Full-Time Director of Communications
Job Description
A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.
Position Title: Director of Communications
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
POSITION SUMMARY:
PAWS seeks an experienced and seasoned communications professional to oversee owned, earned, and paid media strategies and be responsible for finding, developing, and sharing compelling stories to help the organization meet programmatic and financial goals. The Director of Communications will work closely with the other members of the senior leadership team to help determine the strategic direction of PAWS and to craft communications ensuring the PAWS brand remains well respected in our local community and on a national stage and grows the reach of the PAWS brand. In addition to leading branding and storytelling efforts, the Communications Team, led by the Director of Communications, serves as the in-house “communications agency” to meet the needs of all PAWS departments, including Fundraising, Education, Volunteers, Animal Services, Wildlife, and Events.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
In accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:
• In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, oversee PAWS’ branding and messaging for consistency across all communications.
• Gather and convey inspiring storytelling content that engages and attracts donors, volunteers, and other key constituents.
• Lead media relations efforts, including cultivating and managing contacts, responding to requests, pitching stories, and preparing PAWS representatives with talking points for media engagements.
• Develop the annual marketing budget in collaboration with the CFO and CEO and manage vendors to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of products and services.
• Develop, update, and uphold internal and external-facing marketing and communications policies, protocols, and materials
• Engage with PAWS program staff to compile story details and photo and video elements and identify and craft compelling stories for use across all channels.
• Coordinate with staff across departments to supply storytelling content for their projects and provide creative and strategic guidance to help other departments meet their communication/marketing needs, ensuring messaging across the organization is consistent and effective.
• Build and maintain a PAWS-wide communications calendar that supports organizational objectives.
• Create content for and oversee production of materials including but not limited to: PAWS mini-magazine, annual report, annual calendar, press releases, event and education materials, and e-marketing.
• Support and participate in content creation, copywriting and promotions for signature fundraising events, including PAWSwalk, PAWS Wild Night, and possible third-party events.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining a robust, strategic presence on the PAWS social media accounts to generate positive engagement and build a strong supporter pipeline, with the option to hire and oversee a digital media specialist. This includes ensuring timely responses to social media comments and inquiries from the public.
• Maintain and refine the PAWS website, keeping content timely and appealing. In collaboration with the Web and Graphic Designer, recommend website layout and design revisions that keep the content accurate and compelling. Oversee and guide the work of the Web & Graphic Designer in a collaborative way and conduct annual performance evaluations.
• Track and analyze performance metrics and make data-driven strategy recommendations to the leadership team.
• Supervise full-time Web and Graphic Designer and other communications department positions.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• In collaboration with the Web and Graphic Designer, manage the Audio-Visual Asset Library content, structure, and protocols to ensure assets are well-maintained and accessible to users.
• In partnership with the Web and Graphic Designer, source and produce images and video footage for use in communications pieces.
• Update and maintain key constituent contact information and activity reports within the donor database.
CONTROLS OVER WORK:
This position works under the general guidance of the Chief Executive Officer and is expected to pursue the established duties with autonomy and without direct supervision.
This is a hybrid position. The Director of Communications will work remotely and is expected to visit PAWS locations when necessary (e.g., meetings, tours, and photo and video collection).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to sit for long periods of time working at a computer. Work is performed both in and out of the PAWS facility. Some local travel required. Regular contact with animals (wild and domestic).
REQUIREMENTS:
• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or comparable experience required.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in communications. Prior non-profit or public sector experience preferred.
• Must be an excellent writer, editor, and communicator able to compellingly articulate PAWS’ vision and mission and tell stories in a clear, accessible, and inspiring voice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects on competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing an annual communications plan.
• A creative, collaborative, and self-motivated individual, capable of maintaining a high level of professional diplomacy and confidentiality where required.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and work effectively and respectfully with members of the media and with diverse groups of people.
• A sincere interest in supporting the mission and values of PAWS.
• Must exemplify the values of the organization in all interactions with coworkers and members of the public, including respect, trust, compassion, commitment, and kindness.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington driver’s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses and auto-insurance with required coverage limits.
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS:
Employees and clients wear face covers at work. Cleaning and disinfection protocols are in place.
BENEFITS:
Generous benefits available including health/vision/dental/disability/life insurance, 403(b) with Company contribution and match, paid time off, paid holidays, Employee Assistance Program, pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please visit our online applicant page to upload your resume & cover letter and to fill out the required information at PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS
Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.
Application materials received by February 4, 2022, will receive priority consideration.
Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.
All offers of employment are conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.
How to Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS: Please visit our online applicant page to upload your resume & cover letter and to fill out the required information at PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration. Application materials received by February 4, 2022, will receive priority consideration.170 total views, 0 today