The Animal Welfare Institute seeks a

Media Relations and Communications Coordinator

for its

Animal Welfare Approved Program

Help us brand the new Animal Welfare Approved label nationally by generating stories in print, online and broadcast media.  This full-time position will focus on media relations as well as promotional and marketing efforts to increase awareness in key markets.  Visit www.animalwelfareapproved.org for details on the program.

The qualified candidate must have:
  • thorough knowledge of public relations principles and media protocol,
  • the ability to set, manage and meet deadlines,
  • knowledge of internet marketing techniques, the power of persuasion,
  • tact and judgment,
  • impeccable organizational skills,
  • enthusiasm, energy and positive outlook,
  • and, most importantly, outstanding writing and verbal communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
  • a Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field
  • a minimum of three years of solid media relations experience
  • an understanding of and interest in animal welfare issues, particularly regarding farm animals, is highly desirable.
Key job duties:
  • Write, edit and distribute news releases and follow up by phone with targeted media
  • Pitch stories to print, broadcast, and web journalists by letter and email with follow up by phone
  • Answer inquiries from reporters in a timely manner
  • Aggressively develop and maintain press list and market contact list—both email and mail
  • Identify opportunities to position Animal Welfare Approved issues and spokespeople in the news media
  • Schedule interviews with AWA spokespeople
  • Assist with development of new website and upkeep of AWA website
  • Market the website to increase traffic

While focus will be on media relations, work with the AWA Communications and Marketing Consultant and AWI staff to creatively and strategically promote the program via a variety of techniques including creation of collateral materials, educational materials, email newsletters, advertising, events, blogs, etc.

To apply please email the following to beth@awionline.org (applications not meeting all four criteria below or the minimum qualifications above may be disregarded):

  1. Cover Letter including 100-200 word statement regarding interest in farm animal welfare
  2. Resume
  3. Three professional references with email addresses and telephone numbers
  4. Current salary, salary history and salary expectations for this position

Animal Welfare Institute

Animal Welfare Approved is a program of the Animal Welfare Institute.  For more than 50 years, the nonprofit Institute has worked to reduce the pain and fear humans inflict on animals. AWI campaigns include saving whales from commercial slaughter, ending use of brutal traps, improving treatment of animals used for experimentation and protecting endangered species. AWI promotes humane farming practices and fights the growth of animal factories for the benefit of animals, consumers, farm families, rural communities and the environment.

Posted October 2007