Public Relations Strategist

Best Friends Animal Society (Company); United States; Remote; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Public Relations Strategist to enhance public awareness and support for its mission. The ideal candidate will have extensive media contacts, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for animal welfare. This remote position requires collaboration with various teams and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of hands-on public relations experience.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute public relations strategies.
• Craft press releases and media alerts.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists.

Skills

Communication

Writing

Project Management

Media Relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Public Relations

Journalism

Tools

Critical Mention

MuckRack

Asana

Microsoft Office

Job description

Public Relations Strategist page is loaded

Public Relations Strategist

Apply locations Remote time type Full time posted on Posted 3 Days Ago job requisition id JR100785

Location: Remote; Must live in NY City area

Hiring Range: $85,000 – $95,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits!

Interviews will start the week of May 26th and occur until the position is filled

Position Summary: We are looking for an experienced PR person with great media contacts in the NY area and the ability to work beyond the 9-5.

The Public Relations Strategist will lead earned media efforts for Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City, as well as priority locations across the East Coast. This role develops, supports, and executes a wide variety of public relations initiatives to build public awareness and support for Best Friends and its mission to achieve no-kill nationwide.

The ideal candidate is a critical thinker and creative storyteller, able to distill complex issues into compelling narratives for a wide range of channels and audiences. This person is an exceptional writer, multitasker, and communicator who works with a sense of urgency and can consistently find meaningful ways to enter the news cycle. They are collaborative, detail-oriented, and possess strong follow-through and project management skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute dynamic public relations strategies to elevate awareness for Best Friends in NYC, on the East Coast, and nationally.

• Craft press releases, pitches, media alerts, interview briefing documents, and talking points that effectively communicate Best Friends’ mission and impact.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and NYC-based journalists, editors, and producers across traditional and emerging media platforms.

• Respond to both proactive and reactive media opportunities.

• Use industry insights and data to shape narratives that resonate with key audiences and media outlets.

• Coordinate and oversee national and local media shoots and segments in NYC.

• Serve as a spokesperson for Best Friends and provide media training to approved spokespeople.

• Conduct media coverage analysis on animal welfare issues; provide strategic communications counsel to leadership and identify thought leadership opportunities.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (marketing, social media, creative, advocacy, celebrity and corporate relations, and programs) to ensure alignment and maximize exposure.

• Proactively seek out media opportunities in NYC and key locations; serve as a strategic partner and mentor to local shelters and rescue groups within Best Friends network.

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.

• 5–7 years of hands-on public relations experience, including a strong track record of securing national, NYC and other local media markets as assigned.

• Prior experience at a PR agency or in-house at a large brand is required.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to develop persuasive pitches and messaging.

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, team-first attitude.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects while delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience managing 3–5 simultaneous campaigns or initiatives.

• Familiarity with tools such as Critical Mention, MuckRack, Asana, and Microsoft Office; comfort learning new platforms and systems.

• Experience leveraging data to develop strategic media narratives.

• Ability to travel up to 20% and work outside of standard business hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends as needed.

• Must be responsive after hours and accessible via mobile for email and Microsoft Teams communication.

• Deep commitment to animal welfare and to Best Friends’ mission to Save Them All.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, including repetitive typing and hand motion.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards.

• Daily work hours may vary based on departmental needs; this position includes some weekend, evening, and holiday work.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

About Us

Who we are underneath the fur (and feathers)

Best Friends believes in being kind to all, both two- and four-legged beings. Compassion drives our work to save the lives of animals.

And it drives our daily lives. We do not judge. We respect one another. We embrace new ideas, solutions and differences. We welcome people from all backgrounds and appreciate where you are in your professional journey.

We are quirky. We never take ourselves too seriously, and we know that humor is important in this field. We operate with love and seek to spread positivity.

We are determined to create a safer, brighter world for homeless pets and to Save Them All.

Introduce Yourself

If you don't see an opportunity that matches your background, please free free to drop off your resume/cv.