Director of Communications and Public Relations

Arizona Humane Society • Phoenix, AZ

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Humane Society is seeking a full-time Director of Communications and Public Relations at its Papago Park Campus. The role works Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and leads communications efforts that share the organization's lifesaving mission, strengthen its reputation, and inspire community support for animals in need. The director develops and executes strategic communications initiatives, advises executive leadership, oversees media relations, social media, multimedia storytelling, crisis communications, and internal communications, and collaborates with Marketing, Development, and other leadership teams. The position also guides communications and social media teams, monitors media coverage, evaluates performance, and identifies opportunities to expand the organization's reach and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or Marketing with a PR concentration.
• At least 8 years of progressive communications or public relations experience, including strategic leadership.
• At least 5 years of people leadership experience and a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Significant experience in media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Experience advising senior executives on complex, sensitive, and high-profile issues.
• Experience across internal, fundraising, and mission-driven communications.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling messages.
• Collaborative leadership, executive presence, business acumen, and the ability to build trust and influence across diverse audiences.
• Excellent judgment, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with productivity, media monitoring, social media management, and project management platforms.
• Pre-employment background check required.

Nice To Haves

• Established Arizona media relationships.
• Marketing experience or strong fluency in integrated marketing, brand strategy, and audience engagement.
• Experience with MS Office, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Asana, TVEyes, Cision, Hootsuite, or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications initiatives that elevate the Arizona Humane Society's brand, support organizational goals, and position it as a national leader in animal welfare.
• Partner with executive leadership to guide messaging, support thought leadership opportunities, and navigate sensitive or high-profile communications.
• Oversee media relations, social media, and multimedia storytelling, including content, interviews, and media opportunities.
• Lead crisis communications and proactive media strategies to ensure thoughtful and effective responses to emerging issues and opportunities.
• Oversee internal communications that keep employees and volunteers informed, engaged, and connected to the mission.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Development, and other leadership teams to align messaging, strengthen fundraising communications, and inspire community support.
• Guide communications and social media teams, monitor media coverage, evaluate performance, and identify opportunities to expand organizational reach and impact.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous paid time off program
• Up to 8 paid holidays per year
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• Discounts on veterinary services and other pet perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director