Director, Public Relations

Points Of Light Institu

5d • $85,000 - $90,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Public Relations leads and implements Points of Light’s public relations and media strategy, shaping the public and philanthropic perception and awareness of our organization. This position will drive and manage strategic media and communication efforts, announcements, earned editorial placement, and support large-scale campaigns. This will result in enhancing our brand visibility and understanding, positioning as a sector thought leader, engagement of stakeholders, including donors, and advancing our mission. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Public Relations will execute comprehensive PR strategies that support our organizational goals and foster positive relationships with the media, community, donors, and partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field and APR accredited preferred.
• Proven experience (8-10+ years) in public relations, or media relations, preferably within the nonprofit sector and with a national or global brand.
• Strong media relationships and a demonstrated ability to secure positive press coverage across traditional and digital media outlets as well as craft creative pitch angles.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, project management software (Asana), and data analytics/visualization tools.
• Ability to create a welcoming work environment for all.
• Capable of influencing senior executives and working flexibly in a fast-paced media environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson for an organization, with confidence and poise in media interviews and public speaking engagements.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues, anticipate challenges, and develop effective communication strategies.
• Crisis management expertise, including experience managing reputational issues and coordinating crisis response efforts.
• Knowledge of media monitoring tools, PR analytics, and measurement techniques to evaluate the impact of PR initiatives.
• Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve shared goals.
• Commitment to staying informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in public relations and nonprofit communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement results-driven strategic public relations and communications plans tailored to our mission, values, and objectives including events, signature programs, partnerships and general counsel.
• Proactively cultivate and maintain relationships with key national and global philanthropic and sector media contacts, journalists, bloggers, and influencers to secure positive press coverage and opportunities for media exposure.
• Prepare the primary spokesperson (CEO) and executive bench of speakers for the organization for media opportunities, effectively communicating key messages and responding to media inquiries in alignment with our mission and values.
• Develop and execute PR/Media strategies that highlight the investments of our philanthropic partners, aid in our lead generation and philanthropic stakeholder goals and support our annual fundraising events, including but not limited to philanthropic focused press releases, pitching, compelling storytelling and coverage of opportunities and partnerships, press clipping/recaps and analysis, and more.
• Support and partner with development team to increase awareness and investment consideration of Points of Light from key audiences including corporations, foundations and high-impact donors.
• Execute strategies that enhance Points of Light public stewardship and recognition of key donor relationships.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including executive, program and fundraising teams, to develop messaging and positioning for key initiatives, events, programs and campaigns.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and other materials to support media outreach efforts and promote our organizational impact.
• Watch and analyze media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential risks and develop proactive strategies to manage reputational issues.
• Lead crisis communications efforts, guiding and supporting the executive team and staff during high-profile incidents or emergencies.
• Develop and maintain crisis or program-specific PR & communications plans, protocols, and training programs to ensure readiness and preparedness for potential crises, announcements or other messaging with brand impact.
• Supervise and lead by example a team of fellow marcomm and organizational professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and coaching in media situations.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of public relations initiatives, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track progress and inform future strategies.
• Manage and work with an external PR agency supporting Points of Light’s brand visibility, key events, partnerships and creative opportunities for brand exposure (as needed/budget permitting).
• Monitor a media inbox on weekdays, weekends and evenings and lead on timely response.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and excellent benefits including a robust PTO program: 18 days of PTO and 10 holidays; plus, we are closed December 25-January 1.
• Medical, dental and vision benefits, free life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, a 403b program with employer match, and 1 day of volunteer time off per month.

What This Job Offers

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