Senior Public Relations Coordinator

Role Overview

• Leads development and implementation of comprehensive, strategic public relations plans for Youth Villages and its various services, programs, and events
• Conducts strategic media relations in key markets to support overall organizational and departmental objectives; works with the news media both proactively and reactively; remains on-call 24/7 for journalists and crisis situations
• Stays apprised of situations in key markets, ensuring PR is conducted accurately, timely, within budget parameters, and in a way that supports operational goals
• Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of PR strategies and tactics, and reports on status of plans and results of work
• Stays apprised of issues affecting the organization (including competitor work)
• Conducts media training and coaches and prepares staff, families, and young people for news media interviews
• Creates media and communications materials such as news releases, news advisories, fact sheets, talking points, speaking points, press kits, etc.
• Conducts planning and execution of PR strategy for campaigns, programs and events, such as news conferences, training classes, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, and fundraisers
• Ability to interview families and young people and write stories for various uses
• Ability to work collaboratively across various teams and departments to ensure integration and sharing of information
• Skilled writer with the ability to write copy, including PSAs, speeches, scripts, news releases, and communications materials; assists with editing and proofreading upon request; follows AP Style
• Works closely with digital strategy, as well as other Youth Villages departments and outside vendors as necessary, to ensure all programs and projects are successful, accurate, and timely
• Supports crisis communications as necessary alongside national communications team and state leadership
• Works closely with development team to identify opportunities to support fundraising efforts, events, volunteer and mentor recruitment and initiatives targeting key stakeholders
• Monitors Youth Villages coverage in the news media, including digital, preparing monthly reports; utilizes media monitoring and database software for tracking and media outreach
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field (required)
• Three to five years of experience in public relations and/or communications (required)
• Proven track record of media success and existing relationships with North Carolina media outlets (required)
• Strong media relations, communications planning, and event promotion experience (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
• 401(k)
• Time off: 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
• 12 paid sick days per year
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
• Growth & development through continuous training
• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities