POSITION:  Assistant Director of Media Relations
COMPENSATION:  $55,000 to $63,000, exempt
LOCATION:  Remote, but location in Eastern Time Zone or willingness to work 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET regardless of location
REPORTING:  Reports to Senior Director of Communications

JOB SUMMARY

Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy are dynamic, fast-paced organizations leading efforts to end animal cruelty in government and business. We are seeking a results-driven journalist or PR professional with a proven track record of securing media placement.  Ideal candidate is someone who thrives on pitching, persuading, and building strong relationships with editors and reporters. 

This position requires more than competence: we need an entrepreneurial self-starter who will actively work the phones, place stories, and get our voices quoted in top-tier and regional outlets. Share of voice and earned media placements will be among the most critical metrics.

In addition to media relations, the role will also contribute to the production of outbound advocacy emails and other publications, ensuring our messaging reaches and motivates supporters with demonstrated commitment to excellence.

DUTIES

1. Aggressively monitor daily news for opportunities tied to our campaigns; draft and distribute statements quickly.
2. Develop and pitch press releases and story ideas that generate earned coverage.
3. Proactively follow up with editors and reporters to secure story placements and quotes.
4. Organize and secure attendance for online press conferences.
5. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and bloggers on animal welfare and related beats.
6. Pursue interview, podcast, and speaking opportunities for campaign leads and organizational leadership.
7. Contribute to social listening and online conversation monitoring.
8. Assist with the drafting and production of supporter emails as needed.
9. Partner with the Senior Director of Communications to develop and track metrics for monthly reporting.
10. Support the communication needs of the president and senior leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field.
2. Minimum 5 plus years of experience in PR, journalism, or advocacy with demonstratable success in placing stories and securing media coverage.
3. Entrepreneurial spirit with exceptional phone, pitching, and follow-up skills.
4. Excellent verbal, written, and editing skills.
5. Commitment to advancing animal welfare by toughening laws and changing corporate practices.
6. Experience working nonprofit advocacy, political communications, or issue-based campaigns a plus.  

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should be submit a resume and cover letter to: HR@animalwellnessaction.org.

About Us

Animal Wellness Action is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization with a mission of helping animals by promoting legal standards forbidding cruelty. We champion causes that alleviate the suffering of all animals. Visit us at www.animalwellnessaction.org.

The Center for a Humane Economy is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is the first of its kind in the animal protection movement. We work to influence corporations to honor their social responsibilities to consumers, investors, and other key stakeholders who abhor cruelty and degradation of the environment.