As a member of the advancement department of Catholic Charities, the public relations specialist is responsible for developing and implementing external communications strategies that: strengthen Catholic Charities’ reputation in Northeast Ohio, advance public affairs efforts, and support trusting partnerships with key external audiences. This role partners with programs, advocacy, marketing and internal communications to demonstrate our commitment to the communities Catholic Charities serves. As a hands-on communicator, the public relations specialist is comfortable engaging the media, public, government, executives and others in support of our vision, achievements and unique identity in Northeast Ohio.

As one of the region’s largest comprehensive health and human services organizations, Catholic Charities delivers services to 400,000 individuals at 60 locations each year – providing help and creating hope for people of every race and religion throughout eight counties. Catholic Charities provides 150 unique programs and services across the following categories:

PR Specialist Job Responsibilities:

• STRATEGY: Supports development and implementation of market-wide communications strategy and execution in partnership with marketing, internal communications and advocacy.
• MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT: Supports day-to-day management of strategic communications, public affairs, social media, media relations and external messaging development. Acts as a storyteller for Catholic Charities, crafting impactful messages that support our objectives in each region.
• MEDIA RELATIONS: Identifies and pitches story opportunities to local and regional media outlets. Manages inquiries as received from media outlets.
• MEDIA TRAINING: Provides communications counsel and support to program directors and colleagues.
• REPUTATION MANAGEMENT: Creates thought leadership campaigns that elevate and protect Catholic Charities’ reputation in Northeast Ohio. Supports senior director of advancement in crisis communications efforts.
• PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Partners with external agencies and consultants as assigned.
• MISSION & VALUES: Ensures communications efforts reflect the mission, vision and values of Catholic Charities as a healing ministry of the Catholic Church.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Effectively managing stressful, fast-paced situations.
• Maintaining flexible availability and responsiveness both during and outside of regular work hours, as necessary.
• Working on-site (with WFH flexibility 1-2 days per week) in a typical office environment.
• Analyzing and interpreting data.
• Organizing and coordinating schedules.
• Occasionally traveling throughout the Catholic Charities service area (Northeast Ohio). Must have valid Ohio driver’s license and reliable means of transportation for local travel.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, English or other related field.
• Five years of PR experience in health, human services or nonprofit sectors and/or agency experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as critical thinking, strategic counseling and decisive judgment.
• Demonstrated experience and comfort regularly engaging with media.
• Experience with crisis communications in high-stakes scenarios.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members across Catholic Charities. Must possess the ability to work well with staff at all levels, the Board of Directors, and external stakeholders.
• Solid technical skills, with strong working knowledge of media relations databases, social media, clip reports, Adobe Creative suite, etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Understanding of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, Catholic Social Teaching, and mission of Catholic Charities.
• Final applicant is required to be fingerprinted to complete background check.

Positions that may report to this position:

None.

Why Join Our Team

Catholic Charities professionals and care providers are key to our commitment to providing help, creating hope and serving all, especially those most in need. Join us and help us drive impact by reimagining how we deliver a people-centered health and human service experience and creating the solutions to do it.

Catholic Charities is Northeast Ohio’s leading nonprofit, faith-based health and human services system – made up of 800 associates and 60 sites of care that provide services to 400,000 individuals each year.

Our mission, vision and values encompass everything we do at Catholic Charities. Every professional and care provider is empowered to give back, volunteer and make a positive impact in our community. Catholic Charities careers are more than jobs; they are opportunities to enhance your life and the lives of the people around you.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

At Catholic Charities, we serve everyone, regardless of belief or background, and we employ qualified individuals who commit to our mission with the goal of transforming lives for the better. One need not be Catholic to join our workforce nor to access our services. Catholic Charities is an equal-opportunity employer.