Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.

Since 1944, Heifer International has worked with more than 39 million families around the world to end hunger and poverty in a sustainable way. Working with rural communities in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, including the United States, Heifer International supports farmers and local food producers to strengthen local economies and build secure livelihoods that provide a living income.

FUNCTION

As part of the Global Communications Team, the Public Relations Manager supports the organization’s communications strategy with an emphasis on building Heifer International’s technical brand as a leading global development organization. They will develop and deliver a media relations strategy, seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media, and secure speaking engagements at industry events. The Public Relations Manager must be able to build and lever relationships within the organization and with reporters and editors, producers and event organizers with the goal of raising awareness of the organization’s impact with donors and other actors in the development sector. They will manage one Public Relations Officer and agency support. We are looking for someone with an understand of international development and strong written, verbal and project management skills who has the confidence to manage multiple workstreams, network and pitch.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS: 

Strong written and verbal skills. Adaptable. Newsroom-savvy. Able to work independently to get the job done. Collaborative. Flexible. Optimistic. Willingness to listen and learn.  

RESPONSIBILITIES & DELIVERABLES

A. Strategy Development and Execution (20%)

• Lead development and execution of a media strategy with a specific focus on thought leadership spaces.
• Track and analyze media and event impact, reporting on progress to strategy.
• Develop and manage clear strategy for engaging national/international media outlets.
• Identify outlets for positioning.

B. Media Collaboration and Coverage (20%)

• Build and leverage relationships with teams across the organization.
• Work with Public Relations Officer to proactively position Heifer with regional, national, international and development sector media.
• Respond to requests for interviews and information, research and facilitate new media relationships and partnerships.
• Research and package stories and content ideas, pitching to journalists.
• Network of core journalists/outlets developed and cultivated.
• Increased media presence in areas key to Heifer International’s work.
• High-quality content tailored to the needs of target audiences and influences developed.
• Accompany journalists to the field, as needed.

C. Thought Leadership and Editorial (30%)

• Write, edit and disseminate press releases, media advisories and news wire releases.
• Write, position and secure placement of op-eds. and letters to the editor.
• High-quality, timely releases and advisories sent to appropriate outlets and posted on Heifer International’s media center.
• Conceive, write and pitch op-eds. profiling Heifer experts

D. Secure Profile Raising Opportunities at Industry Events (25%)

• Work with team coordinator to set up and manage event/speaker calendar.
• Network with conference organizers to explore potential for Heifer presence and profile.
• Position Heifer speakers and panel ideas.
• Develop speaker briefs, talking points, speeches.
• Work with other members of Global Communications Team to develop event products.
• Speaking opportunities/events identified and profile opportunities secured.
• Leadership and staff supported to represent Heifer.

E. Other job-related duties, as assigned (5%)

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree plus eight (8) years of job related experience.

Most Critical Proficiencies:

1. Knowledge of international development sector and issues.
2. Knowledge of public relations and news media.
3. Strong writing skills and confidence pitching.
4. Able to work quickly and to deadlines.
5. Strong editing and presentation skills.
6. Strong project management skills.
7. Attention to detail.
8. Openess to working with colleagues from different countries and cultures.

Essential Job Functions and Physical Demands:

1. Ability to give expression to Heifer International’s mission through word, media and public relations activities.
2. Constant face-to-face, telephone and electronic communication with colleagues and the general public.
3. Ability to work in a fast pace environment.
4. Ability to confidently give oral presentations and impromptu speeches to a wide range of audiences.
5. Ability to effectively plan, prepare, and present material for publication that conforms to prescribed style and format with impeccable attention to detail.
6. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and/or internationally, as needed.
7. Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours.
8. May require constant sitting and moving; working at a computer for extended periods of time, as well as occasional bending and lifting.

Salary Information:

Starting salary for this position is $82k USD annually. Salary will be commensurate with experience and competency.

**Disclaimer: Salary for this position is based on U.S. labor market and salary scale.”

WHAT WE OFFER:

Heifer International offers a variety of benefits for U.S.-based employees working 30 or more hours per week.

• Health and wellness benefits including Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Saving Account
• Employee assistance program
• 403(b) retirement plan (match 1% employee to 2% employer up to a maximum of 4% match + 3% employer discretionary contribution regardless of employee contribution)
• 22 vacation days in addition to 12 statutory and discretionary holidays, and 10 sick days per year
• Employer-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D)
• Professional development and annual merit increase opportunities
• Optional critical illness insurance, legal assistance plan and pet protection
• And more!