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Position: Communications & Public Relations Manager

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Job Id: 502

# of Openings: 1

Organization Name: People USA - Peer Run Behavioral & Mental Health, Recovery, and Wellness

Job Title: Communications/Public Relations Manager
Job Location: Poughkeepsie, NY (Hybrid)
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Must be Flexible due to Events)
Payrate: $65,000 per year/ salary exempt

Job Summary: The Communications/Public Relations Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans across internal and external channels to ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging. This role plays a key part in building and maintaining a positive public image, increasing visibility, supporting fundraising and volunteer initiatives, and strengthening stakeholder engagement through compelling storytelling and media outreach. The ideal candidate is a strong writer and public speaker, digitally savvy, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments to align communications with the organization’s goals and long-term vision.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communications & Planning
1. Implement comprehensive communication and public relations strategies aligned with organizational goals and values.
2. Analyze communication needs and audiences to craft clear, consistent messaging across all channels.
3. Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure message alignment and support for organizational priorities.
2. Media & Public Relations
1. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets to generate positive media coverage.
2. Proactively create pitch stories, write press releases, media kits, and talking points.
3. Serve as a media contact and organizational spokesperson, representing the organization at events, in interviews, and during press conferences.
3. Content Creation & Brand Messaging
1. Create high-quality, engaging content for press releases, newsletters, website, social media, and fundraising materials.
2. Oversee the production of visual and multimedia content including photography, infographics, and videos.
3. Ensure all messaging adheres to brand guidelines and reflects the organization’s mission and voice.
4. Digital Communications & Social Media
1. Support the organization’s social media strategy and editorial calendar across all platforms.
2. Create platform-specific content, monitor engagement, and respond to inquiries in a timely, brand-appropriate manner.
3. Track social media and digital campaign performance, using analytics to refine strategies and grow online presence.
4. Partner with marketing and development to create targeted communications that support donor appeals, volunteer recruitment, and event promotion.
5. Use storytelling to illustrate impact and strengthen emotional connections with supporters.
5. Public Speaking & Presentation
1. Represent the organization through public speaking engagements, media interviews, and community events.
2. Prepare and deliver presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and board members.
6. Event Promotion & Community Engagement
1. Collaborate to promote annual organizational events, fundraising campaigns, and community outreach efforts.
2. Coordinate communication logistics to ensure visibility, participation, and success of organizational events.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
2. 3–5+ years of experience in a communications or PR role, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-based organization.
3. Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
4. Strong media relations experience with a proven track record of securing earned media.
5. Proficiency in digital tools including social media platforms and email marketing systems.
6. Familiarity with design and multimedia tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.
7. Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines while maintaining quality and creativity.
8. Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
9. Strong understanding of media landscape and public relations practice.
10. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
11. Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

Reports to: Director of Marketing & Development