Communications Manager

American Humane seeks an experienced earned media professional to serve as our new Communications Manager. The person in this position will act as the primary person for pitching and securing media for the President & CEO, as well as collaborating with communications team to promote programs and disseminate organizational messaging to achieve media coverage. The position will be a hybrid of remote work and office-based work; preference will be given to candidates located in Palm Beach, FL or the surrounding area. The Communications Manager will report to the Vice President, Communications & Legislative Affairs. 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 Communications Manager (Manager) is responsible for promoting the mission and work of American Humane and is the point person for pitching and securing broadcast and long-lead print stories featuring president and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert.  Media outreach will be directed at both the national and local regions, with a particular focus on southern Florida media outlets including print, TV, radio, podcasts, blogs and emerging media platforms.

The Manager will be an integral member of the Communications department and work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies around earned media for the organization.  The Manager will pitch and coordinate media opportunities, provide background briefing packages, talking points and staff interviews as directed by the VP of Communications.

Responsibilities:

• Pitch human interest and business stories featuring President & CEO to members of the press (i.e. reporters, television network producers, etc.) on an ongoing basis.
• Develop and cultivate strategic relationships with Florida media, including traditional and new media (including television, print, online, podcasts, etc.)
• Serve as the on-site FL media liaison for AH centered press appearances, including: AH events with press attendance (e.g. congressional briefings, fundraising events such as the Hero Dog Awards, etc.); in-studio television appearances; press conferences; and interviews on location, among others.
• Write and distribute press releases, as well as public statements; keep up-to-date distribution lists for press releases and announcements.
• Deploy to national disasters, reunifications, special events to gather material and, as directed, serve as a spokesperson.
• Provide additional media and writing support for American Humane, including fundraising and development efforts.
• Identify trends in media coverage for campaigns and various subjects as needed.
• Support and develop media strategies in collaboration with the Communications team as well as executive and programmatic leadership.
• As needed, prepare leadership and spokespeople for media interviews, which includes preparing materials, viewing expectations and conducting training as needed.
• Respond to and follow-up on media inquiries in collaboration with VP, Communications. 
• Collaborate with programs and departments, such as fundraising, to maximize exposure and outreach.

Essential experience, knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Ideal candidate will have at 8-10 years of experience with demonstratable earned media history.
• Must love to pitch and demonstrate results.
• Strong communication skills with proven ability to present, write and edit, 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.
• Self-disciplined, entrepreneurial, action-oriented style that thrives in a fast-paced, dead-line driven, high-stress environment.
• Demonstrates 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 as part of a team or independently and across departments to meet goals in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer and office technology including applications for project and data management and electronic calendars (Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook preferred).  Ability to quickly learn software specific to the department or institution. 

Direct reports:

n/a

Physical demands and work environment: 

• Strong preference for position to be based in Palm Beach, FL or surrounding area.
• Position will be a hybrid of remote and office-based work and must be o.k. being around animals, especially dogs.
• Travel required, potentially up to 25-50% at times.
• Occasional need for hours beyond regular office hours, including some evening and weekend work.

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.