Public Relations Manager

Come work for Animal Humane Society as a Public Relations Manager, where caring for animals isn’t just a job – it’s our passion.  We are on a mission to compassionately and responsibly create a more humane world for animals and their people.

Job Summary: The Public Relations Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategic public relations initiatives that elevate brand awareness, strengthen reputation, and support organizational priorities, including public-facing communications related to complex or sensitive animal welfare issues. As a key member of the Marketing and Communications team, this role leads media relations efforts to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all earned and shared channels.

Pay: Ranges from $70,000 - $80,000 annually

Benefits: 

• Health, Dental, Vision insurance + Paid Time Off
• 9 paid holidays + 4 floating holidays per full calendar year
• 401k with a 4% company match

Schedule: Full-time; Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. Evenings and weekends as needed.

Location: Hybrid; on-site at least one day a week (Golden Valley location) with travel to other AHS sites and offsite media appearances as needed.

Application requirements: Please upload cover letter and current resume

Interview process: Step 1 - phone screen; Step 2 - virtual interview via Microsoft Teams; Step 3 - on-site interview

What You'll Be Doing:

Media Relations

• Develop and lead a proactive public relations strategy aligned with organizational priorities and brand positioning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Proactively identify and pitch stories that position AHS as a trusted, leading voice.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and interview coordination.
• Represent AHS on camera and in live interviews with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.
• Draft press releases, media statements, op-eds, and media briefing materials.
• Prepare organizational leaders for media engagement through coaching, messaging, and briefing materials.

Brand and Reputation Management

• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment to provide insights and recommendations.
• Ensure consistency of messaging across all external communications.
• Support crisis communications planning and response, including rapid message development and media coordination during emerging situations.

• Protect and enhance the organization’s brand and public image.
• Identify reputational risks and opportunities related to public perception.

Content and Storytelling

• Identify and develop compelling stories that highlight the impact of AHS and its work.
• Collaborate with marketing and program colleagues to amplify stories across channels.
• Support internal and executive communications as needed.

Campaign and Strategic Communications

• Partner with marketing and fundraising teams to support integrated campaigns.
• Align PR efforts with key organizational initiatives, events, and advocacy priorities.
• Track, analyze, and report on PR performance, using insights to refine strategy and improve effectiveness.

Internal Collaboration

• Build strong cross-functional relationships to surface stories and align messaging.
• Provide media training and communications guidance to staff and subject matter experts.

Communication and Culture

• Communicate in a positive and professional manner with customers, colleagues, and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to make AHS a welcoming environment for all.

Technology

• Monitor AHS email and voicemail and respond to media inquiries in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, or journalism.
• Proven track record of securing media coverage and managing press relationships.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson and participating in on-camera interviews.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with media monitoring and PR analytics tools.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Strong multi-tasking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proficient with computers and Microsoft products.
• Video production and editing skills are preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged sitting at a desk.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Must be comfortable handling dogs, cats, and critters on and off camera for media appearances.

Emotional Demands:

• Must be comfortable with the emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of humane euthanasia.

Benefits

About AHS

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help thousands of animals in need across Minnesota. 

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere. 

Why Work Here  

• Make a difference in the lives of animals and people  
• Join a team of coworkers who love animals as much as you do  
• Work-life balance  
• Unique animal adoption benefits and discounts on veterinary care and pet supplies
• Health insurance coverage for full time staff includes the following: medical, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending account for health care expenses and dependent care, voluntary accident insurance; critical illness insurance; hospital indemnity insurance; employee- paid supplemental life; employee-paid accidental death & dismemberment; and long term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid benefits for full time staff includes the following: basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term disability. 
• Support for student loans: we are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer 
• Mental Health and Counseling Support: all employees have access to our Employee Assistance Program with 3 free counseling sessions per year  
• 401k for part-time and full-time staff with a 4% company match
• Nine paid holidays for full-time staff  
• Paid floating holidays for part-time and full-time staff (up to 4 days per year based on start date)  
• Paid Time Off for part time and full time staff (amount is based on hours worked and FTE status)  
• Paid parent leave for full-time staff  

Our Organizational Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

As an organization dedicated to making the world a more humane and compassionate place for animals, we know that people are at the heart of all that we do. Animal Humane Society’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide. 

At AHS we embrace and honor the inherent dignity and diverse experiences of our team members, volunteers, board members, partners, clients, and visitors, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, or income. Working together to instill equity and inclusivity within our organization will allow us to better serve the people and animals of Minnesota, and ultimately have a positive impact on animals in our care.