Associate Director of Communications

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Associate Director of Communications 🔹 Company: Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) 🔹 Location: Lynnwood, WA, United States 🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Remote/Main Campus) 🔹 Category: Communications & Partnerships 🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025 🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years 🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote/Main Campus) 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Strategic Communications Planning: Develop and execute an annual communications plan in collaboration with the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Outreach to align with organizational objectives. - Brand Management: Oversee PAWS' branding and messaging consistency across all communications channels. - Media Relations: Manage media contacts, respond to requests, pitch stories, and prepare PAWS representatives with talking points for media engagements. - Team Leadership: Guide and mentor the Web and Graphic Designer and the Social Media and Communications Manager, conducting annual performance evaluations. - Budget Management: Assist in developing the annual communications budget and track expenses to ensure budget success. - Content Creation: Oversee the creation and production of various communication materials, including the PAWS mini-magazine, annual report, and event materials. - Digital Advertising: Manage PAWS' paid and digital advertisement program, collaborating with the Philanthropy team on strategy. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of autonomy and the ability to work effectively without direct supervision. The successful candidate will be comfortable working remotely and visiting PAWS locations as necessary. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Branding and Messaging: Ensure PAWS' brand remains well-respected in the local community and on a national stage by guiding branding and storytelling efforts across the organization. ✅ Communications Planning: Develop and operationalize an annual communications plan that supports PAWS' programmatic and financial goals. ✅ Media Relations: Manage media contacts, respond to requests, pitch stories, and prepare PAWS representatives with talking points for media engagements. ✅ Budget Management: Assist in developing the annual communications budget and track expenses to ensure budget success. ✅ Content Creation: Oversee and manage the creation and production of various communication materials, including the PAWS mini-magazine, annual report, and event materials. ✅ Digital Advertising: Manage PAWS' paid and digital advertisement program, collaborating with the Philanthropy team on strategy. ✅ Team Leadership: Guide and mentor the Web and Graphic Designer and the Social Media and Communications Manager, conducting annual performance evaluations. ✅ Audio-Visual Asset Library: Establish and maintain the Audio-Visual Asset Library content, structure, and protocols to ensure assets are well-maintained and accessible to users. ✅ Communications Calendar: Support the Social Media and Communications Manager in building and maintaining a PAWS-wide communications calendar that supports organizational objectives. ✅ Google Ad Grants: Lead and manage PAWS' Google Ad Grants program, consulting with teams across the organization to ensure the strategy aligns with and supports programmatic objectives. ✅ PAWS Blog: Oversee and maintain the PAWS blog, leveraging and promoting stories and information that is relevant and compelling to PAWS audiences. ✅ Fundraising Support: Assist with fundraising to support the animal care and education departments; with Development and Campaign teams, assist with major donor fundraising, stewardship, and cultivation. ✅ Conflict Resolution: Facilitate conflict resolution as needed between personnel or volunteers and/or personnel and the public. ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to manage multiple projects on competing deadlines, and a creative, collaborative, and self-motivated mindset. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Experience: - A minimum of five years of experience in communications, with prior non-profit or public sector experience preferred. - Demonstrated experience in developing and executing an annual communications plan. - Proven ability to manage multiple projects on competing deadlines. - Strong writing, editing, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate PAWS' vision and mission in a clear, accessible, and inspiring voice. Preferred Skills: - Experience with Google Ad Grants or similar digital advertising platforms. - Familiarity with the non-profit sector and animal welfare organizations. - Proficiency in using project management tools and software. Required Skills: - Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills. - Strong project management skills. - Ability to manage multiple projects on competing deadlines. - Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite. - Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $85,000 - $88,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications) Benefits: - Health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and their families. - Long-term disability and life insurance. - 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 veterinary service discounts at select veterinary clinics. - PAWS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. Working Hours: Full-time, hybrid position with weekly on-site hours required for meetings, content collection, and events. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary upon occasion for Board meetings, outreach activities, and fundraising events. ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the non-profit sector. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Non-profit Organizations, focusing on animal welfare and conservation. Company Size: 11-50 employees. Founded: 1967, in Lynnwood, WA. Company Description: PAWS is a regional leader in protecting animals, providing care and rehabilitation services, and educating the public about animal welfare. With a mission to create a world where all people recognize the intrinsic value of animals and consistently make choices that demonstrate compassion and respect, PAWS is dedicated to creating a better world for animals. Company Specialties: - Wildlife rehabilitation and release. - Animal shelter and adoption services. - Educational programs and community outreach. - Fundraising and advocacy for animal welfare causes. Company Website: http://www.paws.org/ ASSUMPTION: PAWS' mission and values are deeply rooted in compassion, respect, and a commitment to improving the lives of animals. Candidates who share these values and are passionate about animal welfare are encouraged to apply. 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-career to senior-level communications professional with experience in non-profit communications and a strong understanding of animal welfare issues. Reporting Structure: The Associate Director of Communications reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Outreach. Work Arrangement: Hybrid position with weekly on-site hours required for meetings, content collection, and events. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary upon occasion for Board meetings, outreach activities, and fundraising events. Growth Opportunities: - Opportunities for professional development and training. - Potential to advance to a senior-level communications role within the organization. - Exposure to various aspects of non-profit communications and animal welfare advocacy. ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while making a significant impact on animal welfare in the Pacific Northwest region. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: Hybrid (Remote/Main Campus) with weekly on-site hours required. Office Location(s): PAWS' main campus is located in Lynnwood, WA, with additional offices in Seattle, WA. Geographic Context: - Lynnwood, WA: A suburban city located north of Seattle, WA, with a population of approximately 40,000 people. - Seattle, WA: A major urban center with a diverse population of over 730,000 people, offering numerous cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours as needed to attend meetings, events, and other PAWS activities. ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between remote work and on-site collaboration, providing flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to PAWS' mission and team. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission. 2. Phone or video screening interview. 3. In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other PAWS team members. 4. Final interview with the Chief Executive Officer. 5. Background check and reference check. 6. Job offer and onboarding. Key Assessment Areas: - Communication skills, both written and verbal. - Project management and organizational skills. - Understanding of PAWS' mission, values, and the animal welfare sector. - Ability to work effectively in a hybrid work environment. - Cultural fit and alignment with PAWS' values. Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role. - Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, project management experience, and commitment to animal welfare. - Research PAWS' mission, values, and programs to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the organization. ATS Keywords: communications, public relations, writing, editing, storytelling, media relations, project management, budget management, social media, digital advertising, mentorship, conflict resolution, collaboration, creativity, interpersonal skills, data analysis, animal welfare, non-profit, communications planning, branding, messaging. ASSUMPTION: PAWS values candidates who are passionate about animal welfare and committed to PAWS' mission and values. Demonstrating your understanding of and alignment with these factors will strengthen your application. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Google Suite (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides) - Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) or similar design software - Project management tools (Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project, etc.) - Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Digital advertising platforms (Google Ad Grants, Facebook Ads, etc.) - Content management systems (WordPress, Drupal, etc.) - Email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, etc.) ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but PAWS is willing to provide training and support to help the right candidate succeed in the role. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - 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. Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong commitment to PAWS' mission and values. - Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with team members, volunteers, and the public. - Committed to continuous learning and professional development. Self-Assessment Questions: 1. How do you exemplify PAWS' value of commitment in your personal or professional life? 2. Can you provide an example of a time when you demonstrated compassion toward animals or people in need? 3. How do you ensure that your work aligns with PAWS' values, even when faced with competing priorities or tight deadlines? 4. How have you handled a situation where you had to facilitate conflict resolution between personnel or volunteers, or between personnel and the public? 5. How do you maintain a strong work-life balance while working in a hybrid environment, and how do you ensure that your personal values align with PAWS' organizational culture? ASSUMPTION: PAWS values candidates who are deeply committed to their mission and values, and who can demonstrate a strong alignment with these factors throughout the interview process. ⚠️ Potential Challenges 1. Balancing multiple projects and priorities effectively in a hybrid work environment. 2. Managing a team remotely and ensuring consistent communication and collaboration. 3. Adapting to the unique needs and demands of a non-profit organization, with limited resources and tight budgets. 4. Navigating the emotional aspects of animal welfare work, which can be challenging and stressful at times. 5. Maintaining a strong work-life balance while working in a hybrid environment and responding to the needs of the organization as they arise. ASSUMPTION: These challenges require a high level of adaptability, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to PAWS' mission and values. Candidates who can demonstrate their ability to overcome these challenges and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment are encouraged to apply. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison 1. Communications Director (Non-profit): This role may involve more strategic planning and less hands-on content creation, with a focus on high-level communications strategy and external relations. 2. Communications Manager (Corporate): This role may require more focus on internal communications and employee engagement, with less emphasis on external relations and fundraising activities. 3. Public Relations Specialist (Agency): This role may involve more focus on media relations and crisis communication, with less emphasis on long-term communications planning and content creation. ASSUMPTION: Each role in the communications field has its unique aspects, and the ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their understanding of and fit for the specific requirements of this role at PAWS. 📝 Sample Projects 1. Developing and executing a successful media relations campaign to raise awareness about a new PAWS program or initiative. 2. Creating and distributing a compelling annual report that highlights PAWS' impact and achievements, and inspires donors to support the organization's mission. 3. Managing a team to produce a high-quality PAWS mini-magazine that showcases the organization's work and connects with donors and supporters on a deeper level. ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and the level of creativity and strategic thinking required for success in this role. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview 1. How does PAWS measure the success of its communications efforts, and how can I contribute to improving these metrics over time? 2. What are the most significant challenges facing PAWS in the next 1-3 years, and how can the communications team support the organization in addressing these challenges? 3. How does PAWS approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications and outreach efforts, and how can I contribute to enhancing these initiatives? 4. What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the communications team and the organization as a whole? 5. How does PAWS collaborate with other non-profit organizations and stakeholders in the animal welfare sector, and how can the communications team support these partnerships and collaborations? ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a proactive and strategic approach to the role, and a commitment to understanding the organization's priorities and goals. 📐 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the provided link: PAWS | Progressive Animal Welfare Society Job Posting | PAWS 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role. 3. Prepare for a phone or video screening interview, followed by in-person or virtual interviews with PAWS team members and the Chief Executive Officer. 4. Complete a background check and reference check. 5. Receive a job offer and begin the onboarding process. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions. 📜 Disclaimer This job description is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the role and its requirements. However, it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required of the successful candidate. The job description may be subject to change or modification at any time with or without notice.