Public Relations Manager

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region•Colorado Springs, CO

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Looking to make a difference in the lives of pets and people? With an almost year-round beautiful blue sky and a scenic mountain backdrop, HSPPR is a nonprofit animal shelter serving El Paso, Pueblo, and Douglas Counties as well as the City of Centennial in the colorful State of Colorado. We employ a total of 200+ employees. We are an organization that celebrates and prioritizes diversity and inclusion. HSPPR welcomes you to apply for this exciting opportunity at our socially conscious organization. Job Summary: Produce external communications according to communication and marketing plan to raise visibility, awareness, and public reputation. Support internal and external communications, including PR and marketing efforts. Serve as primary contact for media. HSPPR's Mission Statement: HSPPR offers compassionate care to animals, supports safe communities, and provides socially conscious sheltering. The Public Relations Manager supports HSPPR's mission by increasing public awareness, trust, and engagement with the organization's life‑saving work. Through strategic media relations, storytelling, and community outreach, this role promotes HSPPR's programs, services, and impact to the public and key stakeholders. By serving as a primary media contact, creating compelling communications, and highlighting animal welfare efforts, the position helps strengthen the organization's reputation, attract donors and supporters, and ultimately advance the care and protection of pets and people in the community.

Requirements

BA/BS with preferred emphasis in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field.
3 years of experience in communication, media relations, or marketing.
Demonstrated solid writing and editing experience.
Ability to write in a variety of voices.
Superior presentation skills and excellent on-camera communicator.
Able to independently manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
Experience working with a variety of computer applications, including desktop publishing, graphics, spreadsheets, and databases.
Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of HSPPR.
Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to HSPPR.

Nice To Haves

Nonprofit public relations experience a plus.
Knowledge of animal behavior and animal handling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Write press releases, pitch news stories, respond to media requests (including weekends), arrange interviews and appearances, and draft talking points for interviews, acting as spokesperson when needed.
Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) for our Animal Law Enforcement team; pitching stories and interview opportunities to further enhance our reputation around safety for pets and people.
Coordinate events to showcase programs or new services at HSPPR.
Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to increase public awareness and a positive image for HSPPR.
Assist with internal and external communications for employees, customers, and other stakeholders that comply with HSPPR's philosophy, branding, and business objectives.
Appear on television, radio, and write newspaper advertisements to promote a pet/pets of the week.
Plan and execute press conferences when needed and appropriate.
Assist in developing annual communications plan to strategically plan out topics of discussion in external communication efforts (CEO updates, press releases, blog topics, etc.).
Serve as an editor for external communications and publications. Ensure accuracy, correct style and grammar, and consistency with HSPPR's mission and brand.
Develop talking points and film monthly CEO updates, as well as brainstorm and contribute content for regular email correspondence with donors.
Aid in development projects by contributing ideas, stories, pictures and copy for e-blasts, grant writing, fundraising campaigns, etc.
Write blog posts on a regular basis and distribute as brand journalism when appropriate.
Represent HSPPR at events as required.
Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to HSPPR.
Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of HSPPR.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Help the community and donors recognize the daily, life-saving work HSPPR does by sending pictures and stories to the Philanthropy team.
Aid the Philanthropy team with stories and photography opportunities whenever possible.