Public Relations Strategist - Housing & Community Impact

WISCONSIN HOUSING & ECONOMIC; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

WHEDA—Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority—seeks a Public Relations Officer in Madison to lead communications strategies that promote WHEDA’s mission, programs, and policies to diverse audiences. You will shape messaging, manage media relations, and craft speaking points and content that elevate WHEDA’s impact on affordable housing.

Reporting to the Marketing and Communications department, this in-office role evolves toward hybrid scheduling after training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or closely related field and 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience, including 3 years in public relations; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of affordable housing, finance, and/or public sector government preferred
• Valid Driver’s License required

Responsibilities

• Develop communications plans and strategies for new product launches, core products, competitive loan awards, organizational announcements, and WHEDA’s impact.
• Serve as the primary contact for local, national, and industry news media; build 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; track media coverage.
• Support press conferences, speaking events, and WHEDA annual conference by preparing executive remarks, talking points, speeches, and briefing materials for leadership; coordinate with state partners as required.
• Manage editorial calendar and content strategies for websites, media, and campaigns; monitor trends and issues influencing media inquiries.
• Cultivate relationships with media, community partners, industry representatives, staff, and government partners to advance goals.
• Assist in monitoring and updating the Crisis Communication Plan; develop talking points for tenant concerns and negative coverage; support internal communications.
• Contribute to strategic communications planning and advise management on needs and tools.
• Copyediting and proofreading to ensure accuracy and brand consistency; perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Crisis communications

Strategic communications

Writing & editing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in public relations or related field

Job description

WHEDA—Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority—seeks a Public Relations Officer in Madison to lead communications strategies that promote WHEDA’s mission, programs, and policies to diverse audiences. You will shape messaging, manage media relations, and craft speaking points and content that elevate WHEDA’s impact on affordable housing.

Reporting to the Marketing and Communications department, this in-office role evolves toward hybrid scheduling after training.