Public Relations Assistant

Star of Hope Family Services; Keyser (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Star of Hope Family Services seeks a Public Relations Assistant to support donor relations and fundraising efforts. You will manage donor data, coordinate mailings, and acknowledge contributions to strengthen community impact.

Work with the Resource Development team to promote agency programs, assist with events, and maintain accurate records for transparency and stewardship.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Business, Advertising, Accounting, or related field.
• 1–2 years in public relations, fundraising, or donor relations recommended.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential donor information.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the donor database, including updates and data quality checks.
• Coordinate direct mail appeals, newsletters, and fundraising communications.
• Process and acknowledge charitable contributions and donations.
• Prepare gift reports, donor lists, and annual reports for newsletters and publications.
• Coordinate volunteers and assist with fundraising events and outreach.
• Collaborate with Accounting on cash receipts and reconciliations.

Skills

Donor database management

Fundraising communications

Communication skills

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Tools

Database software

Job description

Public Relations AssistantBuild Relationships. Inspire Giving. Make a Difference for Children and Families.Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. d/b/a Star of Hope Family Services is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and creative Public Relations Assistant to join our Resource Development team.If you are a communications or business professional who enjoys building relationships, managing information, and supporting meaningful community initiatives, this position offers an opportunity to help strengthen the financial support and public awareness that sustain services for children and families.The Public Relations Assistant plays an important role in donor relations, fundraising support, database management, direct mail communications, and agency outreach. Working closely with the Public Relations and Development Manager and other departments, this position helps identify opportunities to cultivate donor relationships, recognize charitable contributions, promote agency programs, and support the long-term sustainability of Star of Hope Family Services.What You'll DoAs a Public Relations Assistant, you will manage the agency's donor database, coordinate fundraising communications and mailings, process and acknowledge charitable contributions, and support initiatives designed to cultivate donors and expand community awareness of agency programs.You will work collaboratively with the Resource Development team, Accounting Department, volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure accurate records, effective communications, and professional donor stewardship.Key responsibilities include:Manage and maintain the agency's donor database, including software updates, address validation, change-of-address processing, and routine data maintenance.Maintain an effective working relationship with the donor database software vendor.Coordinate regular database reviews, cleanup, and maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable donor information.Coordinate the preparation, production, and distribution of direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other internal and external communications.Maintain an inventory of necessary office, printing, and mailing supplies.Prepare mailing labels and documentation in compliance with applicable United States Postal Service nonprofit and automated mailing requirements.Coordinate volunteers in assembling and preparing direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other fundraising materials.Process and track charitable contributions received through events, direct mail, earned income, major gifts, and planned giving.Coordinate donation batching, processing, deposits, acknowledgments, and reconciliation activities.Communicate with the Accounting Department regarding cash receipts, deposits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.Prepare periodic gift reports, reconciliation reports, donor lists, and other information needed for newsletters, annual reports, and agency publications.Administer memorial, honorarium, and legacy recognition programs.Generate and distribute donor acknowledgment letters and annual charitable contribution tax statements in accordance with applicable IRS requirements.Assist the Public Relations and Development Manager in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospective donors to support the agency's mission and programs.Participate in initiatives that promote agency programs, fundraising opportunities, and planned giving.Identify opportunities for community presentations, speaking engagements, media outreach, and other activities that increase awareness of the agency's services and needs.Attend meetings, community events, and agency functions as a representative of Star of Hope Family Services.Participate in campus special events and other activities supporting the agency's mission.Attend professional development training, conferences, and other learning opportunities as directed by the Resource Development Manager.Assist with special projects, outreach initiatives, and other duties as assigned.Depending on the geographic location and needs of the position, certain promotional and outreach responsibilities may vary.What We're Looking ForRequired EducationCandidates must have:A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Business, Advertising, Accounting, or a related field.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if it provides the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.Preferred ExperienceOne to two years of experience in public relations, fundraising, advertising, accounting, donor relations, database management, or a related field.Relevant volunteer experience may be considered.Previous experience is preferred but not required.The Successful CandidateWe are looking for someone who:Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.Builds and maintains positive relationships with donors, colleagues, volunteers, and community partners.Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels.Has demonstrated computer skills and the ability to manage databases and maintain accurate records.Can balance competing priorities, complex assignments, and deadlines.Works independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.Demonstrates creativity and strategic thinking when identifying opportunities and solving problems.Exercises sound judgment, confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism when handling donor and financial information.Demonstrates active listening skills and the ability to engage prospective donors in meaningful conversations about their interests and charitable goals.Can lead, motivate, and coordinate volunteers and other individuals in support of fundraising activities.Adapts to changing priorities and remains flexible when responding to agency needs.Maintains a positive outlook and approaches challenges with a solution-focused attitude.Demonstrates accountability, integrity, and a commitment to ethical practices.Can communicate and work effectively with agency staff, the general public, and external stakeholders.Demonstrates the ability to foster cooperation, resolve challenges, and maintain productive working relationships.Serves as a positive role model for youth in values and lifestyle consistent with those of Star of Hope Family Services.Specialized knowledge or experience in donor database management is preferred.More Than Public RelationsSupporting children and families requires more than providing direct services. It also requires strong community relationships, effective communication, responsible stewardship of charitable contributions, and the ongoing support of individuals and organizations who believe in our mission.As a Public Relations Assistant, your work will help ensure that donor information is accurate, contributions are properly documented and acknowledged, fundraising communications reach their intended audiences, and community members remain informed about the programs and services offered by Star of Hope Family Services.From maintaining donor records and coordinating mailings to supporting fundraising initiatives and recognizing charitable contributions, your efforts will help strengthen the relationships and resources that allow our agency to continue serving children and families.At Star of Hope Family Services, we recognize the physical, social, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of the children and families we serve. Our Resource Development team helps connect our mission with the people and resources that make our work possible.Additional RequirementsCandidates must:Demonstrate the ability to manage confidential donor, financial, and agency information appropriately.Be willing to participate in agency meetings, campus special events, community outreach activities, and other functions as assigned.Maintain the flexibility needed to meet deadlines and support agency activities and special projects.Be willing to attend required professional development training and conferences.Possess a valid driver's license, as required for the position.The position may require schedule flexibility to accommodate special events, community activities, mailings, meetings, and other agency responsibilities.Our MissionStar of Hope Family Services exists to prevent harm and provide hope to hurting children and families.We believe every child deserves safety, stability, opportunity, and people who are committed to helping them succeed. Our employees share a commitment to providing compassionate, family-focused services while demonstrating our core values of Collaboration, Respect & Dignity, Empathy, Accountability, Trust & Trustworthiness, and Excellence.If you're looking for an opportunity to use your organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills to support a meaningful mission, we invite you to apply and become part of the Star of Hope team.Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. d/b/a Star of Hope Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.QualificationsEducation level:Required: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in public relations, business, advertising, accounting, or related fieldSubstitution: Any combination of education and experience necessary to successfully perform the essential duties.Experience:Required: NonePreferred: 1-2 years’ experience in public relations, fundraising, advertising, accounting or related work experience (can be voluntary work)Core competenciesRequired:Strong interpersonal skills and ability to be effective at all levels.Demonstrate creativityAble to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlinesExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsDetailed orientedDemonstrated active listeningAdaptableFlexible with scheduleAbility to perform under pressure; handle and appreciate conflicting opinions with the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.Ability to work independentlyDemonstrated computer skills, and database management.Demonstrate a positive outlook and project the same.Ability to listen is essential. Able to ask leading questions that encourage prospects and donors to talk about themselves and their activities.Able to lead and motivate groups and individuals.Able to think creatively and strategically to successfully mediate and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally.Able to overcome obstacles to cooperation and foster harmonious relations.Team oriented, ability to collaborate with others.Possess strong communication skills both verbal and written.Relationship BuildingBe able to communicate and work effectively and professionally with other staff and the general public.Be an acceptable role model for youth in values and lifestyles in keeping with those ascribed by Burlington.Strong organizational and prioritizing skills.Preferred:Specialized knowledge related to database management.Certifications:None requiredLicenses:Driver’s license required