Public Affairs Specialist

Washington Humane Society • Washington, DC

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Affairs Specialist supports the execution of the Humane Rescue Alliance’s public affairs strategy, including media engagement, corporate partnerships, community outreach, and external-facing events. Reporting to the Director of Public Affairs, this role focuses on implementing engagement initiatives that enhance brand visibility, strengthen corporate and civic relationships, and support annual fundraising goals. This position works collaboratively with the Development team to ensure corporate sponsorship activity aligns with revenue objectives while maintaining consistent messaging and organizational positioning. The Specialist serves as a key external representative of HRA and helps advance the organization’s reputation, influence, and mission impact. This role primarily supports the Washington, DC campus while partnering across campuses to ensure consistent external engagement effort.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing partnerships, sponsorships, or external engagement initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience drafting media and external materials.
• Experience coordinating events or managing multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Professional presence and confidence representing the organization in external settings.
• Commitment to HRA’s mission and values.
• 4–6 years of experience in communications, public affairs, nonprofit engagement, corporate relations, or related field.
• An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, political science, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a point of contact for routine media inquiries.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, statements, and background materials.
• Coordinate interviews and prepare briefing materials for organizational spokespeople.
• Monitor media coverage and maintain tracking reports.
• During Director absence, manage day-to-day media coordination with established escalation protocols for strategic or sensitive matters.
• Coordinate meetings and logistics with elected officials, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor local legislative and civic developments and flag relevant updates to leadership.
• Assist in preparation of talking points, briefing materials, and stakeholder communications.
• Support public affairs initiatives designed to advance HRA’s policy and community engagement priorities.
• Contribute to and execute integrated social media strategies, managing content creation and storytelling for HRA’s social media channels in alignment with organizational brand, communications, and engagement goals.
• Support Marketing Specialist in maintaining the content calendar.
• Read, review, and respond to the community through social media channels.
• Manage and steward an assigned portfolio of corporate sponsors and business partners.
• Identify and cultivate prospective corporate sponsors in coordination with the Director of Public Affairs and Development leadership.
• Draft sponsorship proposals, agreements, and benefit summaries.
• Ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits, recognition, and reporting commitments.
• Track corporate engagement activity and maintain accurate records in CRM systems.
• Contribute to annual corporate revenue goals through strategic outreach, sponsor retention, and expansion of partnerships.
• Lead coordination and logistical execution of external-facing events, corporate activations, and community engagement initiatives.
• Manage sponsor activation, benefit fulfillment, and on-site representation at events.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to support successful execution of events and activations.
• Represent HRA at community gatherings, business forums, and civic meetings as delegated.

Benefits

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges
• Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth
• Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees