Director, Public Relations

Points of Light inspires, equips, and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and businesses, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org. 

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Department: Marketing and Communications

Location: Remote in either eastern or central time zone

Position Summary
 The Director of Public Relations leads and implements Points of Light’s public relations and media strategy shaping the public and philanthropic perception and awareness of our organization. This position will drive and manage strategic media and communication efforts, announcements, earned editorial placement, speaking opportunities and more. This will result in enhancing our brand visibility and understanding, positioning as a sector thought leader, engaging stakeholders, including donors, and advancing our mission. Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, the Director of Public Relations will execute comprehensive PR strategies that support our organizational goals and foster positive relationships with the media, community, donors, and partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement proactive strategic public relations and communications plans tailored to our mission, values, and objectives including events, signature programs, partnerships and general counsel.
• Proactively cultivate and maintain relationships with key national and global philanthropic and sector media contacts, journalists, bloggers, and influencers to secure positive press coverage and opportunities for media exposure.
• Prepare the primary spokesperson (CEO) for the organization for media and public speaking opportunities, effectively communicating key messages and responding to media inquiries in alignment with our mission and values.
• Develop and execute PR/Media strategies that highlight the investments of our philanthropic partners, aid in our lead generation and philanthropic stakeholder goals and support our annual fundraising events, including but not limited to philanthropic focused press releases, pitching, compelling storytelling and coverage of opportunities and partnerships, press clipping/recaps and analysis, and more. 
• Support and partner with development teams to increase awareness and investment consideration of Points of Light from key audiences including corporations, foundations and high-impact donors. 
• Execute strategies that enhance Points of Light public stewardship and recognition of key donor relationships. 
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including executives, program managers, and fundraising teams, to develop messaging and positioning for key initiatives, events, programs and campaigns.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and other materials to support media outreach efforts and promote our organizational impact.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential risks and develop proactive strategies to manage reputational issues.
• Lead crisis communications efforts, providing guidance and support to the executive team and staff during high-profile incidents or emergencies.
• Develop and maintain crisis or program-specific PR & communications plans, protocols, and training programs to ensure readiness and preparedness for potential crises, announcements or other messaging with brand impact.
• Manage and lead by example a team of fellow marcomm and organizational professionals, providing guidance, feedback, and coaching in media situations.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of public relations initiatives, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track progress and inform future strategies.
• Manage and work with an external PR agency supporting Points of Light’s brand visibility, key events, partnerships and creative opportunities for brand exposure (as needed/budget permitting). 
• Secure highly visible speaking engagements for executive leadership which lead to positive brand exposure for the organization and position us as a leader in our sector. Lead on crafting executive speeches and remarks for the organization’s events and engagements.
• Monitor a media inbox on weekdays, weekends and evenings and lead on timely response. 

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, project management software (Asana), and data analytics/visualization tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
• A commitment to promoting equity in all aspects of the workplace, including hiring, promotions, and project assignments.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field and APR accredited preferred. 
• Proven experience (8-10+ years) in public relations, or media relations, preferably within the nonprofit sector and with a national or global brand.
• Strong media relationships and a demonstrated ability to secure positive press coverage across traditional and digital media outlets as well as craft creative pitch angles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and messages that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson for an organization, with confidence and poise in media interviews and public speaking engagements.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex issues, anticipate challenges, and develop effective communication strategies.
• Crisis management expertise, including experience managing reputational issues and coordinating crisis response efforts.
• Knowledge of media monitoring tools, PR analytics, and measurement techniques to evaluate the impact of PR initiatives.
• Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve shared goals.
• Commitment to staying informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in public relations and nonprofit communications.

Culture and Values: Points of Light has a 30+ year history that it seeks to honor, while looking toward the future as an innovative thought leader in the social sector. We have a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Our organization values innovation, dedication, teamwork and respect. We enjoy thinking big, but also working hard to deliver our best work. Our team is solution-oriented, looking for someone who is always ready to deliver on ways to solve challenges, internally and with external partners.

What We Offer: Competitive compensation and excellent benefits including a robust PTO program: 18 days of PTO, 13 holidays, and 1 floating holiday; plus, we are closed December 25-January 1. Medical, dental and vision benefits, free life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, a 403b program with employer match, and 1 day of volunteer time off per month.

Points of Light is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace.