PR Strategist – Housing & Community Impact (Hybrid)

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

State retirement plan

457 deferred compensation

Group term life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation time

Job summary

WHEDA in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Public Relations Officer to develop and implement communications strategies promoting WHEDA’s mission, programs, and policies to internal and external audiences. The role leads high‑level strategy, storytelling, media relations, and speechwriting to strengthen WHEDA’s visibility and credibility.

This is a non‑supervisory, in‑office position with possible hybrid options after training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or closely related field AND 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience related to one of the above areas, including 3 years of public relations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of affordable housing, finance, and/or public sector government preferred.
• Valid Driver’s Licenserequired.

Responsibilities

• Develop communications plans and strategies for new product launches, core products, competitive loan awards, organizational announcements, and examples of WHEDA’s impact. Serve as the primary contact for local, national, and industry news media. Build and maintain media relationships, arrange interviews, draft statements, and manage the media database. Research and craft thought leadership to establish WHEDA as the authority on housing. Place op-eds and other content to advance the Authority’s mission. Track, report, and analyze media coverage.
• Support press conferences, speaking events, and the WHEDA annual conference by preparing executive remarks, talking points, speeches/presentations, and briefing materials for executive leadership. Coordination with the Governor’s Office and other State Agencies as required. Write media advisories, develop media pitches, and track event coverage. Promote events through WHEDA’s online, social channels, and internal newsletter.
• Manage the editorial calendar, identify external/internal content needs, and opportunities for engagement. Develop and implement content strategies for websites, media, and campaigns. Identify trends, key issues, and emerging legislation that will drive media inquiries. Use social media monitoring and media tracking to analyze and improve communication. Ensure all messaging is consistent, accurate, meets brand standards, and promotes a positive image of WHEDA.
• Cultivate relationships with media, community partners, industry representatives, WHEDA staff, subject matter experts, board members, and government partners/agencies to strengthen mission alignment and advance organizational goals.
• Assist in monitoring, testing, and updating WHEDA’s Crisis Communication Plan. Develop new approaches to address complex, sensitive, and nuanced public affairs challenges, including timely concerns and issues-related inquiries. Create and implement plans and talking points to address tenant concerns, sentiment about affordable housing, public records requests, and negative media coverage. Support internal communications of policies, onboarding, intranet, and the monthly newsletter.
• Contribute to strategic communications planning for internal and external stakeholders. Advise management on communications needs, technology tools, and recommend improvements.
• Copyediting and proofreading skills to ensure accuracy, message consistency, and brand standards across marketing channels and business units. Performs or assists with other duties as assigned

Skills

Public relations principles

Relationship management

Crisis communications

Project management

Attention to detail

Deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree in public relations or related field

Job description

WHEDA in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Public Relations Officer to develop and implement communications strategies promoting WHEDA’s mission, programs, and policies to internal and external audiences. The role leads high‑level strategy, storytelling, media relations, and speechwriting to strengthen WHEDA’s visibility and credibility.

This is a non‑supervisory, in‑office position with possible hybrid options after training.