Public Relations Strategist

The Best Friend’s Mission is to do nothing short of making history by bringing about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. Our goal is that every animal shelter in every community in the country be no kill in 2025.

The fact is, we have a great culture, populated by fun, dedicated, and brilliant people. But we’re always looking for talented people who can help us make history, and that’s where you come in. If you want to be a part of history and end the killing of pets in shelters, apply today for one of our open job opportunities!

Location: Remote; Must live in NY City area

Hiring Range: $85,000 – $95,000 annually, depending on experience, plus great benefits!

Interviews will start the week of May 26th and occur until the position is filled.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced PR person with great media contacts in the NY area and the ability to work beyond the 9-5.

This position is anticipated to last until the end of 2026 with the intention of becoming a regular full-time role.

The Public Relations Strategist will lead earned media efforts for Best Friends Lifesaving Center in New York City, as well as priority locations across the East Coast. This role develops, supports, and executes a wide variety of public relations initiatives to build public awareness and support for Best Friends and its mission to achieve no-kill nationwide.

The ideal candidate is a critical thinker and creative storyteller, able to distill complex issues into compelling narratives for a wide range of channels and audiences. This person is an exceptional writer, multitasker, and communicator who works with a sense of urgency and can consistently find meaningful ways to enter the news cycle. They are collaborative, detail-oriented, and possess strong follow-through and project management skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute dynamic public relations strategies to elevate awareness for Best Friends in NYC, on the East Coast, and nationally.
• Craft press releases, pitches, media alerts, interview briefing documents, and talking points that effectively communicate Best Friends’ mission and impact.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and NYC-based journalists, editors, and producers across traditional and emerging media platforms.
• Respond to both proactive and reactive media opportunities.
• Use industry insights and data to shape narratives that resonate with key audiences and media outlets.
• Coordinate and oversee national and local media shoots and segments in NYC.
• Serve as a spokesperson for Best Friends and provide media training to approved spokespeople.
• Conduct media coverage analysis on animal welfare issues; provide strategic communications counsel to leadership and identify thought leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams (marketing, social media, creative, advocacy, celebrity and corporate relations, and programs) to ensure alignment and maximize exposure.
• Proactively seek out media opportunities in NYC and key locations; serve as a strategic partner and mentor to local shelters and rescue groups within Best Friends network.

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of hands-on public relations experience, including a strong track record of securing national, NYC and other local media markets as assigned.
• Prior experience at a PR agency or in-house at a large brand is required.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to develop persuasive pitches and messaging.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative, team-first attitude.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects while delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience managing 3–5 simultaneous campaigns or initiatives.
• Familiarity with tools such as Critical Mention, MuckRack, Asana, and Microsoft Office; comfort learning new platforms and systems.
• Experience leveraging data to develop strategic media narratives.
• Ability to travel up to 20% and work outside of standard business hours, including early mornings, nights, and weekends as needed.
• Must be responsive after hours and accessible via mobile for email and Microsoft Teams communication.
• Deep commitment to animal welfare and to Best Friends’ mission to Save Them All.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods, including repetitive typing and hand motion.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet Best Friends Animal Society’s driver qualification standards.
• Daily work hours may vary based on departmental needs; this position includes some weekend, evening, and holiday work.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.

Culture Statement and Responsibility

We value attitude over aptitude, and we treat kindness as a discipline because it is paramount in our culture along with our other guiding principles. Culture is how we talk to and treat ourselves and one another. It’s how we generate and respond to change. It’s how we plan and make decisions. It’s how we do what we do.

Learn more here