APA! BACKGROUND: Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is one of Austin’s most dynamic and beloved nonprofits. The organization leads the No Kill movement nationally and is considered a national thought leader in animal welfare. APA! locally rescues, treats, and adopts out 10,000 homeless dogs and cats each year, providing the safety net for Austin’s most at-risk shelter pets, which helps Austin to be a No Kill city, while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals. The organization is distinguished by its large volunteer workforce and the scrappiness of its grassroots and its non-traditional, community-based animal rescue work. The organization continues to innovate best practices to save lives and spreads its impact by offering resources and mentorship related to its renowned lifesaving model through American Pets Alive!, APA!’s national division. In 2020, American Pets Alive! began the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) - an innovative initiative aimed at rethinking the traditional model of animal sheltering. It focuses on supporting both people and pets in the community to reduce the number of animals entering shelters and improve outcomes for both. The project encourages collaboration between animal welfare organizations and community-based services, with a goal of providing personalized, proactive support that positions animal welfare as a social service. BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY/OVERVIEW: The Philanthropy Communications Specialist is a key team member within APA!’s Advancement team, responsible for inspiring tens of thousands of supporters through strategic and compelling storytelling across various channels. This role involves leading the development and management of content for fundraising and donor engagement, ensuring alignment with APA!’s philanthropic goals and priorities, and collaborating across the team. Reporting to the Director of Marketing Communications, the Philanthropy Communications Specialist will oversee direct mail efforts, email solicitations (e-solicits), CEO and other Executive level stewardship communications, and other critical communication initiatives. The Philanthropy Communications Specialist is responsible for managing their daily responsibilities, maintaining clear priorities, and delivering consistent, high-quality work that aligns with APA!’s values and goals. This includes staying organized, using data or feedback to inform decisions, and following through on key tasks and responsibilities with minimal oversight. Every individual at APA! is responsible for working in collaboration with volunteers; making sure volunteers are recruited, trained and feel impactful through their efforts at APA!. A core part of this role is creating a welcoming and empowering experience for volunteers, including assisting with onboarding, training, and volunteer engagement as part of the day-to-day workflow. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Strategic Leadership and Management: Independently manage chip-ins fundraising program, creating strategy to meet and exceed a monthly revenue goal of $10k, while coordinating with APA!’s clinic staff. Produce four or more e-solicits per month, outside of active campaigns, and collaborate with the full Advancement team for urgent communications during natural disasters and other emergencies. Conduct A/B testing, analyze email performance on key metrics, and implement other testing methodologies to continually improve engagement and increase revenue. Work with team leadership to lead mass SMS efforts and incorporate text campaigns into fundraising initiatives. Manage volunteers and/or interns, as appropriate. Lead the creation and execution of direct mail pieces from ideation through writing and project management, including managing vendor relations. Content Development and Communication: Distill complex program information into concise and compelling messages. Manage and share a stream of key fundraising messages and stories for use in writing the content for integrated campaigns, digital campaigns and donor engagement. Produce weekly stewardship communications on behalf of the CEO, sending to top-level donors, in coordination with the CEO. Maintain a content calendar for campaigns, e-solicits, and other communications projects to ensure timely and effective messaging. Create event promotion communications to engage and invite supporters, managing content across multiple platforms. Create and manage campaign donation pages in Classy, involving the Graphic Designer and team leadership as needed to optimize design and messaging. Collaborate with Social Media Specialist to maximize fundraising opportunity via social media channels. Work with the Director of Marketing Communications to maintain the Advancement team’s written voice, as well as the sub-voices of different segments, and create written assets to serve as a guide for all written communications.. Donor Engagement and Feedback: Track data and develop recommendations for improved performance of e-solicits, chip-ins, social media campaigns, and/or video appeals around urgent funding needs, continually analyzing email performance, researching best practices, and implementing strategies to improve results. Conduct surveys following each campaign to gather donor feedback, and share results to enhance future communications and strategies. Develop targeted communications and collateral materials in collaboration with the full Advancement team. Write and produce monthly stewardship newsletter featuring updates on animals who have received high levels of engagement/interest from donors to close the loop on those stories and show direct impact of gifts. Expand and refine the case for philanthropic support, aligning with overall philanthropic goals and priorities. Operational and Collaborative Support: Act as the backup editor for the Director of Marketing Communications editing and advising on content produced across the team. Collaborate as needed, with the Partnerships and Individual Giving team members, contributing storytelling expertise to enhance joint fundraising and stewardship efforts. Communicate effectively in writing and orally with a diverse constituency, ensuring clarity and compelling calls to action in all communications. Engage and manage volunteers so as to multiply the position’s efforts, carrying out the origins of APA! built on volunteerism. Volunteer Engagement: Actively contribute to a volunteer-powered culture by partnering with volunteers during every shift and helping create an inclusive, welcoming environment Work alongside volunteers to complete daily tasks, ensuring the work is shared and collaborative—not siloed Support the recruitment and onboarding process by welcoming new volunteers and helping them get oriented to the program Help retain volunteers by offering encouragement, guidance, and feedback during shared work Recommend strong volunteers for deeper involvement or specialized roles to your supervisor or volunteer manager Contribute to a positive culture by recognizing volunteer contributions through appreciation, gratitude, and shoutouts Help set volunteers up for success by clearly explaining tasks, providing hands-on guidance, and offering in-the-moment support The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work to be performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Job duties may include some or all of the above, and other duties as assigned by manager OTHER FUNCTIONS: Must demonstrate dependability, accountability, time management, use of reasoning, and good judgment skills Attend and participate in all required training sessions and meetings Maintain open and consistent communication with Program Manager or designee, supervisor, and other colleagues Partner with Volunteer Managers to learn about the volunteer programs and support volunteers interested in your department on an ongoing basis Able to react to change productively and perform other related duties as assigned Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed Able to work in a high-volume, fast-paced, high-stress environment Comfortable working autonomously when given goals and deadlines PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work around animals (including diseased, injured, and/or potentially aggressive animals), loud noises, chlorine or other chemicals, and inclement weather. Must be able to comfortably interact with cats/dogs of various health levels, including cats who may carry zoonotic diseases such as ringworm, scabies, intestinal parasites, etc. Prolonged periods of working at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Must be able to focus in a loud and busy environment despite distractions. If reasonable accommodations are requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship to the organization. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent written communication skills, with a flair for crafting stories that move people to action. Previous experience in fundraising or similar communications meant to drive action and engagement. Demonstrated passionate commitment to animals and the No Kill cause, as well as ethical fundraising. Balance multiple projects concurrently, set benchmarks, and establish priorities. Learn quickly, pivot as needed, and be effective in a fast-paced, multi-faceted, ambitious environment. Possess a “Can Do” attitude and contribute innovative ideas as an active team member. Work well independently, as part of a collaborative team, and be open to receiving direction and feedback while meeting goals. Apply high-level critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills when developing and articulating solutions to a variety of situations, demonstrating leadership ability. Plan, implement, and evaluate strategic objectives as needed to achieve goals. Demonstrate interpersonal and motivational skills and the ability to maintain positive. team-oriented relationships and share knowledge and information with other employees. Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability. Participate in and contribute to community collaborations and inter-agency discussions. Proficiency in Google Suite. Proficiency in MailChimp, Virtuous Marketing, or other email marketing platforms. Bonus points for skills in Canva, InDesign, or other design platforms. EXPECTATIONS Must embody APA!'s core values of innovation, respect, drive, resourcefulness, and inclusion Commitment to APA!'s customer experience expectations. Willing and committed to working well with volunteers and staff in all roles. Passion for working well with staff, volunteers, and customers—helping all individuals feel successful, appreciated, and connected to APA!’s mission Strong commitment to volunteer engagement and support; dedicated to working well with volunteers across all roles Comfortable working cross-functionally and serving as a liaison between volunteers, customers, and team members Excellent interpersonal skills; maintains a calm and professional presence in all situations Strong attention to detail and high standards for quality Adaptable to change and able to perform related duties as needed Committed to embodying APA!’s Core Values: Innovation, Respect, Drive, Resourcefulness, and Inclusion and cultural values: Humble, Hungry, Smart WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office environment, with exposure to environmental conditions that include working with and near animals Uses own transportation to travel and transport Exposure to unpleasant odors and noises. Exposure to bites, scratches and animal waste Possible exposure to contagious diseases Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to support program needs WORKING RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports directly to the Director of Marketing Communications, or another individual designated by APA!. TIME COMMITMENT: This is a full-time, exempt position with an average of 40 hours per week. Shift and schedule flexibility is required, as weekly schedule is subject to change Able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed LOCATION(S): APA! Main - Town Lake Animal Center (1156 West Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78703) APA! Shelter Pet Hospital - (4942 US-290 Austin, TX 78735) APA!’s Tarrytown office (2414 Exposition Blvd, Ste. B-100, Austin, TX, 78703) Hybrid (must live in Austin area) May travel to offsite locations as needed Benefits Austin Pets Alive! is proud to offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including subsidized employer-sponsored medical coverage, subsidized and voluntary life insurance, voluntary dental, vision and short-term disability options, all effective the first day of employment. We also offer voluntary wellness and emergency sick plans, up to 2% match on 401(K) retirement plan, supplemental benefits, flexible spending accounts and additional life coverage. Full-time employees receive 10 paid holidays and accrue 10 days paid time off during the first year of employment, with an additional 5 days of PTO accrual upon completion of 12 months of employment. Employees will also receive professional development opportunities through APA!’s ongoing mission to advance our animal welfare professionals in our life-saving work. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT Austin Pets Alive! is an equal employment opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we engage on. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, women, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply. Austin Pets Alive! does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Austin Pets Alive! is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation. APA! is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. To request an accommodation, please contact Talent Acquisition at job@austinpetsalive.org at least one week in advance of your interview.