cultivate strategic relationships with national and long-lead media, including traditional and new media (television, print, online, podcasts, etc.). Develop and maintain media contact list for American Humane.Serve as an on-site media liaison for AH centered press appearances, including AH events with press attendance (e.g., congressional briefings, fundraising events such as the Hero Dog Awards, etc.); in-studio television appearances; press conferences; and on-location interviews, among others as assigned.Write and distribute effective content, including press releases, op-eds, and other public statements and materials; keep up-to-date distribution lists for press releases and announcements.As needed, deploy to national disasters, reunifications, special events to gather information and video/photography material and, as directed, serve as a spokesperson.In collaboration with the marketing department, establish brand identity, promote the mission and work of the organization, and engage new donors/stakeholders by providing media outreach and writing support.Take a strategic approach to identify trends in media coverage for campaigns and various subjects as needed.As needed, prepare leadership and spokespeople for media interviews, which includes preparing materials, reviewing expectations, and conducting training.Respond to and follow-up on media inquiries in collaboration with Chief Communications Officer.As needed, work with program directors, development and event teams on messaging, content and design needs.Strategize how to communicate externally and internally, taking a collaborative approach with the organization’s marketing department.Collaborate with programs and departments, such as development and Military Affairs, to maximize exposure, outreach, and opportunities.Leverage internal expertise and elevate the voice of senior leaders as subject matter experts to broaden public awareness of the organizations work and impact.Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities

:Bachelor’s degree required.Ideal candidate will have at 8-10 years of relevant experience with examples of successful earned media history and experience managing a small team.Must be a team player and strategic, creative thinker who is hands-on.Must be able to handle multiple projects at any given time with a high level of organization and focus.Exceptional communication skills with proven ability to present, write and edit, and to do so in a clear, concise, well-organized, and well-articulated manner with proper grammar, punctuation, and formatting.Ability to build a media kit with basic video editing skills and understanding of photos—video and photography background a plus.Ability to change voice and writing style to fit a particular audience and purpose.Self-disciplined, entrepreneurial, action-oriented style that thrives in a fast-paced, dead-line driven, high-stress environment.Demonstrates strong work ethic and possesses a demonstrable portfolio of results.Ability to produce high-quality work on deadline and under pressure.Ability to think proactively, take initiative and see tasks through to completion with appropriate follow-up and minimal oversight.Sound judgment and discretion in handling and securing confidential information, as well as the ability to conduct oneself in a highly professional manner at all times.Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to establish and implement systems and identify resources to ensure the successful completion of projects. Ability to create and maintain files, recording systems and communication protocols.Flexibility to work as part of a team or independently and across departments to meet goals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with ability to learn new technologies.Direct reports

:Sr. Communications SpecialistPhysical demands and work environment

:Position will be a hybrid of in-office and remote-telework based out of the Washington, DC headquarters office location with regular telework schedule based on organizational policy, need and manager discretion.

Must be DC-based, no exceptions .Must be o.k. being around animals, especially dogs, in the office and at events and other functions.Travel required, potentially up to 20%, mainly local and national.Occasional need for hours beyond regular office hours, including some evening and weekend work.While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to:

Sit or stand for extended periods,Look at and work off a computer screen for extended periods, andTalk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, virtually and in-person.

May be required to lift or move items up to 20 pounds on occasion.American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals. Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:Compassion

– Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.Accountability -

Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.Respect for All

– Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.Loyalty to Mission

– Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.Sustainability -

Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.Honesty, Integrity, Trust

– Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.

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