Associate Director of Communications

A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.

Position Title:              Associate Director of Communications

Starting Wage:              $85,000 - $88,000

Purpose Summary:

An experienced communications professional to manage PAWS’ communications activities and find, develop, and share compelling stories to help the organization meet programmatic and financial goals. The Associate Director of Communications will work closely with staff across the organization to craft communications that ensure the PAWS brand remains well respected in our local community and on a national stage.  In addition to guiding branding and storytelling efforts, the Communications Team, led by the Associate Director of Communications, serves as the in-house "communications agency" to meet the needs of all PAWS departments.

This is a full-time, hybrid position. Weekly on-site hours will be required for meetings, content collection, and events. Evening and weekend hours will be necessary upon occasion for Board meetings, outreach activities, and fundraising events.

VALUES
All employees and volunteers exemplify the values of PAWS and exhibit mindful demonstration of:

           Commitment – A champion for animals no matter the difficulty.

           Compassion – Acting to ease pain and distress.

           Kindness – Demonstrating caring toward all living beings.

           Respect – Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.

           Trust – Believing in the ability and positive intention of others.

Essential Responsibilities:

In accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:

• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Outreach, oversee PAWS’ branding and messaging for consistency across all communications.  
• With guidance from the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Outreach, create and operationalize an annual communications plan. Participate in media relations efforts, including cultivating and managing contacts, responding to requests, pitching stories, and preparing PAWS representatives with talking points for media engagements.  
• Assist the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Outreach in developing the annual communications budget.
• Track expenses and manage vendor contracts to ensure budget success. Develop, update, and uphold internal and external-facing marketing and communications policies, protocols, and materials. 
• Oversee and manage the creation and production of materials including but not limited to: PAWS mini-magazine, annual report, annual calendar, press releases, event and education materials, and e-marketing. 
• In collaboration with the Web and Graphic Designer, maintain and refine the PAWS website, recommending website layout and design revisions that keep the content accurate and compelling.
• Establish and manage the Audio-Visual Asset Library content, structure, and protocols to ensure assets are well-maintained and accessible to users.
• Support the Social Media and Communications Manager in building and maintaining a PAWS-wide communications calendar that supports organizational objectives.  
• Lead and manage PAWS’ Google Ad Grants program, consulting with and involving teams across the organization to ensure the strategy aligns with and supports programmatic objectives.
• Oversee and maintain the PAWS blog, leveraging and promoting stories and information that is relevant and compelling to PAWS audiences.
• Manage PAWS’ paid and digital advertisement program, collaborating with the Philanthropy team on strategy.
• Drive the acquisition of new contacts for the PAWS mail and email lists via structured campaigns and initiatives.
• Track and analyze performance metrics and make data-driven strategy recommendations to the leadership team. 
• Oversee and guide the work of the Web and Graphic Designer and the Social Media and Communications Manager and conduct annual performance evaluations.

Other responsibilities Include:  

• In partnership with the Web and Graphic Designer, source and produce images and video footage for use in communications pieces. 
• Attend board meetings, committee meetings, PAWS events or conferences as assigned.
• Provide staff with professional growth opportunities through mentorship, support, and access to professional development training and resources.
• Assist with fundraising to support the animal care and education departments; with Development and Campaign teams, assist with major donor fundraising, stewardship and cultivation.
• Facilitate conflict resolution as needed between personnel or volunteers and/or personnel and the public.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Controls over Work

This position works under the general guidance of the Chief Executive Officer and is expected to pursue the established duties with autonomy and without direct supervision.  

This is a hybrid position. The Director of Communications will work remotely and is expected to visit PAWS locations when necessary (e.g., meetings, tours, and photo and video collection).  

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to sit for long periods of time working at a computer. Work is performed both in and out of the PAWS facility. Some local travel required. Regular contact with animals (wild and domestic). 

Benefits:

Generous benefits available including health/vision/dental/long-term disability/life insurance for employees and their families, enrollment in 403(b) plan with employer contribution and match, paid time off (PTO) starting with accrual of up to 15 days annually, sick leave accrued on all hours worked, 10 paid holidays per year, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services at select veterinary clinics. PAWS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We encourage ALL to apply.

All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.

Application process:

Upload your Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, your Resume, and complete the online Application.

(PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS)

Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.

Applications received through April 25, 2025, will receive priority consideration.

Position Open Until Filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.

Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.

All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations or comparable experience required.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in communications. Prior non-profit or public sector experience preferred. 
• Must be an excellent writer, editor, and communicator able to compellingly articulate PAWS’ vision and mission and tell stories in a clear, accessible, and inspiring voice.  
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing an annual communications plan. 
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid Washington driver’s license with no major or repeated minor traffic offenses and auto-insurance with required coverage limits. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects on competing deadlines.  
• A creative, collaborative, and self-motivated individual, capable of maintaining a high level of professional diplomacy and confidentiality where required.  
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and work effectively and respectfully with members of the media and with diverse groups of people. 
• A sincere interest in supporting the mission and values of PAWS.  
• Must exemplify the values of the organization in all interactions with coworkers and members of the public, including respect, trust, compassion, commitment, and kindness. 
• Ideal candidates embrace and embody the five core values of the organization: commitment, compassion, respect, kindness, and trust.