PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

WHEDA is seeking a Public Relations Officer to join our Marketing and Communications department in our Madison facility.

SALARY: Hiring Range for this position is from $79,710-$99,123 Annually. Offered Salary will be based on qualifications and internal pay equity. WHEDA provides a competitive salary, and WHEDA employees participate in the State of Wisconsin benefit package which includes retirement, health insurance and deferred compensation programs.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Public Relations Officer develops and implements communications strategies to promote WHEDA's mission, programs, and policies to internal and external audiences. The role will lead high-level strategy and engaging storytelling to convey WHEDA's impact on affordable housing and focuses on media relations, written content, coordinated messaging, and speechwriting that strengthen the visibility and credibility of WHEDA programs, products, and initiatives.

This is a non-supervisory position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Develop communications plans and strategies for new product launches, core products, competitive loan awards, organizational announcements, and examples of WHEDA's impact. Serve as the primary contact for local, national, and industry news media. Build and maintain media 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 to advance the Authority's mission. Track, report, and analyze media coverage.
• Support press conferences, speaking events, and the WHEDA annual conference by preparing executive remarks, talking points, speeches/presentations, and briefing materials for executive leadership. Coordination with the Governor's Office and other State Agencies as required. Write media advisories, develop media pitches, and track event coverage. Promote events through WHEDA's online, social channels, and internal newsletter.
• Manage the editorial calendar, identify external/internal content needs, and opportunities for engagement. Develop and implement content strategies for websites, media, and campaigns. Identify trends, key issues, and emerging legislation that will drive media inquiries. Use social media monitoring and media tracking to analyze and improve communication. Ensure all messaging is consistent, accurate, meets brand standards, and promotes a positive image of WHEDA.
• Cultivate relationships with media, community partners, industry representatives, WHEDA staff, subject matter experts, board members, and government partners/agencies to strengthen mission alignment and advance organizational goals.
• Assist in monitoring, testing, and updating WHEDA's Crisis Communication Plan. Develop new approaches to address complex, sensitive, and nuanced public affairs challenges, including timely concerns and issues-related inquiries. Create and implement plans and talking points to address tenant concerns, sentiment about affordable housing, public records requests, and negative media coverage. Support internal communications of policies, onboarding, intranet, and the monthly newsletter.
• Contribute to strategic communications planning for internal and external stakeholders. Advise management on communications needs, technology tools, and recommend improvements.
• Copyediting and proofreading skills to ensure accuracy, message consistency, and brand standards across marketing channels and business units. Performs or assists with other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree (or higher) in public relations, communications, media relations, journalism, or closely related field AND 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience related to one of the above areas, including 3 years of public relations; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of affordable housing, finance, and/or public sector government preferred.
• Valid Driver's License required.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Public relations principles and best practices
• Relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Communications policies and procedures
• Project management and organizational skills
• Crisis communications and issues management
• Navigate complex issues, translate technical information
• Identifying, analyzing, and solving problems
• Strong adherence to confidentiality in working with clients and vendors
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Attention to detail and process improvement
• Meets deadlines, effective prioritization, and workload management

Remote Work Options:

This position has a work schedule that will initially be 100% in-office. After training is complete, it is at the discretion of the direct manager when the employee may begin a hybrid work schedule.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: This position will remain posted until filled.

• Please note- no exceptions will be made after closing date

This position is not eligible for a work-related immigration visa sponsorship.

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