Public Relations Officer

WISCONSIN HOUSING & ECONOMIC•Madison, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Relations Officer develops and implements communications strategies to promote WHEDA’s mission, programs, and policies to internal and external audiences. The role leads high-level strategy and engaging storytelling to convey WHEDA’s impact on affordable housing, with a focus on media relations, written content, coordinated messaging, and speechwriting that strengthen the visibility and credibility of WHEDA programs, products, and initiatives. This is a non-supervisory position in the Marketing and Communications department, based at WHEDA’s Madison facility. The position begins with a 100% in-office schedule. After training, the direct manager may permit a hybrid schedule at their discretion. The officer serves as WHEDA’s primary media contact, develops communications plans and content, supports executive communications and events, monitors media coverage, and helps manage crisis and public affairs communications. The role also supports internal communications and advises management on communications needs and tools. The hiring range is $79,710–$99,123 annually. The offered salary depends on qualifications and internal pay equity. This position is not eligible for work-related immigration visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or a closely related field, and 8–10 years of progressively responsible related experience, including 3 years of public relations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license required.
Knowledge of public relations principles and best practices.
Relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
Knowledge of communications policies and procedures.
Project management and organizational skills.
Crisis communications and issues management skills.
Ability to navigate complex issues and translate technical information.
Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems.
Strong adherence to confidentiality when working with clients and vendors.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Attention to detail and process improvement.
Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize effectively, and manage workload.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of affordable housing, finance, and/or public sector government.

Responsibilities

Develop communications plans and strategies for product launches, core products, competitive loan awards, organizational announcements, and stories demonstrating WHEDA’s impact.
Serve as the primary contact for local, national, and industry news media; build media relationships, arrange interviews, draft statements, and manage the media database.
Research and create thought leadership content to establish WHEDA as an authority on housing; place op-eds and other content advancing the Authority’s mission.
Track, report, and analyze media coverage.
Support press conferences, speaking events, and the WHEDA annual conference by preparing executive remarks, talking points, speeches, presentations, and briefing materials.
Coordinate with the Governor’s Office and other state agencies as required.
Write media advisories, develop media pitches, and track event coverage.
Promote events through WHEDA’s online and social channels and internal newsletter.
Manage the editorial calendar and identify internal and external content needs and engagement opportunities.
Develop and implement content strategies for websites, media, and campaigns.
Identify trends, key issues, and emerging legislation that may drive media inquiries.
Use social media monitoring and media tracking to analyze and improve communications.
Ensure messaging is consistent, accurate, aligned with brand standards, and promotes a positive image of WHEDA.
Cultivate relationships with media, community partners, industry representatives, WHEDA staff, subject matter experts, board members, and government partners and agencies.
Assist in monitoring, testing, and updating WHEDA’s Crisis Communication Plan.
Develop approaches to complex, sensitive, and nuanced public affairs challenges, including timely concerns and issues-related inquiries.
Create and implement plans and talking points addressing tenant concerns, sentiment about affordable housing, public records requests, and negative media coverage.
Support internal communications relating to policies, onboarding, the intranet, and the monthly newsletter.
Contribute to strategic communications planning for internal and external stakeholders.
Advise management on communications needs and technology tools, and recommend improvements.
Copyedit and proofread materials to ensure accuracy, message consistency, and brand standards across marketing channels and business units.
Perform or assist with other duties as assigned.