Public Relations Assistant

Star of Hope Family Services•Keyser, WV

21d•$35,360 - $45,968•Onsite

About The Position

Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc., doing business as Star of Hope Family Services, is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and creative Public Relations Assistant for its Resource Development team. The position supports donor relations, fundraising, database management, direct mail communications, and agency outreach. Working with the Public Relations and Development Manager and other departments, the assistant helps cultivate donor relationships, recognize charitable contributions, promote agency programs, and support the agency’s long-term sustainability. The role manages the donor database; coordinates fundraising communications and mailings; processes and acknowledges charitable contributions; and supports donor cultivation and community awareness initiatives. It collaborates with the Resource Development team, Accounting Department, volunteers, donors, and community partners to maintain accurate records, effective communications, and professional donor stewardship. Outreach responsibilities may vary based on geographic location and position needs. The position is based at the Keyser Office – Community Based Service Programs in Keyser, West Virginia. It is full-time, day shift, with travel of up to 50%. Schedule flexibility may be needed for special events, community activities, mailings, meetings, and other agency responsibilities. The listed salary range is $35,360 to $45,968.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, business, advertising, accounting, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
A valid driver’s license.
Ability to appropriately manage confidential donor, financial, and agency information.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and attention-to-detail skills.
Clear, professional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors, colleagues, volunteers, community partners, agency staff, the general public, and external stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels and contribute to a collaborative team environment.
Demonstrated computer skills and ability to manage databases and maintain accurate records.
Ability to balance competing priorities, complex assignments, and deadlines and to perform under pressure.
Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities and agency needs.
Creativity and strategic thinking in identifying opportunities, solving problems, and addressing challenges.
Sound judgment, confidentiality, discretion, professionalism, accountability, integrity, and commitment to ethical practices.
Active listening skills and ability to engage prospective donors in meaningful conversations about their interests and charitable goals.
Ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate volunteers and other individuals in support of fundraising activities.
Ability to communicate and work effectively and professionally with staff and the general public.
Ability to foster cooperation, resolve challenges, and maintain productive working relationships.
Ability to serve as a positive role model for youth in values and lifestyle consistent with those of Star of Hope Family Services.
Willingness to participate in agency meetings, campus special events, community outreach activities, and other assigned functions.
Flexibility to meet deadlines and support agency activities, special projects, and schedule needs.
Willingness to attend required professional development training and conferences.

Nice To Haves

One to two years of experience in public relations, fundraising, advertising, accounting, donor relations, database management, or related work; relevant volunteer experience may be considered. Experience is preferred but not required.
Specialized knowledge or experience in donor database management.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain the agency’s donor database, including software updates, address validation, change-of-address processing, and routine data maintenance.
Maintain an effective working relationship with the donor database software vendor.
Coordinate database reviews, cleanup, and maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable donor information.
Coordinate preparation, production, and distribution of direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other internal and external communications.
Maintain inventory of office, printing, and mailing supplies.
Prepare mailing labels and documentation in compliance with applicable USPS nonprofit and automated mailing requirements.
Coordinate volunteers assembling and preparing direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other fundraising materials.
Process and track charitable contributions received through events, direct mail, earned income, major gifts, and planned giving.
Coordinate donation batching, processing, deposits, acknowledgments, and reconciliation activities.
Communicate with the Accounting Department about cash receipts, deposits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
Prepare gift reports, reconciliation reports, donor lists, and other information for newsletters, annual reports, and agency publications.
Administer memorial, honorarium, and legacy recognition programs.
Generate and distribute donor acknowledgment letters and annual charitable contribution tax statements in accordance with applicable IRS requirements.
Assist the Public Relations and Development Manager in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospective donors.
Participate in initiatives promoting agency programs, fundraising opportunities, and planned giving.
Identify opportunities for community presentations, speaking engagements, media outreach, and other activities that raise awareness of agency services and needs.
Represent Star of Hope Family Services at meetings, community events, and agency functions.
Participate in campus special events and other activities supporting the agency’s mission.
Attend professional development training, conferences, and other learning opportunities as directed by the Resource Development Manager.
Assist with special projects, outreach initiatives, and other duties as assigned.