Public Relations & Communications Officer

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop compelling stories that highlight The Village's mission, programs, services, partnerships, accomplishments, and community impact.
• Partner with program staff, organizational leaders, development personnel, and community partners to research and develop content opportunities.
• Conduct interviews with staff, clients, donors, partners, and subject-matter experts while maintaining confidentiality and obtaining appropriate consent.
• Write and edit feature stories, program highlights, staff spotlights, organizational news, website content, newsletters, and other communications materials.
• Manage and maintain the organization's editorial calendar, coordinating priorities, deadlines, and contributors across departments.
• Develop and implement earned media and public relations strategies aligned with organizational goals and messaging.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media outlets across local, regional, and industry markets.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day media contact and coordinate media responses, interviews, and deadlines in collaboration with leadership.
• Draft and distribute approved press releases, media advisories, statements, and other media materials.
• Prepare executives and subject-matter experts for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling abilities.
• Demonstrated experience writing press releases, feature articles, executive communications, speeches, and organizational messaging.
• Experience pitching stories, cultivating media relationships, and coordinating media interviews.
• Strong news judgment and ability to manage sensitive communications with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven project management and organizational skills, including managing editorial calendars and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent research, fact-checking, and information-gathering capabilities.
• Ability to prepare executives and staff for media interactions and serve as a spokesperson when authorized.

Preferred

• Experience working within nonprofit, human services, healthcare, education, community affairs, or other mission-driven organizations is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Our benefits package supports your whole life with comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and employer matched retirement savings. We also invest in your growth through tuition assistance (Loan Forgiveness Program – NHSC, tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment). https://thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits/