Public Relations Director

Company: Columbia Association, Inc.
Location: Colorado Springs
Posted on: March 19, 2023

Job Description:

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Focus on the Family has nearly 700 employees who work to achieve the mission of enriching the lives of families, engaging the culture, advocating for life and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The work is meaningful, the culture is rewarding, and the purpose is eternal. The Public Relations Director position exists to advance the media and public relations efforts of the Communications team for Focus on the Family's President and ministry quarterbacks. This position serves as a primary "face" of the ministry to mainstream and Christian media channels by proactively pitching story ideas featuring Focus spokespeople to media outlets and establishing and deepening contacts with both secular and Christian media to advance coverage goals. The position also handles interview coordination for Focus on the Family spokespeople. It initiates client contact, projects, and timelines, engages in strategic planning for the Communications team and assists with special projects requiring video taking and editing, conducts research for use in media interview prep, manages media lists, online newsrooms and other distribution channels and contributes to daily news roundup to further media pitching goals. The Communications Director leads social media strategy for the Focus on the Family's President, provides oversight of Focus social media strategy for key ministry efforts and events, and creates social media posts to further ministry social media strategies. The position is also responsible for providing media training and preparation for Focus on the Family's President and ministry spokespersons. Directs the publicity team to ensure that the organization is leveraging traditional and new media opportunities
Develops and implements media strategy for all aspects of the ministry - corporate, "nurture", and "defend"
Facilitates collaboration, integration, and strategic distribution of internal communications from the President and other key ministry (corporate) messages
Collaborates on ministry strategies and plans for corporate messages and information under the guidance of the VP, communications, to ensure all corporate messaging meets the objectives and brand of the ministry
Provides daily media opportunity and strategy recommendations to Focus on the Family President
Proactively reviews potential stories that are currently in the news to develop a Focus angle and persuasively pitch Focus spokespeople to media outlets
Demonstrates proven positive relationships with both secular and Christian media, utilizing key contacts, relationships, and expertise to position Focus prominently in national and regional media outlets and advance coverage goals
Intentionally cultivates and maintains new media relationships by regularly reviewing what specific journalists cover and initiating contact with relevant story ideas
Pursues clients proactively to determine upcoming publicity needs on behalf of PR/Media Relations team
Monitors the news and current events daily
Engages in strategic planning with clients to further coverage goals for specific ministry initiatives
Seeks new and innovative ways to publicize Focus products, ministries, and events to the media
Takes incoming media requests for the PR team and other Focus ministries, coordinating those requests promptly and on deadline
Researches and writes external press materials including news releases, spokesperson bios, news pitches, correspondence and community material, and internally used content such as ministry talking points and spokesperson training materials
Serves as a ministry spokesperson
Is responsible for media training and preparation for Focus on the Family's President and ministry spokespersons
Executes publicity campaigns from start to finish
Coordinates media/PR events such as media campus press visits, news conferences, on-site interviews, and major Focus campaigns
Creates media lists using research and online list builders
Engages reporters and news outlets with social media to deepen relationships and advance PR goals
Assists with internal communications when needed
Other Duties/Responsibilities:
Performs other duties, including but not limited to duties as assigned, some of which may include the development and creation of a variety of copyrightable works (e.g., print, photography, film, voice work, music, visual arts, etc.) for distribution in any and all media and formats (such as television, radio, internet, wireless, DVD, satellite and digital) on a world-wide basis, all of which shall be for the benefit of Focus on the Family
Managerial Breadth/Scope of Job:
Leads team in VP's absence
Working Environment/Physical Requirements:
Regular travel as needed
This role may require occasional travel including nights and weekends
Occasionally will work events outside normal work hours
JOB QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS Character/Spiritual:
Exemplifies Ephesians 5:1-2, "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us..."
Pursues the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Is a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintains a courteous, Christ-like attitude in dealing with people within and outside of Focus; adheres to the Standard of Moral Conduct and Statement of Faith ; upholds Focus on the Family's ministry in prayer
Prays personally for Focus on the Family's staff and constituents and may occasionally lead in a public prayer This role is considered a Spokesperson for Focus on the Family and should represent Focus' position and tone at all times
Personal Characteristics:
Is a strong team player with a positive, "can-do" attitude; Trustworthy
High level of energy and enthusiasm; Well-developed social skills that convey warmth and a genuine interest in people
Emotionally resilient and capable of handling pressure and rejection without inappropriate disappointment of personal reproach
Flexible; ability to multi-task and adapt to quickly changing work demands
Knowledge/Experience:
Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations; Knowledge of AP writing style
5-7 years of related PR or marketing experience; Experience writing press materials
Proven and established contacts with the media
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with knowledge of Apple Keynote a plus
Skills, Abilities, and Special Talents/Gifts:
Independent thinker and aggressive "seller" to internal clients and outside media contacts
Excellent attention to detail; excellent organizational and time management skills

Self-motivated; Strong oral and written communication skills
Experience with the press and in coordinating press conferences and other media events
Ability and willingness to work with executives and senior leaders
Comfort with crisis management, ability to manage the media and communicate professionally under pressure
Ability to handle multiple projects and meet strict deadlines
Highly skilled in use of computer hardware and software
Highly skilled in using online social media tools and web editing programs
Ability to lead, make decisions and work well without supervision

Ability to maintain a sense of perspective with humor under pressure and when confronted with shifting priorities

Ability to give and receive feedback
Understanding and appreciation of issues as they affect the family and moral values
Understanding and appreciation of social and new media applications and their influence
Skilled at building rapport and strengthening relationships, both internally and externally Ability to generate newsworthy angles and to create persuasive pitches Stewardship Requirements:
Is wise and reliable with ministry resources during off-campus PR-supported events


Salary Range: $83,196 to $95,157/yr.
Focus on the Family puts a high value on our team members and offers a unique benefit package.
Employees scheduled for 30 hours or more per week are eligible for:
Medical Plan
Dental Plan
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees scheduled for 20 hours or more per week are eligible for:
Legal Shield/ID Shield
AFLAC
Retirement Plan
Vacation Time
Sick Time
Holidays
Service Awards

Note: This is a summary and should not be construed as future promises to continue to provide benefits as outlined above. For complete and definitive language, refer to the governing plan documents.

*Temporary employees are not eligible for benefits.
Helping Families Thrive! Focus on the Family is a 501c3 Christian Non-Profit Ministry.

Keywords: Columbia Association, Inc., Colorado Springs , Public Relations Director, Executive , Colorado Springs, Colorado