Lily's Place, a vegan-run sanctuary for aging, injured, and displaced farm animals, is seeking a skilled Public Relations Specialist.
In this role, you will support the board of directors in promoting public awareness, building positive relationships with stakeholders, and driving support for our mission. As a Public Relations Specialist, you will be responsible for developing relationships with and pitching stories to relevant media contacts, communicating the sanctuary’s mission, and securing positive media coverage.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive public relations strategies aligned with the sanctuary's mission and goals.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the sanctuary, communicating its values, programs, and successes to the media, stakeholders, and the general public.
- Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure positive media coverage and storytelling opportunities.
- Create and distribute press releases, media kits, and other communications materials to effectively convey key messages and raise awareness about the sanctuary's programs, events, and initiatives.
- Collaborate with the board of directors and key volunteers to develop compelling stories, impact reports, and multimedia content (e.g., photos, videos) that highlight the sanctuary's rescue efforts, animal stories, and conservation initiatives.
- Organize and coordinate media events, press conferences, and publicity campaigns to generate media interest and coverage.
- Serve as a liaison between the sanctuary and local communities, community organizations, and stakeholders to foster constructive relationships and meaningful partnerships.
- Monitor trends, news, and developments in the animal welfare space to identify opportunities for thought leadership and proactive participation in relevant discussions.
- Provide guidance to volunteers on public relations practices, messaging consistency, and media engagement.
Qualifications:
- One to three years of training or relevant experience in public relations, advocacy or fundraising communications, marketing, or advertising
- Comprehensive knowledge of the news media industry in Canada (experience pitching the media a plus)
- Strong media relations skills. A network of media contacts and experience securing positive media coverage would be a strong asset.
- Interest in animal welfare and farmed animal issues
- Excellent organizational and scheduling skills
- Ability to work collaboratively, take direction, demonstrate initiative, and represent Lily's Place Animal Sanctuary professionally
- Commitment to the mission and values of the sanctuary.
- Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles
Time Commitment and Location
- Flexible hours, approximately 4 hours a week
- Remote; work from home.
- The availability to travel to the sanctuary, located in Codys, New Brunswick, on occasion would be a strong asset but not required.
- Volunteer must be located in Canada, preferably in Atlantic Canada
