Location: Remote - NY Tri-StateArea

Hiring Range:This position’s hiring range is anticipated to be 85,000 - $95,000, annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits.

Interviews will start on November 25th and occur weekly until the position is filled.

Summary:The Public Relations Strategist will work to support earned media for Best Friends Lifesaving Center in NYC as well as priority locations. The role develops, supports, and executes a wide variety of public relations initiatives that build public awareness and support for Best Friends Lifesaving Centerand the 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-through and project management skills.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute dynamic public relations strategies to elevate awareness of Best Friends in NYC, key states, as well as on a national level and establish the organization as a leader in the animal welfare issues, offering strategic communications counsel to senior 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 national and local NYC 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 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 NYCand key states while serving as a mentor and strategic partner for local animal shelters and rescue groups within the Best Friends network.

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Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of 5-7years of hands-on experience in public relations, with a demonstrated track record of securing impactful media placements (national and local print, online, broadcast, podcast and cultivating strong relationships with journalists.

• 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 maintaininghigh 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.