Sr. Communications Specialist

American Humane is seeking an experienced Sr. Communications Specialist to promote the mission through all communications mediums and platforms. This position is will be hybrid and reports directly to the Director, Public & Media Relations. American Humane is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. As we seek to fill this position, we highly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

For more than 100 years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people. We are first to serve, wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. Through our innovative leadership initiatives – from our “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue and care across the country – American Humane sets the gold standard as the most visionary and effective animal welfare organization in the nation.

Position summary:
The Senior Communications Specialist (Sr. Specialist) is responsible for promoting the mission and work of American Humane through all communications mediums and platforms. Reporting to the Director, Public & Media Relations (Director), the Sr. Specialist will work in coordination with the communications team and leadership to develop content and implement earned media strategies inclusive of rapid response broadcast pitches, opinion editorials, letters to the editors, statements, and long-lead efforts. The Sr. Specialist will coordinate media opportunities, produce written materials, and ensure quality and consistency in messaging within master brand of the organization.

Responsibilities:

• At the direction of the Director, pitch members of the press (i.e., reporters, television network producers, etc.) on a regular basis.
• Help develop and implement strategic media outreach plans for specific announcements, programs, and events in collaboration with the Director and Chief Communications Officer.
• As needed, prepare and support internal and external spokespeople for media appearances to ensure that they publicly represent the organization in an accurate, positive manner.
• As directed, serve as the on-site media liaison for press appearances, including American Humane events with press attendance (e.g., congressional briefings, Hero Dog Awards, etc.); in-studio television appearances; press conferences; and interviews on location (e.g., during a rescue mission), among others.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with members of the press to maximize opportunities for earned media coverage.
• Write and distribute press releases, as well as public statements.
• Keep up-to-date distribution lists for press releases and announcements.
• Serve as lead writer responsible for developing content for newsletters, producing and pitching editorial content (i.e., letters and op-eds), and assisting with other American Humane publications including social media content as needed.
• Field questions from the media or other external constituent outreach that comes in through the organization’s general info or Communications email inboxes.

• Oversee booking and production of interviews.

• Provide additional media and writing support for American Humane, including fundraising and development efforts.
• As the organization grows, participate in other duties as assigned.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Ideal candidate will have 5-7 years of professional experience in public relations, communications, media relations, or related field such as journalism.
• Must love to pitch and have demonstrable portfolio of results.
• Strong communication skills with proven ability to present, write and edit exceptionally, and to do so in a clear, concise, well-organized, and well-articulated manner.
• Ability to change voice and writing style to fit a particular audience and purpose, while staying on message.
• Self-disciplined, entrepreneurial, action-oriented style that thrives in a start-up environment, strong work ethic.
• Ability to produce high-quality work on deadline and under pressure. Comfortable managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines at one time.
• Ability to think proactively, take initiative and see tasks through to completion with appropriate follow-up.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling and securing confidential information, as well as the ability to conduct oneself in a highly professional manner.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to establish and implement systems and identify resources to ensure the successful completion of projects. Ability to create and maintain files, recording systems and communication protocols.
• Flexibility to work both independently and as part of a team and across departments to meet goals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel and deploy to national disasters, reunifications, special events to gather information and photography/video materials and, as directed, serve as an on- and off-the-record spokesperson.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer and office technology including applications for project and data management (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook preferred). Ability to quickly learn software specific to the department or institution.

Direct reports:

• None

Physical demands and work environment:

• Position will be a hybrid of in-office and remote-telework based out of the Washington, DC headquarters office location with regular telework schedule based on organizational policy, need and manager discretion. Must be DC-based, no exceptions.
• Must be o.k. being around animals, especially dogs, in the office and at events and other functions.
• Travel required, potentially up to 15% and potentially last minute if staffing a Rescue deployment.
• Occasional need for hours beyond regular office hours, including some evening and weekend work.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee will regularly be required to:
  • Sit or stand for extended periods,
  • Look at and work off a computer screen for extended periods, and
  • Talk, hear and exchange information over the telephone, virtually and in-person.
• May be required to life or move items up to 20 pounds on occasion.

American Humane’s core values define our workplace, and these values serve as the cornerstone for interactions in advancing our mission and institutional goals.Employees are expected to adhere to all organizational policies and to act as role models, demonstrating American Humane’s core values:

• Compassion – Being kind and caring in our interactions with others.
• Accountability - Holding ourselves to the highest standards. Following through on commitments and owning our actions, behavior, and decisions.
• Respect for All – Being professional, listening to others and honoring diversity in all its forms.
• Loyalty to Mission – Staying focused on our purpose and our mission – our nation’s most vulnerable depend on us.
• Sustainability - Contributing to being a great place to work and achieving our shared mission and goals to make a difference, now and in the future.
• Honesty, Integrity, Trust – Demonstrating transparency, as trusted stewards of donor resources, supporting our leadership and one another.

American Humane (AH) is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to fostering and growing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and the humane space.