Public Relations Specialist

Position Overview:

The Public Relations Specialist supports the development and execution of marketing, public relations, communications, and media initiatives that advance the Houston Humane Society’s mission, programs, and community impact.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute public relations plans aligned with organizations goals, priorities, and key messages.

• Identify opportunities to increase client visibility through earned media, announcements, events, and other communications initiatives.

• Conduct research to support public relations strategies, campaigns, and story development.

• Develop proactive and reactive communications strategies as needed.

• Develop compelling story ideas and media angles that support the organizations objectives.

• Research and identify relevant media outlets, journalists, influencers, and other key audiences.

• Conduct targeted media outreach and build relationships with members of the media.

• Draft and distribute public relations and marketing materials, including press releases, pitches, talking points, statements, articles, promotional content, and other communications materials.

• Coordinate the delivery of visual assets to support media outreach, marketing initiatives, and communications efforts.

• Implement, and activate marketing collateral to ensure messaging, visuals, and graphics are consistent with the brand across online platforms and in-shelter environments.

• Coordinate media interviews, press opportunities, and media events.

• Staff media interviews and events as appropriate.

• Coordinate with spokespeople and client representatives to ensure they are prepared for scheduled media opportunities.

• Track media inquiries and opportunities and coordinate timely responses.

• Monitor relevant media coverage, news developments, and industry conversations.

• Track and document media placements and coverage generated through public relations efforts.

• Maintain reasonable availability outside of standard business hours when required by organization needs, breaking news, media opportunities, events, or other time-sensitive public relations activities.

• Facilitate weekly department meetings.

• Provide administrative support to the marketing team.

• Update and maintain files in company database.

• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Supervision Received:

Work under the general direction of Marketing Director. Work independently to prioritize and complete assigned tasks.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Ability to fluently speak/write both in English and Spanish preferred.
• A bachelor's degree. Can be substituted by the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.
• 4-6 years of in public relations, communications, marketing, media relations, account management, or related field.
• Experience developing press releases, media pitches, talking points, fact sheets, social or marketing content, and other communications materials.
• Experience conducting media outreach and developing relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Experience coordinating media events, press conferences, interviews, community events, or promotional events.
• Experience with media monitoring and coverage reporting platforms.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, and Video Editing Software.
• Advanced proficiency in social media platforms.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Demonstrated ability in handling multiple priorities, project management and meeting deadlines; strong planning and organizational skills.
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Ability to lift up to 20lbs.
• Comfortable handling animals of all sizes