Public Relations Assistant

Build Relationships. Inspire Giving. Make a Difference for Children and Families.

Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. d/b/a Star of Hope Family Services is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and creative Public Relations Assistant to join our Resource Development team.

If you are a communications or business professional who enjoys building relationships, managing information, and supporting meaningful community initiatives, this position offers an opportunity to help strengthen the financial support and public awareness that sustain services for children and families.

The Public Relations Assistant plays an important role in donor relations, fundraising support, database management, direct mail communications, and agency outreach. Working closely with the Public Relations and Development Manager and other departments, this position helps identify opportunities to cultivate donor relationships, recognize charitable contributions, promote agency programs, and support the long-term sustainability of Star of Hope Family Services.

What You'll Do

As a Public Relations Assistant, you will manage the agency's donor database, coordinate fundraising communications and mailings, process and acknowledge charitable contributions, and support initiatives designed to cultivate donors and expand community awareness of agency programs.

You will work collaboratively with the Resource Development team, Accounting Department, volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure accurate records, effective communications, and professional donor stewardship.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage and maintain the agency's donor database, including software updates, address validation, change-of-address processing, and routine data maintenance.

• Maintain an effective working relationship with the donor database software vendor.

• Coordinate regular database reviews, cleanup, and maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable donor information.

• Coordinate the preparation, production, and distribution of direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other internal and external communications.

• Maintain an inventory of necessary office, printing, and mailing supplies.

• Prepare mailing labels and documentation in compliance with applicable United States Postal Service nonprofit and automated mailing requirements.

• Coordinate volunteers in assembling and preparing direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other fundraising materials.

• Process and track charitable contributions received through events, direct mail, earned income, major gifts, and planned giving.

• Coordinate donation batching, processing, deposits, acknowledgments, and reconciliation activities.

• Communicate with the Accounting Department regarding cash receipts, deposits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

• Prepare periodic gift reports, reconciliation reports, donor lists, and other information needed for newsletters, annual reports, and agency publications.

• Administer memorial, honorarium, and legacy recognition programs.

• Generate and distribute donor acknowledgment letters and annual charitable contribution tax statements in accordance with applicable IRS requirements.

• Assist the Public Relations and Development Manager in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospective donors to support the agency's mission and programs.

• Participate in initiatives that promote agency programs, fundraising opportunities, and planned giving.

• Identify opportunities for community presentations, speaking engagements, media outreach, and other activities that increase awareness of the agency's services and needs.

• Attend meetings, community events, and agency functions as a representative of Star of Hope Family Services.

• Participate in campus special events and other activities supporting the agency's mission.

• Attend professional development training, conferences, and other learning opportunities as directed by the Resource Development Manager.

• Assist with special projects, outreach initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

Depending on the geographic location and needs of the position, certain promotional and outreach responsibilities may vary.

What We're Looking For

Required Education

Candidates must have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Business, Advertising, Accounting, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if it provides the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Preferred Experience

• One to two years of experience in public relations, fundraising, advertising, accounting, donor relations, database management, or a related field.

• Relevant volunteer experience may be considered.

Previous experience is preferred but not required.

The Successful Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Communicates clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.

• Builds and maintains positive relationships with donors, colleagues, volunteers, and community partners.

• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels.

• Has demonstrated computer skills and the ability to manage databases and maintain accurate records.

• Can balance competing priorities, complex assignments, and deadlines.

• Works independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.

• Demonstrates creativity and strategic thinking when identifying opportunities and solving problems.

• Exercises sound judgment, confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism when handling donor and financial information.

• Demonstrates active listening skills and the ability to engage prospective donors in meaningful conversations about their interests and charitable goals.

• Can lead, motivate, and coordinate volunteers and other individuals in support of fundraising activities.

• Adapts to changing priorities and remains flexible when responding to agency needs.

• Maintains a positive outlook and approaches challenges with a solution-focused attitude.

• Demonstrates accountability, integrity, and a commitment to ethical practices.

• Can communicate and work effectively with agency staff, the general public, and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrates the ability to foster cooperation, resolve challenges, and maintain productive working relationships.

• Serves as a positive role model for youth in values and lifestyle consistent with those of Star of Hope Family Services.

Specialized knowledge or experience in donor database management is preferred.

More Than Public Relations

Supporting children and families requires more than providing direct services. It also requires strong community relationships, effective communication, responsible stewardship of charitable contributions, and the ongoing support of individuals and organizations who believe in our mission.

As a Public Relations Assistant, your work will help ensure that donor information is accurate, contributions are properly documented and acknowledged, fundraising communications reach their intended audiences, and community members remain informed about the programs and services offered by Star of Hope Family Services.

From maintaining donor records and coordinating mailings to supporting fundraising initiatives and recognizing charitable contributions, your efforts will help strengthen the relationships and resources that allow our agency to continue serving children and families.

At Star of Hope Family Services, we recognize the physical, social, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of the children and families we serve. Our Resource Development team helps connect our mission with the people and resources that make our work possible.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must:

• Demonstrate the ability to manage confidential donor, financial, and agency information appropriately.

• Be willing to participate in agency meetings, campus special events, community outreach activities, and other functions as assigned.

• Maintain the flexibility needed to meet deadlines and support agency activities and special projects.

• Be willing to attend required professional development training and conferences.

• Possess a valid driver's license, as required for the position.

The position may require schedule flexibility to accommodate special events, community activities, mailings, meetings, and other agency responsibilities.

Our Mission

Star of Hope Family Services exists to prevent harm and provide hope to hurting children and families.

We believe every child deserves safety, stability, opportunity, and people who are committed to helping them succeed. Our employees share a commitment to providing compassionate, family-focused services while demonstrating our core values of Collaboration, Respect & Dignity, Empathy, Accountability, Trust & Trustworthiness, and Excellence.

If you're looking for an opportunity to use your organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills to support a meaningful mission, we invite you to apply and become part of the Star of Hope team.

Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. d/b/a Star of Hope Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.