Location: Remote (Within New York City)
Hiring Range: This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be $85,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits!
Interviews will occur weekly starting October 28, 2024
Summary: The Public Relations Strategist for NYC and the east region develops, supports, and executes a wide variety of public relations activities that build public awareness and support for Best Friends and our no-kill 2025 goal. You are a critical thinker and creative storyteller with an ability to understand and distill complex issues into consumable, compelling stories for a broad spectrum of channels and audiences. You are an exceptional writer, multi-tasker, and communicator who works with a sense of urgency and can always find a meaningful way into public narratives. You are extremely collaborative, have strong follow thru and project management skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Develop and execute dynamic public relations strategies to elevate awareness of Best Friends' impactful initiatives in both NYC and on a national level and establish the organization as a leader in the animal welfare space.
Craft press releases, pitches, interview briefings, and talking points to effectively communicate Best Friends' mission.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with key national, regional, and NYC journalists, editors, and producers across diverse and emerging media platforms. Handle proactive and reactive media opportunities.
Utilize comprehensive industry insights and data to shape compelling narratives that resonate with target media outlets and audiences.
Coordinate and oversee media shoots and segments, serving as spokesperson for Best Friends and providing expert media training to approved spokespeople.
Conduct in-depth analysis of media coverage related to animal welfare issues, offering strategic communications counsel to senior leadership and identifying thought leadership opportunities.
Collaborate with cross-functional internal teams, including marketing, social media, creative, advocacy, celebrity relations, corporate relations, and programming, to ensure cohesive messaging and maximize exposure.
Proactively seek out media opportunities within NYC while serving as a mentor and strategic partner for local animal shelters and rescue groups within the Best Friends network.
Skills and Experience:
A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is .
A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in public relations, with a demonstrated track record of securing impactful media placements (national and local print, online, broadcast) and cultivating strong relationships with journalists. Experience pitching and securing podcasts is a plus.
Must have agency experience or experience working in house at a large brand.
Exceptional writing skills with a keen ability to craft engaging and persuasive pitches and press releases.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills, with a collaborative spirit and the capacity to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders.
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality work and professionalism. This includes the ability to juggle 3 – 5 clients or brand extensions at a time.
Experience using Cision, Critical Mention, Truescope and Asana preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products; comfort learning new systems, including online information systems.
Experience using data to create narratives or develop strategy.
Genuine passion for animal welfare and a steadfast commitment to advancing Best Friends' mission to Save Them All.
Physical Requirements:
Extended periods of time working on the computer with repetitive typing, arm and hand motion.
Valid driver’s license, meeting Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards; ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
Daily hours and days of the week may vary according to the needs of the department schedule; position includes weekends, nights, and holiday work.
Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.
Applicants for employment in the US must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the US by Best Friends Animal Society.