Responsibilities

• 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

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 organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
• Remote position located in North Carolina with priority being given to applicants residing in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Some travel within North/South Carolina and to Memphis for training/meetings will be required. Reliable transportation to travel around the region is required.

Preferred

• Strong media relations, communications planning, and event promotion experience (preferred)

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