Public Relations & Communications Officer

Job Description

Salary range: $80,000-$85,000

It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role. Actual placement within range will be contingent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, education, experience, internal equity and alignment with market data

Position Summary

The Public Relations & Communications Officer leads day-to-day public relations, earned media outreach, storytelling, and editorial planning for The Village while supporting executive communications. This position identifies, develops, and shares stories that highlight The Village's programs, services, staff, clients, partnerships, and community impact.

The successful candidate will create high-quality written content, manage media relations activities, coordinate editorial planning, and support leadership communications across digital and print platforms. This position is based in Hartford, Connecticut, with periodic travel to Waterbury as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and develop compelling stories that highlight The Village's mission, programs, services, partnerships, accomplishments, and community impact.
• Partner with program staff, organizational leaders, development personnel, and community partners to research and develop content opportunities.
• Conduct interviews with staff, clients, donors, partners, and subject-matter experts while maintaining confidentiality and obtaining appropriate consent.
• Write and edit feature stories, program highlights, staff spotlights, organizational news, website content, newsletters, and other communications materials.
• Manage and maintain the organization's editorial calendar, coordinating priorities, deadlines, and contributors across departments.
• Develop and implement earned media and public relations strategies aligned with organizational goals and messaging.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and media outlets across local, regional, and industry markets.
• Serve as the primary day-to-day media contact and coordinate media responses, interviews, and deadlines in collaboration with leadership.
• Draft and distribute approved press releases, media advisories, statements, and other media materials.
• Prepare executives and subject-matter experts for media interviews, speaking engagements, and public appearances.
• Create executive communications, including speeches, talking points, briefing materials, leadership messages, presentations, and organizational announcements.
• Collaborate with marketing and social media staff to adapt content for multiple channels.
• Support major events, fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and program promotions through strategic communications planning and content development.
• Monitor and track media coverage, analyze results, and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Assist with communications related to sensitive issues and follow established crisis communications and approval protocols.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, brand-aligned, accessible, and properly reviewed prior to publication.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Experience and Skills
Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience & Skills

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, communications, journalism, media relations, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, interviewing, and storytelling abilities.
• Demonstrated experience writing press releases, feature articles, executive communications, speeches, and organizational messaging.
• Experience pitching stories, cultivating media relationships, and coordinating media interviews.
• Strong news judgment and ability to manage sensitive communications with discretion and professionalism.
• Proven project management and organizational skills, including managing editorial calendars and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent research, fact-checking, and information-gathering capabilities.
• Ability to prepare executives and staff for media interactions and serve as a spokesperson when authorized.
• Familiarity with website content management, social media platforms, media monitoring tools, and digital communications strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative project management platforms.
• Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Experience working within nonprofit, human services, healthcare, education, community affairs, or other mission-driven organizations is highly preferred.

What You'll Bring

The ideal candidate is a curious storyteller, strategic communicator, and relationship builder who can translate complex programs and services into compelling narratives. You are equally comfortable interviewing participants, writing feature stories, pitching

reporters, supporting executive leaders, and managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

If you are passionate about using communications to advance a mission and create meaningful community impact, we encourage you to apply.

Job Benefits
Our benefits package supports your whole life with comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and employer matched retirement savings. We also invest in your growth through tuition assistance (Loan Forgiveness Program - NHSC, tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment). https://thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits/